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1999 Lexus RX 300 Consumer Discussions
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Lexus RX Transmission Problems
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Re: Transmission Failure 2001 Lexus RX300 [avarady]
Our 1999 RX 300 failed with 93,000 miles on it in May 2010. We have 107000 on it and it is still going. We received $1800 check to cover parts from Lexus which went against our total bill of $5500. Good Luck to you.
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Transmission Failure 2001 Lexus RX300
The transmission on our 2001 Lexus RX300 with only 83,000 and fully serviced at Lexus just failed. I spoke with a service technicians at the Lexus dealer, and off the record, he informed me that the problem is rampant and its quite rare for a transmission not to fail on this model year and the 1999 and 2000 RX 300, even if the mileage is very low and fully serviced at ... Read More
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Re: Rx 300 Tranny issue [slsrme]
Well, I too am one of the 'lucky ones'. The transmission in our 2002 RX300 went out today, without any warning. We called our local Lexus dealer in the Sacramento area and they were sympathetic to our problem and even shared the fact that this has been an ongoing problem with 1999-2002 models. Apparently, Lexus has known of the problem and even corrected the transmission problem in the 2003 and later ... Read More
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Re: 2001 Lexus RX 300 AWD Transmission [wwest]
Re the cooler: "...Lexus had already come to realize, due to the HIGH failure rate in the '99 & '00 models, that the RX300 transaxle, modified Camry transaxle, was the weak link in the RX300 design. As an interim "fix" the "optional" towing package was not really an option in '01..." Yes, however right from the beginning in early 1998 which was the introduction of the new 1999 RX300, the "tow ... Read More
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [flsjr55]
Sounds familiar. I just had the same episode and $4100 repair on my son's 2001. The transmission repair shop found it nearly disintegrated inside with metal throughout the cooler. A total rebuild by hand with improved parts and a new larger cooler. The other cooler had an inadequate flow and thus on a long trip it gets hot and fails. I am drafting a letter to Lexus and will use this ... Read More
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [flsjr55]
hi, can you please inform me on how long your Lexus was running without problems after you changed its transmission at 145K point?..do you think it's worth to change a transmission in Lexus and go on with the car?...pls advise/share your experience..thanks
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [119kk]
My transmisson went out when I was visiting out of town. I was close to a Toyota dealer who replaced the transmission. When I contacted Lexus Customer Service they wanted repairis made at my local dealer but did not want to pay $500 for towing. Afer repairs were completed I was instructed to fax the bill tp a certain person at Lexus Customer Service. It was several weeks befor they called ... Read More
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [119kk]
The Lexus dealer did the replacement work, replacing the entire transmission, not just the TC and pump. That second transmission failed within the one year warranty period, and Lexus followed the warranty to the letter. The local Lexus shop was very professional and the experience was painless. The original transmission failed a few thousand miles out of warranty, hence the "good will" gesture of cost sharing. The analytical lab stated on ... Read More
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [119kk]
I'm in Columbus, OH - the dealer contacted Lexus about 'good willing' half of my Lexus rebuilt tranny. I am nervous though, my tranny fluid is more red than purple & smells burnt. I haven't taken it back to be checked yet.
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [flsjr55]
My 2002 RX300 is in the shop being rebuilt for the same reason. It's been well maintained and only hass 115k on it. Glad to hear you got some help with the costs. Who did the replacement work? Who did you call to get Lexus to reimburse you?
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [bendorrx300]
My RX transmission went out at 145,000. After it was replaced Lexus agreed to pay 35% 0f my $3700 repair bill. A recall could have solved a lot of problems. Not sure why some attorney didn't file a class action.
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [mrboston]
We are on our third transmission with our 2000 RX300, at 84,000 miles. The original transmission made it to about 67,000. We split the cost of the second transmission with Lexus, and they paid for the third transmission since #2 failed within the 12 month warranty. With the third transmission, we began sampling the transmission fluid over time and the data now shows an exponential increase in aluminum at 20 months ... Read More
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Re: RX 300 AWD 1999-2002 [mrboston]
"...Lexus redesigned the coupling..." You COULD say it that way. With the advent of the initial introduction of the RX series Lexus adopted a new ATF line pressure control system/technique, a "real-time" line pressure control technique wherein ATF line pressure is "relaxed" unless a shifting procedure is in process. FE gains resulted. That new technique, now put behind the curtain, out of the public eye, via adoption of DBW, has now ... Read More
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RX 300 AWD 1999-2002
Any transmission specialist will tell you that there is more metal in the trasmission oil of a RX 300 AWD than any car on the planet. Lexus redesigned the coupling that wears out pre maturely. The transmission cannot handle AWD especially if you do a lot of around town driving. SHAME ON LEXUS FOR BUILDING SUCH A PIECE OF CRAP! CLASS ACTION SHOULD BE STARTED
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Re: RX 300 Tranny [mrboston]
You're right the original transmission design was "shitty" but they have been taking responsibility for a long time... going back to cars built in 1998. They have been extending partial cost-sharing for some owners of cars more than 8-12 years old, long out of warrantee repaired at their dealers, not likely because there is any incentive other than to help earn customer "loyalty". Most other manufacturers of cars (that age) would ... Read More
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LEXUS RX 300
Lexus corrected the transmission problem after '02 so you should be fine. 1999 - 2002 the transmissions on the AWD were junk!
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1999 Lexus Transmission failed
Recently had to replace the transmission on my wife's 2009 RX-300 at 112,000 miles.and after talking with the independent transmission shop and looking on-line, its obvious there is a design/mfg problem that Toyota is not owning yet. Not surprising, given the company's history. Does anyone have a class action lawsuit yet? I appreciate any help in recovering part of this cost. Jon in Denver
Lexus RX 350 Driving Experiences and Problems
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Re: 2010 RX Vs 09/08/07 CPO [vollyf]
Let me start by saying they have all been very quiet. I was most impressed with the quitness of the 1999 rx 300. I think because it was my first Lexus. I had the 2000 rx 300, 2003 rx 300, and 2005 rx 330 all of which were quiet.. The 2008 and 2010 rx 350's with the 3.5 liter engine is a bit noisier at cold start up. Hope this helps. ... Read More
Lexus RX Transmission Problems
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [wwest]
The answer is you were defrauded. Did you know the RX 300 was built with a camry transmission that could not handle the torque? Nowhere is there a disclosure from Lexus that they used a camry transmission. You paid for a luxury car but got an economy car, think you were defrauded????
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Re: LEXUS TRANSMISSION DEFECT [usdscuba]
I agree someone should get a class action lawsuit going as I have been driving 45 years without a transmissio nfailure. I bought the first LS 400 in 1990 and had 300.000 miles on it, (eighteen years old), and it ran like a top. The RX 300 from 1999 - 2003 transmissions are junk.
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [mrboston]
It just occurred to me that something rather strange (does not compute, need more input) is going on here regarding the use of a Camry A140E transaxle in a Lexus RX300. The A140E Camry transaxle control functions, solenoids, etc, are completely different from the RX's U140E/F RX300 transaxle. In order to use the A140E in the RX300 you would have had to also change the engine/transaxle ECU module, along with the ... Read More
Lexus RX 300 Check Engine, VSC and TRAC OFF Lights
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Re: Lexus RX 300 saying check engine, VSC & TRAC OFF [bdigest]
My 1999 Lexus ES 300 appeared having the same problem that you guys were talking about. The check engine and TRAC OFF lights stayed on for a while. After searching the web and reading a few of your postings, I got under the hood. To my surprise, the black hose behind the air filter did get disconnected. I simply reconnected the hose, and disconnected the battery for 15 minutes. Voila! The ... Read More
Lexus RX 300 Real World MPG
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Re: 2000 RX300 AWD [glenford]
Any transmission issues with the 2000 RX300??? I heard Lexus fixed the transmission problems that have plagued the 1999 RX 300, BUT I want to hear it from a few Lexus owners that have over 120,000 miles...
Lexus RX 300
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Thoughts on buying a 2002 RX 300
I am considering buying a 2002 rx 300 awd from someone I know with about 40K miles. Price will be what dealer will give on a trade, which I expect to be lower than I could get elsewhere. I stayed up way too late last night reading posts in this thread and the rx 300 transmission thread. (Did Lexus make any rx 300's that didn't have trans problems? ;-) But seriously, ... Read More
Lexus RX Transmission Problems
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Re: '01 RX 300 Tranny died at 99,800 miles [ka1cvy]
My transmission died on my 2001 RX300 at 125K. A month before the transmission died I took my car to the dealer because it was making wining noises and was sluggish. They said I need to have the idle air control valve replaced ($700). I took it to a reputable independent shop and they said it was very dirty and they could clean it for $200. I was so upset with ... Read More
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [handeeguy]
RX series design change, resulting failures, and fixes (non-fixes actually). When the ATF accumulator was dropped from the Camry transaxle design to make room for building a more robust transaxle for the soon to be released to production RX300 they obviously didn't foresee the problem associated with a need for a downshift for re-acceleration immediately following an upshift resulting from a throttle lift. So the '99 and '01 RXes, at least ... Read More
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [handeeguy]
Warm weather idling is one of many factors that contributed to a weak original transmission design. The best situation: if you get one with an updated Lexus-replaced transmission, a good warrantee, or enough $ room if it needs one. Many of the original transmissions were not reliable after about 60-70,000 miles. The ones that were trouble-prone tended to have a few issues with them, and have been generally low-mileage (higher mileage ... Read More
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [handeeguy]
My honest advice - don't buy it! I doubt that the weather plays a big factor. You have a choice of buying whatever vehicle you want - so why buy something that may break down within a year and cost you $5000! IMHO..
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [wwest]
First time user at edmunds.com: Great info sight. I am looking at buying a 2000 RX300 with 93k. I notice a lot of the trany comments are coming from the California area. I'm in the Northwest. Is the outdoor temperature the biggest factor in the trany failure rate? Can one install an after market tow package oil cooler to extend the life of the trany? Any info or help would be ... Read More
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [InShock]
It appears to me that somewhere mid-stream of the 2000 MY a major transaxle changeover, revision, was made. The '99 and early '00 RX300 models appear to have a transaxle design flaw that results in premature transaxle failures in as little as 70-80,000 miles. Insofar as I have been able to learn Lexus has NEVER addressed the problem of the design flaw for these MY's. Only offering, sometimes, to partially compensate ... Read More
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Re: 1999 Lexus RX 300 [InShock]
Let us know if you can get more than 25% contributed.
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1999 Lexus RX 300
The transmission in my 1999 Lexus RX 300 went out on 12/29/08 in rush hour traffic. I was in shock as I watched AAA load my so called dependable car on the back of the wrecker. I was later disturbed to learn that this is an existing issue and that the Toyota Motor Compay, USA (the parent company of Lexus) had not taken the ethical corporate responsibility and recalled the vehicle. ... Read More
Lexus RX 300
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Re: VSC and check engine light on [theozzfactor]
I had the rear bumper on my 1999 RX refinished twice. Lexus shop wanted $600, had it done at an independent shop that I trust for $300 each time. I'd definitely have your Lexus dealer check out those other two problems and stay away from the "big auto dealer". My 2¢. Pete :)
Lexus RX Transmission Problems
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Re: Another RX 300 Transmission Failure [pv001]
We have had the exact same issue with a 1999 RX300 that we bought used. To save yourself a whole lot of anguish, before you have ANY repairs done, have the check engine light coded to see if your knock sensors are bad. Our Lexus would not shift into overdrive, the engine light would stay on, and would take off sluggishly, had poor gas mileage, etc. The Lexus dealer diagnosed the ... Read More
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Re: Decision/ Indecision on 2000 RX 300 [kris44]
After reading this discussion thread I am getting very nervous about my 1999 RX300...it has been rattling, making a strange electrical smell at times and the check engine recently came on. Got the oil checked, transmission fluid checked, blah blah...just basic check...no diagnostic yet. But it only has 56,000 miles and it is acting like my Ford Winstar did when it hit 130,000 miles. I bought a Lexus thinking that since ... Read More
Lexus RX 300 funny new noise
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Lexus RX 300 funny new noise
Lexus RX 300,1999, 64000 mil,original owner. The car has been making a buzzing noise [like a metal component with a very fine vibration] as I start to accelerate and continue driving. It is present when steering the wheel slightly to the left or when keeping it in neutral center position but seems to dissappear when I steer to the right or when I step on the break and slow down or ... Read More
Lexus RX 350
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Re: air conditioner smell [tjinla]
Yes, there is "something" inherently wrong...!! In Spades! The first thing WRONG is that these climate control system are designed by NipponDenso, ne Denso US. These designs are inherently flawed in too many ways to quickly list. First, go to Lexus and have them set a few of the c-best options to other than the factory's (stupid Denso engineer's) default position. 1. Set the C-best option that will give you the ... Read More
Lexus RX 300
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Is this a good price?
for a 1999 RX-300, 50,000 miles, single owner. Has sunroof, rack, cd-changer, leather seats. Dealer has given a take-it or leave it price of $16,900. Couple of paint chips near the front grill. few paint chips on the front and rear bumper which the dealer will take care of. and of course the 'D' light bulb has blown (that he is not gong to replace) Interior is exceptionally clean. It feels ... Read More
Lexus RX Accessories
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Re: What about the rear cargo cover for RX 300?
I just bought a used 1999 RX 300 and love the car but the original owner lost the rear cargo cover. I am told that an original OEM cargo cover is about $600 but I can't even find that on any Lexus web site. The only place I can find the RX 300 cargo cover for sale is on eBay and it's all auctions. Any suggestion on where to find an ... Read More
Lexus RX 330
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no title
The Owner’s Manual Supplement that came with my 2005 RX 330 calls for routine maintenance every 5,000 miles. I downloaded the maintenance schedule from the Lexus web site and it says 7,500 miles for normal driving and 5,000 miles for driving on dusty roads, pulling a trailer or for short trips in freezing weather. What is up here? Why the difference? Did the dealership have a special Supplement made up so ... Read More
Lexus RX 300
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Re: RX Trailer Wiring Solved [pschiffe]
Heh, that one really was in the archives! pschiffe, "Lexus RX-300 - Part II" #88, 5 Sep 1999 3:48 am Steve, Host
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To Host Steve
No, the post I was trying to retrieve from the archives was #98 of Sept. 4, 1999 from Lexus RX-300 - Part II board titled RX Trailer Wiring Solved (from the old Well Engaged format). If you can link it, this would be helpful. Pete :)
Lexus RX 330
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Handling and Power of 2005 RX330
What are the general impressions of how the 2005 RX 330 drives? I have driven a 1999 RX and 2003 RX 300 by way of comparison. The 2005 RX seems a little "looser" up front; not as taut and connected as the older models. Will an AWD give better cornering on dry pavement or will it only "shine" during inclement weather? Also, should one believe Lexus' claims of only one (1) ... Read More
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jr: reviews of the RX300 and RX330
You stated the RX300 "was about the highest rated vehicle on the market". Yeah, that was true back in 1999 and 2000, but there have been several reviews and premium SUV comparos since 2001 in which the RX300 was no longer rated among the best. Newer models had surpassed the RX300, according to the automotive critics. Just look at recent reviews here in Edmunds if you don't believe me. As an ... Read More
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Now Al...
...before you get convinced that Lexus and their HVAC (heating-ventilation-air conditioning) vendor, Denso, are the Evil Twins of the Auto World - note the following: a. There was a lawsuit against Lexus about 10 years ago - and the plaintiff lost in court over his claim that the windshield fogging in a LS400 was a deadly design fault and We All Were Going to Die If We Were Dumb Enough to ... Read More
Lexus RX 300
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Lexus Discrepancy in "Edmunds Maintenance Guide"
Tidester, please pass along to appropriate Edmunds personnel: If I select my RX from the pull-down menus to determine the next maintenance service, 1999 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD Wagon , there is one omission and one addition which should be noted: 1. add *oil drain plug gasket $.99* to parts list, replacement recommended at each oil change 2. delete *retorque drive shaft bolts $5.70*, this applies only to the ... Read More
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Shifting (automatic changing gears)
My 1999 Rx 300 (Lexus) with 40,000 doesn't seem to know what gear to go to when I first take off in the morning. It gets up to around 35 mph and hangs there. I keep looking down to see if I have it in drive instead of 1 or 2. I have taken to the dealer two times and both times they tell me thats the way the 99 Rx ... Read More
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Tires for RX 300
Hello Friends, I'm in the process of buying a 1999 RX 300 for my wife that is coming off lease. The buyout price is $23,000 and the car is in great condition. I just had the owner take it to the Lexus dealer for the 45,000 mile service so it should be ready to go. I know that it will need new tires and I'm wondering if any of you could ... Read More
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Gosh, Willard, No Argument Here...
...I just don't understand why you have such RX defrosting difficulties because they don't appear to be shared by many of the the other 300,000 faithful. I think the information you posted above is what, the 8th or 20th time you've done so within the last year? Without it being in response to anyone else mentioning the same supposed defrosting and/or mildew-mold problem. My take is that it gets a little ... Read More
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1999 RX 300
I need help! I am considering purchasing a used 1999 RX 300, but am not very familiar with the Lexus product. I have owned toyota's for about 20 years. It's a very clean vehicle, 42,000 miles. Seems to have all the bells & whistles. Does anyone out there have any previous or current ownership of this model??Any recommendations??Concerns?? Thanks for your help. AlaBrazil
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RX 300 Sludge
Town hall readers, just a word of warning about sludge. The wife had our 1999 RX 300 to the dealer today for a couple of minor things (whine in the radio and a right front side window that would not close on the "express up", while it was there I asked to have them check for sludge since we bought it used at a Toyota dealership. Well guess what, they found ... Read More
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Lexus "admits" RX oil failure problem - fixes seized eng
My wife's 1999 Lexus RX 300 had an "oil turning to gel" problem at 67.000 miles. Lexus said it was "failure to maintain problem", denied warranty coverage and said the solution was a new engine, $14,000. After much complaining by me up the chain to Lexus national they said that they would try to clean it, and finally did for $1,300 out of my pocket. Three weeks ago, at 85,000 miles ... Read More
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to: rxguy ,trailer hitch help/wiring
I don't know about the 2000, but I hardwired my 1999, which did NOT have a connector plug by tapping into the wiring harness using 3M #804 Scotchlok self-stripping connectors. Also used the Hoppy #46255 power taillight converter trailer wiring kit. You can search for my post of the complete text covering this installation. It should be archived here: Lexus RX-300 - Part II (Topic #1503), #98, RX Trailer Wiring Solved ... Read More
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RE: Suspension Problem
Sometime ago, I too noticed an abnormal sound coming from the rear suspension. This noise was described as a “hollow thump” when going over bumps at slow speeds. It took me 4 months, 3 different dealerships, and 5 visits to dealerships to have this problem fixed. Bottom line, you will need to have the struts replaced, under warranty. TSB (Technical service bulletins) also lists a similar complaint made (TSB # SU002-99) ... Read More
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Re: Possibly Buying a Certified Pre-Owned 1999 RX 300
Just my opinion: What's great about companies like Lexus, MB, BMW, etc. is that they have a nationwide network that links all the service centers. What I'm getting at is that I don't think it's too much of a risk to buy private if you do two things: 1) Make sure that owner has documented that all scheduled maintenance has been performed. You need copies of all receipts. 2) Get the ... Read More
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Possibly Buying a Certified Pre-Owned 1999 RX 300
After considering the new small/mid-size SUV offerings, I am seriously considering buying a 1999 RX 300. A certified, pre-owned vehicle certainly is appealing. Of course, you appropriately pay for the peace of mind from the available warranty and the thorough going over by Lexus. But, is all that really necessary? Assuming the vehicle is as bullet proof as everyone says, should I be too worried about picking up an RX from ... Read More
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