1999 Lexus RX 300

Summary:

Good value for the price

Faults:

Door locks failed to work, (dealer repaired), the drive indicator light bulb has burned out several times, There are a lot of rattles from the dash area and center console. The back seat squeaks while traveling on dirt roads. The panel on the rear hatch falls off on one side.

General Comments:

This was a Lexus certified used car, so it came with a 3 year 100,000 warranty, which I have used several times. I am not sure I would buy another Lexus. This car has more rattles and squeaks than any car I have owned. I drive this car on paved roads 99% on the time and the few times I have taken it on dirt roads just seems to create more rattles. With all that said it is a good value for the price. The RX300 comes with more features for the price than any other SUV in its class. My RX has every option except for the navigation system.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th July, 2004

1999 Lexus RX 300

Summary:

We love our car, but key repair should be simple and much less expensive

Faults:

Both ignition plastic key cases have cracked and the two halves separated. The parts department, at my dealership, says I have to buy new keys (not just the case, which is all I need). New keys require activation to the vehicle Vin number and cost about $240.00 each. This is entirely unreasonable. Spare part cases, only, should be available, so the cost of the chip and re-programing the key is not incurred. The attaching screw for the two halves of the key is nearly at the edge of the plastic, resulting in a faulty design that is guaranteed to fail, if used enough. Based on this experience, I would recommend to anyone, considering buying a used Lexus, to consider only extended warranted vehicles that would cover this cost. The risk of having to pay out $480 for new keys would certainly deter me from buying a used Lexus, without a warranty.

General Comments:

We have enjoyed this car immensely. It has been very reliable, comfortable and being all wheel drive, with ABS brakes, has always given us a sense of feeling safer. The only complaints we have are the roof rack is very sensitive to adjustment to avoid air noise in the car, the driving range (gas tank is too small) and the air/heat for back seat passengers should be better for a car in this price range. Great car other wise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2004

25th Nov 2005, 16:13

My 2001 RX 300 has only 45,000 miles, always maintained by the Lexus dealer. Today the car was running badly so I took it in and I was told that the transmission will need to be replaced. It is under warranty, but this is the first car that I have ever owned that needed a new transmission. I have always told people that my Lexus was the best car... up until now... that I have ever owned. I will rethink buying a new Lexus 2006. Maybe American built cars are not so bad after all?

1999 Lexus RX 300

Summary:

A lump of crap

Faults:

Exactly 31 days after I purchased my Lexus RX300, the transmission completely blew out. The car had to be towed to the dealership, as the faulty transmission cause complete immobilization.

The car had been serviced at the dealership for every scheduled service. In fact, it had been serviced at the very same dealership from which I had purchased it. The all-important 60,000 mile maintenance had also been done.

Four thousand miles after the transmission warranty

expired from Lexus, the transmission breaks! I am in a complete state of shock.

General Comments:

Currently, I am awaiting word from Lexus to see if they will stand by their vehicle, so close to the expired warranty. If anyone would like to know how Lexus handles this, feel free to e-mail me at azwholesale@cox.net.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd February, 2004

5th Apr 2004, 08:23

Since I posted this before (when I was quite angry I should add), Lexus has fixed my transmission free of charge. I have the 4-Wheel Drive model, so the transmission was even more costly. I believe the guys at the dealership said it was a $4000 repair.

Important: They said that the only reason they were repairing the transmission at no cost to me was because it had been serviced at the dealership for all major services. A word to the wise: If you buy used, buy from someone who has their car dealer maintained. If you buy new... Well, you get the point.