2000 Lexus RX 300 Consumer Reviews

Transmission went at 78000

Written by: inetd on 08/17/2008

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD Wagon

Review

Transmission went at 78000. Warranty is 70k/7yrs, and Lexus sticks to those numbers. This is a low-end basic Toyota transmission that Lexus loaded up with weight and gadgets. We know lots of people that have had 2x transmissions by 100k miles, some with 3x transmissions. It's the car's weak point for sure. Engine has had class action lawsuit for sludge/failure. Dealers still deny there's a problem - they're told to be quiet about it. Transmission class action is next. 2WD reliability is poor, 4WD reliability is abysmal

Favorite Features

It's really just a basic car. "Lexus Reliability" is a myth, it's just a car. Car is a good deal if trans has just been replaced w/a new warranty.

Suggested Improvements

Less marketing hype about reliability and more effort into the actual engineering of that reliability. This car is just a spiffy Highlander.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Quality Vehicle

Written by: Chicago on 08/08/2008

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

We bought ours used with 78K miles in 2005. We were taking our chances with Toyota quality and we are glad we did. The car has no problems till this day with 110K. We have promptly serviced our car with timing belt replacement, new tires, new brakes, and new alternator over three years and it is still running strong. We'll probably keep it another year or two.

Favorite Features

Ride - better than Cadillac. The paint still shines - no dull spots.

Suggested Improvements

Moot point at this point - the car is 8 years old. Lexus has made many improvements.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Phenomenal Vehicle

Written by: Duncan on 07/22/2008

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

I've had my RX for over 4 years, and it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. I normally get bored with cars, and only keep them for a maximum of 3 years... this one I will likely be buried in. Drives amazingly, at 110k miles, no high cost repairs, extremely reliable, and comfortable! I love it as much as I did the day I bought it.

Favorite Features

Heated seats, comfort, temperature controls.

Suggested Improvements

Absolutely none.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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LuvMyRX!!!

Written by: LuvMyRX on 05/20/2008

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD Wagon

Review

I've had this car for 3 years now. I purchased it certified pre-owned from the dealership and I still love it. All my friends want to drive my car. No one believes me when I tell them it's a 2000 vehicle. Handles great with very comfortable seats. The cargo space is great. The back seats fold down easily and the only problem is that it's so roomy, it can't always take all the weight for home improvement projects!

Favorite Features

Very comfortable seating - fits 5 adults or 4 adults and a car seat comfortably. Excellent ride on most road surfaces. I have become spoiled!!!

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage although the 19 and 29 is not too terrible for an SUV. With gas prices at $4/gallon, who doesn't want better gas mileage?

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2000 Lexus RX 300 4WD

Written by: Tim on 03/05/2008

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

Not too impressed by this car. Has lots of problems. Sensors go all the time, the ignition coils go a lot and they cost $95 a piece (6 of them will cost you close to $600 not including labor costs), if the check engine light comes on (which comes on all the time) the car will usually not shift into overdrive, the back spark plugs are almost impossible to change because the manifold is in the way and many many more. I thought Toyotas were reliable but I was wrong. I won't buy a Lexus or Toyota again.

Favorite Features

Looks good, thats about it.

Suggested Improvements

Too many to list.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Best suv ever.

Written by: Stuart on 12/31/2007

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD Wagon

Review

I love the car! It has plenty of power all around. The interior comfort is great for long trips. I love the way it drives like a sedan, but still feels like an suv. I also like the peace of mind its many safety features give you. The interior is surprisingly roomy and luxurious. It is the first car I've ever had that keeps reseling itself. The more I drive it the more I love it. I have had it for over eight years. I have never had a problem except for routine service. I am sold on Lexus quality. I still receive compliments on it all the time. Even after eight years it still doesn't look outdated at all. I also enjoy the lexus premium sound system and the six disc cd changer. It sounds great.

Favorite Features

The excellent service I get from my Lexus dealer, outstanding reliability, gas mileage, Lexus premium sound systemm is better than my home surrouund sound, six disc cd changer, storage space, quality of materials.

Suggested Improvements

A single in dash cd player would be nice in addition to the changer. Larger fuel tank, better turning radius, add compass and miles to empty to information display

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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My RX 300 Rocks!

Written by: RX350 Rocks on 08/25/2007

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

We bought this used in California on vacation and shipped it to Indiana. Very fun to drive. And we can't believe it's almost 8 years old. Just got timing belt, water pump and serpentine belt changed at 97,000 miles. It drives like a new car and is good for another 100k! We plan on driving this for a very long time. We've been through two snowy winters and it drives great. Its styling still looks pretty modern and I like it a lot better than the 330. It's got no blind spots. One thing to note, check Toyota dealerships for major maintenance work...found to be a lot cheaper than Lexus dealers!

Favorite Features

Love the key remote feature where all the windows and sunroof can be opened remotely. Comes in handy on hot days when I'm walking to the car! Interior is flawless. Exterior is the same. Styling is very classy and perfect.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger gas tank. Mileage is okay for AWD (@ 20mpg overall). But gas tank is too small and feels like we don't get great mileage since we fill up often. They made the tanks bigger after the 2001 model year.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I love my Lexus!

Written by: luv my lexus on 12/14/2006

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought this car used and have had no problems with it at all. I take my RX 300 in regularly for oil changes and that's about it. I currently have 78k on the car now and hope to drive it for another 100 thousand miles or more! I would recommend this car used over many other brand new makes and models. Although my vehicle is almost 7 years old now, I trust it's reliability 100%.

Favorite Features

Everything! I love the sunroof, leather interior and sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Turning radius isn't the greatest. No other suggestions. The car is absolutely wonderful!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Just about the best!

Written by: HansMom on 11/12/2006

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

We bought this car used and have been extremely pleased. It is the perfect size, perfect height for getting in and out of, and handles beautifully in winter driving. We have had very few maintenance issues, though have put a little money into repairs. Our complaints: no shoulder strap for middle rear position, front seats don't adjust quite enough so that the seat is too flat for us, sometimes hesitant at fast accelerations... but one learns to drive it as is. Great car for nearly anyone, though you do find yourself at the gas pump fairly often! I would prefer this car as is over most newer makes and models. Visibility is better than with the newer RX 330.

Favorite Features

Height: good for easy enter/exit, assume is safer vs. sedan, great on snow and fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Shoulder strap in middle rear seat position, more range in front seat positioning. CD changer in dash vs. removable cassette -- very awkward to make changes... so I rarely do.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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7 years later still up to date

Written by: toy4two on 08/22/2006

Vehicle

2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

I really think the RX 300 is the best deal going in used cars. I test drove a 2006 Lexus GS and I found out the only feature missing in my 2000 RX 300 is cooling seats to go with my heated seats. Everything else is there, and being a Lexus, its all in the same place, HomeLink, seat heaters, wonderful ergonomics, great leather. It did have an in dash CD changer which was also a nice add on. But for the money, my 00 AWD is basically the same. Power was close, smoothness, quietness. About the only upgrade would be more wood on the interior. This car is boring though, I won't lie, its rock solid reliable but its like a reliable washing machine or some other appliance, not exactly sporty.

Favorite Features

Heated seats. Durable leather. Stock Lexus sound system. Dead silent. Great in snow. Tows trailer great. Lexus ski rack (extra).

Suggested Improvements

Turning radius. Small gas tank. MPG could be better. "D" light burned out on dash.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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