RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Poor turning radius on my 99 RX300

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Old 12-31-13 | 06:11 PM
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Default Poor turning radius on my 99 RX300

Worse than my Lincoln,worse than full size SUVs!!!! Is there any adjustments or modifications I can do to make this think turn better?

Thanks, Chet
Old 12-31-13 | 06:24 PM
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Nope, nothing can be done.
Old 12-31-13 | 06:25 PM
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No, you just need to mentally adjust (i.e., plan your turns ahead). It was improved in mid-2003 with the 2004 RX330.
Old 12-31-13 | 06:27 PM
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I and others have lived with it for years and Lexus made changes in the later models to improve it. Often I have to mimic three point turn to get into a parking spot.

Your choices are to learn and live with it or change your RX for later model.

Salim
Old 01-01-14 | 02:14 PM
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You think the RX turns like the Titanic, try turning a S-10/Sonoma with the extended cab... It's like turning a train around....
Old 01-01-14 | 04:05 PM
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With so many issues and shortcomings and too many to count, I am still wondering why Toyota called this truck a Lexus? Are we sure this truck is not made by Isuzu with the Lexus badge?
2003 - RX300
Old 01-01-14 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Yimer
With so many issues and shortcomings and too many to count, I am still wondering why Toyota called this truck a Lexus? Are we sure this truck is not made by Isuzu with the Lexus badge?
2003 - RX300
I think Lexus did a fantastic job with the RX300. The first luxury crossover that started it all! It's still ridiculously popular. I certainly don't think it has many shortcomings or issues.
Old 01-01-14 | 04:49 PM
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Thanks to all members who help with trouble shooting including especially you Hypervish and Salim. However, I respectfully differ with you as far as '...Lexus did a fantastic job with the RX300'. Don't get me wrong the truck's construction is sturdy but its performance and the so many issues that have been raised about this truck have convinced me it is not worthy of the Lexus Badge.
Old 01-01-14 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by hypervish
I think Lexus did a fantastic job with the RX300. The first luxury crossover that started it all! It's still ridiculously popular. I certainly don't think it has many shortcomings or issues.
Couldn't agree more..

I have a (now) 14 year old Lexus product with 152,000 miles on it and it drives/rides like a 4 year old car. Very high construction quality and attention to detail.

Something that we could only dream of seeing in a 2000 or 2001 GM product...
Old 01-01-14 | 06:10 PM
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I side with the pro-RX300 folks. The RX300 is the best vehicle I have ever owned, and this is my 5th. My mother got an ES300 the same year I got my RX300. Both cars have been relatively trouble-free, but the ES300 has had more minor problems, even though it has been driven less miles.
Old 01-01-14 | 07:45 PM
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The RX330 and newer turn much tighter, just nature of the beast...
Old 01-01-14 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Yimer
Thanks to all members who help with trouble shooting including especially you Hypervish and Salim. However, I respectfully differ with you as far as '...Lexus did a fantastic job with the RX300'. Don't get me wrong the truck's construction is sturdy but its performance and the so many issues that have been raised about this truck have convinced me it is not worthy of the Lexus Badge.
This being an RX forum, you will find many who will disagree with 'many issues' and not worthy of Lexus badge. Granted 'performance' is questionable, but that was never the forte' of RX but is predictable and not too shabby in acceleration [we are talking '99 model .. and should be compare with other SUV's of that era].

And you get this CL community, which is lot more than the names you mentioned, always trying to help.

Please post the issues so that we can have a discussion. We know nothing is perfect.

Salim
Old 01-02-14 | 08:25 PM
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The Rx300 isn't all that bad... when I compare it to driving a '04 honda odyssey LX. that thing was super long and just a pain to turn/park, especially in the city.

But I do understand that it does have a pretty big turning radius. Have to do lots of 3/5/7 point turns on narrow streets.
Old 01-03-14 | 01:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Yimer
Thanks to all members who help with trouble shooting including especially you Hypervish and Salim. However, I respectfully differ with you as far as '...Lexus did a fantastic job with the RX300'. Don't get me wrong the truck's construction is sturdy but its performance and the so many issues that have been raised about this truck have convinced me it is not worthy of the Lexus Badge.
So why are you here? Sell your RX and buy something you think is better.
Old 01-03-14 | 04:34 AM
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Originally Posted by salimshah
This being an RX forum, you will find many who will disagree with 'many issues' and not worthy of Lexus badge. Granted 'performance' is questionable, but that was never the forte' of RX but is predictable and not too shabby in acceleration [we are talking '99 model .. and should be compare with other SUV's of that era].

And you get this CL community, which is lot more than the names you mentioned, always trying to help.

Please post the issues so that we can have a discussion. We know nothing is perfect.

Salim
I go back to my point about GM products from 1999-2001.

However I fear this thread has been somewhat hijacked.....


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