99ceefour

Hello all looking to buy an awd 01/02 Rx 300.Have reaserched the vehicle and I think it will suit me just fine.What are the problem issues and what should I look out for specific to this model? Any help is appreciated and I live in N.J. looking to spend 9k to 11k. Thanks all and looking foward to joining the community!!

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!
Just take a look at the tranny fluid, make sure it's clean. 99' to early 00' were prone to transmission failures.
As long as you change all the fluids on time, these things will run forever!

bob2200

Welcome to ClubLexus!

If you use the search function, you'll see many thoughts on this subject. The RX300 has had an issue with engine oil gelling, thought to be the result of infrequent oil changes or oil changes using really cheap oil. Also, there has been a low but significant degree of transmission failure, mostly in the earlier model years. Doing periodic drains and refills of the transmission fluid may reduce or eliminate this potential problem. There is one theory that the transmission failures are related to shifting when the car is not totally stopped, but this hasn't been proven to my knowledge.

Those are the biggies.

Russ White

Periodic transmission drain and fills did not prevent my 02 from having a transmission failure at around 130,000 miles. If you search the forum a little you will see I am not alone with this transmission problem. So far the sludge problem has not bitten me. Frequent oil changes with Mobil 1 - so far so good.
If you can avoid both of those problems it is a great car with exceptional brakes. Looks good, no rattles, and still commands a good price on the used car market. Good luck! Russ

Carver

Maintenance records are vital. A well maintained RX300 will last a long time. When you find the right car, go to Lexus.com and register the car. You will be able to see every service done at a Lexus dealer since new.

lserlohn

oh, my god. My car runs close to 130000miles. How many people has suffered this, I mean, percentage.

I was hoping that this car could run until 250000miles.

skyspydude

Mine's running about 120,000 and is going just fine. Haven't had any issues as of yet and hope that I won't have any for quite a while. I honestly have no clue why some would fail and others wouldn't. I've heard plenty of theories but none seem to hold true.

lexus114

simply a hit or miss. ^^

hypervish

Don't worry. It's a Toyota. The transmission situation is blown out of proportion, it's really not that bad.