IndyRX300

Hey guys, My relationship with the 99 RX300 I purchased for my wife last christmas is starting to get better. I still hate that the car needs to warm up to switch from 2nd to 3rd but have learned to deal with it. I have cleaned MAF,TB and after going a few rounds with the ICV brass screws, I am getting better performance. When I bought it, It was only getting 14mpg. After cleaning MAF,TB along with changing fuel filter and air filter, I got it up to 16.6 mpg. I did the ICV on sunday and it jumped to 22mpg.

My question is (and I know it has probably been discussed), How accurate is the overall avg on the computer? With this being a AWD, I am a little suspicious of this.

Next question, Is there any way to test the timing chain or any signs that it may be going? This is not a concern now but sits on my mind. I know on my Bimmer, you can hear a rattle on cold start that may be an indication that the chain tensioner my need adjusted or replaced.

I am dealing with exhaust leak myself so I can skip this topic.

Last but not least, Does anyone know where I can get a patch panel for the pass rear fenderwell that is very cancerous and not going to fix itself. Other than the rusted area, the paint looks very nice and does not show its age. I have posted some pics.


Any suggestions would be great as I plan to be more active on this site and start to get to know everyone more. Thanks

bufferdan

Your RX has a timing belt. No REAL way to see if its going bad or not. It should be changed every 90k along with the water pump and tensioner pulleys.

As far as the mpg cpu i have found it to read about 1mpg better than what it actually is...

The rust looks pretty awful. You cant just buy and replace that quarter panel. It has to be cut off and welded in. Your best bet is to just have a body shop fix it by cutting out the sheet metal and welding new metal in place.

IndyRX300

Yeah that is what I meant to say about the body repairs. I found a guy who will do it for 300 and a lifetime warranty. That is about 900 less than what I had been getting quoted. That is metal repair , not fiberglass. He said he would have to blend in the whole rear side. With that price, I am thinking of just getting the whole car repainted with a tri-coat pearl if the price is right. I just want to see a catalog of the work he has done. Wife really likes the diamond white. I think the white with a hint of light blue pearl would look amazing on the car.

As for the MPG. Is it unheard of for a AWD to be getting 22.9 or if what you said is true, 23.9mpg on a AWD with 139k miles on it?

I also forgot to mention that we did flush the tranny and replaced filter with little to no shavings. Hope this stays true.

Sorry read that wrong. So 21.9 is not unheard of?

bufferdan

That price is great for the rust repair! Pearl white would look really nice but id just stay with factory color. Its much better for resale down the road.

22-24mpg is about right for mostly highway driving 60-70mph. I see as low as 16ish though stop and go around town.

IndyRX300

Well I am happy with its performance with it over the past winter we had. That thing was a beast in the snow and unstopable on the ice.... literally lol. I do need to redo the suspension on it. As far as that, just need to tint windows, upgrade headlights and really need to clean interior up. Only other annoying issue is the seatbelts not retracting. I really need to get in there a do a through cleaning of them. And last but not least, wishing and hoping there will be an intergrated aftermarket stereo. It sounds good but would like something a bit better.

bufferdan

Check out the nokya arctic white bulbs on ebay! They are like $15 a pair and work awesome! They look just about like the factory HIDS on my IS300. ive used them on multiple cars and they are great bulbs.

As far as the seat belts not retracting. Pull them out all the way and use some cleaner (windex, degreaser...anything that cleans scum off well) on them with a towel and then spray them really good with some interior protectant (armor all or something similar) and wipe clean. Do this on both sides of the belt... They will be better than new after

Dadikins

21.9 isn't unheard of for highway miles.

I have 143k on mine, and this winter have been getting around 20

hypervish

I've averaged 25mpg on several occasions on the highway. Keep in mind I have a pretty heavy foot.
The most city mileage i've been able to obtain was 21 mpg. This is with a AWD RX.

MASSMINI

Did you clean or replace the idle air control valve? And did it really add 5 mpg?

IndyRX300

That is what the obc is reading. I cleaned it. So far her tripometer is within range of what the computer is reading.

I dont drive it tho. Wife does. I need to trade vehicles with her for a tank and see how it is running.

Getting body work done in the next week or two along with tint and exhaust.