3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

Thanks in advance for the help. My aunt is considering purchasing a first gen rx. what year should she get, what should i look for when reviewing the vehicle.

i know with the is300 the first year it was produced didnt have VSC or an other option besides the automatic transmission. Also the first year had a useless armrest. so what should i know that i dont know about the RX?

thanks for the help!
~Richard

trhs75

I know of transmission and sludge problems being reported with the 99, but that's what we got for my daughter about two years ago, with 115k miles at the time. She loves it, I like driving it, and we've had no problems. I'm a big fan of these vehicles. We always had wanted to get her one, but they had been too expensive in the past. Good luck, Richard!

Bob

3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

ok, thats definately a good starting point. i had a 96 es300 before my current car and i know there were a few years there as well that had the similar sludge issue also.

do they all come with 4 wheel drive? living in colorado i want her to have no problems with the snow.

bob, thanks for the help.

k.capone

All weel drive and they are awsome in the snow. 2 feet of snow in Washington around Xmas time last year and made it to work and saw family no problem. I was quite suprised. I love my 00 RX300 AWD!

3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

good to hear

3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

what about HID, do they all come stock? do they not offer it....whats the story?

code58

In answer to the 4 wheel drive question- they came both FWD and AWD. It's not called 4 WD but rather AWD. It's automatic I believe- when it senses slippage it brings in the rear wheel drive. Not really as good as 4 WD but better than 2 WD.

I don't think HID was offered in the early ones. Not sure when it came in. I'm sure those that are more knowledgeable on the subject than me will chime in with the details.

bob2200

My understanding is that AWD divides the power between all the wheels, so if only one wheel has traction, it gets some power and will move the vehicle to a spot with more traction.

The minor changes in the RX300 took place between the 1999-2000 and 2001-2003 model years. I think HID headlights became an option at that point. Other changes that come to mind are the more attractive tailights, a standard protective mat on rear bumper, and a few more gallons to the gas tank capacity.

mikey00

The RX can be a good used car as long as you understand all the potential problems. I would think that for most the potential problems (sludge, trans, etc) would outweigh the benefits. Check here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...r-a-rx300.html

HID came out in 2001.

AlexusAnja

The RX300 is AWD as in all wheels all the time, power doesn't distro from front to back with slip. It's not like the Acura system that's basically all wheel below like 20 mph, then goes front wheel after that. The '99 FWD I'm sure did have VSC to compensate for the lack of AWD.

HID, not available for '99-'00 for sure, not sure if '01 on had them or not. Same with Navigation.

I have a '99 with 125K on it now, got it with 37K and no problems. Just do your oil changes on time (4K most) and keep a track of transmission too, I drain and fill about every 50K or so. I do my own changes and use synthetic, except for transmission use the Type IV from Toyota.

Good luck...

lexus114

I would look for a late 2002.But 2003 is your safest bet.

lexus114

2001 was the first year for hid head lamps.

thomas1

I too would look for a 2002 or 2003....

AlexusAnja

Besides HID and NAV that you can get in later editions, if you don't need those two things, then you can save a few thousand by going '99 or '00. My '99 drives great, still runs smooth and strong, and I have a portable NAV which I find much easier and more accurate than the NAV in my LS.

Also, the halogen along with foglight on the '99 are pretty bright, not much lower in quality than HID.

Anyway, check the service history, see if you can bring to a Lexus dealer and have it looked over (about $200) and then make your decision.

frankjames

Sludge recall was 99-late 01, i have HID on my 01, it's an option. You want to find the right vehicle just like you would any other. If you see it has 5 different owners when you pull carfax that all owned it for 6mos-1year you may suspect a problem. Try to find one with service history of oil and trans fluid changes. AWD is great but these are more prone to trans issues.