ls400262k

I have an opportunity to purchase an 01 RX300, w 28K from a friend of the family for 14K. The vehicle really is owned by a "little ole lady", currently over 90 yrs old who no longer drives herself around. I have a LS400 with over 250K miles. The LS has been a great car, and I really believe in the Lexus brand, but it seems the first Gen RX has some serious issues that may not make it as desirable as a Gen 2 or Gen 3. I have read several posts here and on other sites that indicate the tranny is likely to go out around 100K and the "engine sludge" issue could make ownership of this vehicle a real nightmare.

14K seems like a good price, but not a GREAT price. Low miles are awesome, but I do a lot of highway driving, so i would be @ 100K in a snap, is it a generally accepted rule of thumb that the tranny on the RX300 will go out around 100K or is that just a small sample of what is really a very reliable vehicle.

Your comments and personnel experience, specifically those of you who have or had the 2001 RX300 would be appreciated.

Regards

thomas1

That low mileage worries me, that means the engine never really got any warmup....If it had full synthetic oil, than no problem, sludge increases with dino oil and short trips. As for the tranny look at the fluid, if it is brown and burnt smelling that is bad. Do NOT do a flush, just a drain and fill of the fluid with inspecting the pan for metal debris. THe 2001 appeared to have less problems on the tranny than the 99 or 2000. The price is high....I know its low mileage, but it is still 10 years old.

hypervish

The transmission isn't as bad as people make it out to seem. My transmission is at 170k miles, and perfect. My uncle is at 380k miles + and it's on the original tranny and it run's great still. People don't come online to post about how amazing their transmission is. LOL < all though I wish they did.

Since it has low miles, make sure the oil has been changed on time.

If it were me, I'd buy it in a heart beat because it has such low miles. RX300's are hard to come by with low miles, all of the one's that are for sale have high mileage.

The RX300 is a solid vehicle, and is extremely reliable. It's just like any other Toyota I've owned, extremely reliable and safe.

thomas1

I agree, but I would change all of the fluids to start off with a clean maintenance ....

ls400262k

Thank you folks, that is encouraging. My heart is telling me "jump on it", but my gut is telling me research, research, research. Good advise on the fluid change. I will be sure to change the oil, move over to a synthetic (if not already in use) and drain / refresh the two quarts of tranny fluid in the pan....I will not flush. I thought the price was a bit high myself, I was hoping for a real break in price as we have known the family for quite some time...the 14K seems pretty close to retail (although i have not seen one with this low of miles), but that's the way it goes.

As I have mentioned I have a LS400 pushing 270K. I love the car and Lexus as an overall brand is fantastic. I appreciate you taking the time to share your personal experience with the RX model. Thanks.

Regards

salimshah

Although the RX may have original tires with enough treads, but they would need to be replaced.

There are only two things you need to consider are old/tired styling and the lack of features which are pretty standard. [I personally prefer the styling].

Overall quality of RX is good but not as well made as the flagship LS.
If I were you, I would make an reasonable and comfortable to you offer.

If you do purchase, remember to break in the vehicle. Machines do not like to subjected to extreme change. Seats may be in hardly used but can be drying out ,, ,so remember to use leather treatment.

Salim

ls400262k

Thanks Salim, Yes I understand your point. The styling of the 01 is a bit outdated and upgrade features of the 2001 may be standard in many of today's vehicles, indeed that has crossed my mind. Others have commented that it is not a true SUV...not good off-road etc., but my primary consideration is safety and reliability. I keep getting drawn back to value for the dollar. As has been mentioned in this thread, 14K is very close to retail, depending on the features it may be a real bargain, or maybe just a "good" deal. I am in Austin and the car is in Dallas, so I am not sure of all of the options i.e. all wheel drive, cd changer etc. but with just 28k miles it may be a car that i can drive for many, many years making the return worth the initial investment.

That being said, the reports of tranny problems combined with engine sludge have given me reason to pause. I have not found a lot of posts that indicate these problems are inevitable, but it is still something I would like for the members of the forum to advise me on. Hypervish made a good point, "It's just like any other Toyota I've owned, extremely reliable and safe".

Thank you for your post. I had not considered the need to replace the tires, but you are probably right. If I decide to purchase the vehicle, I will be sure to consider replacing them sooner rather than later. Thank you.

Regards

salimshah

I too like hypervish, am closing in on 170kmiles on my '99 RX.

I am going on a limb here to state that engine oil gel is due to lack of maintenance.

Transmission is the weakest link, but it may have gotten more airing and little has been said by folks who have had no problems. I have done recommended maintenance on my transmission and have not had any problems.

The engine gets HOT and it is better to be on synthetic. (again not a must but my preference)

If you live right off a hwy, you may be annoyed at (and potentially damage) the transmission as it locks you in low gear till things warm up.

True or fake SUVs all have their limits. I can assure you that RX will go on compacted sand, gravel roads. But rock crawler ,,, it is not.

If it is midnight pearl with ivory leather and you want to pass on it, send me a pm. <- Hint move on it.

Salim

ls400262k

Sorry Salim this is not the car for you....gold with tan interior. Thanks again for the post, I am feeling better and better about making the purchase.

Regards
Tery

JAB

Agree with everything above. Price is high. And, you don't mention whether it is AWD or FWD. I think that the incidence of tranny failure is higher in the AWD.

ls400262k

Thanks JAB.