LEXISM

iTrader: (2)

I have a question on a 2000 RX 300, How can you tell if it is 2wd or 4wd ? thanks

w4rjd

The only easy way to look under the car.

fatttu

You can ask someone who knows if a particular vehicle has AWD for FWD, you can look at the dealer window sticker, or you can see it has a rear differential and axles. Some other posters appear to be thinking about adding their own AWD emblems from other vehicles, but so far I haven't seen anything from Lexus stating that they will add them at the factory.







Breakwater blue/light grey/RX-330 AWD

o8yb

Wrong. In US, you can check the VIN. If the 4th character is 'H' then its 4 AWD, if its 'G' then its 2WD.

Sam

mooretorque

Good information, Sam!! But I'd bet that LEXISM was really asking how to tell when you see one driving down the street, i.e., different color fogs or some other visibly apparent feature. In that case, the only easily apparent difference is that pumpkin-sized black lump (the rear differential) between the rear wheels that is very obvious when following an AWD RX.

LexRX

For a 2000 YM you can also check for a TRAC (traction control) button in from of the gear shifter. If it does have TRAC then it is front-wheel drive. However, if it doesn't have trac that doesn't guarantee that is is AWD.

But, to be certain, I would do what w4rjd suggests and look under the rear for a differential and/or drive shaft.

o8yb

Why??? It is easier to read the 4th character in the VIN on the windshield (in front of the steering column) then check the differential under the car. Unless you are checking a non US RX which you may need to check under the car. The forth character check works for both RX300 and RX330.

Sam

LexRX

Simple, it's my opinion - don't take that away from me

Maybe someone doesn't remember which letter n the VIN to look for, or whether or not it is G. I just feel more comfortable seeing the drivetrain myself and not relying on a VIN - which can be altered. Call me a cynic, but that's how I would approach it.

rxdriver

Thanks for the VIN tip, o8yb. I agree that's the quickest way to tell.

The VIN number is full of good information. If somebody has the specific details for decoding the VIN for Lexus, please post them.

Basic VIN tricks:
digits 1 - 3 = country of origin and manufacturer (1 digit isn't enough for country - too many countries make cars!) For the first digit, usually: J = Japan; 1, 4 and 5 = USA, 2 = Canada, 3 = Mexico. A combination of digits 1 and 2 identifies a country, and digits 2 and 3 identify a manufacturer.
digits 4 - 8 = car model, engine model, and equipment designators
9th digit = check digit (computed based on other the others)
10th digit = model year (most letters since A = 1980; X = 1999, Y = 2000, 1 = 2001, 2 = 2002, etc.)
11th digit = manufacturing plant code
digits 12 - 17 = serial number of the car itself