Faults:

O2 sensor went out around 120k miles.

General Comments:

I have a 99 Lexus RX300, which I bought as a CPO in 2000 with 18k miles on it. It now has 140k miles on it and has only had to have one repair (O2 sensor). It's been one of the best cars I've owned as far as reliability.

My wife got the car as a hand me down when we sold our 1994 Infiniti J30, which was also an excellent car. I don't know why so many people are having issues with the tranny in these RXs, but you can't beat it like a sports car. I've even done a lot of towing a dual jet ski trailer around with my RX and still no signs that transmission needs any work.

We are sadly planning to let it go soon to another lucky family after it's given us almost 10 years of faithful service. We are planning to get either a GX or LX Lexus next. I just thought I'd share my 2 cents about the RX.

Faults:

Owned the car for a week. Started to blow black smoke out the tail pipe really bad. Runs terrible!! Engine light on. Has no power. Burning fuel to no end..

ABS light on.. ABS braking started to stick on.. and even stops the car. THIS SUCKS...

Took it to Toyota, they say the catalytic converter needs replaced along with the oxygen sensors (air fuel sensors).. $2200 in parts before labour.. arg!! Now could this be the knock sensors???

Faults:

The check engine light started coming on within a month after I bought it. They just reset it and said they could not find any problems. Then it stopped going when I was driving, like it was in neutral when it was in drive. I took it in and they said they could not duplicate the problem. When I pulled out the lot, it stopped going within a block and had to be towed back. The transmission had gone, the planetary gears were broke and it is going to cost over $4000 to fix. This problem existed long before and I am sure the check engine light was telling them that but the warranty was still in effect... now it isn't and the cost is mine to bear.

Faults:

Starter solenoid went out around 100,000 miles... that's been it.

The vehicle has had the regular interval maintenance done by a Lexus service department.

General Comments:

Let me preface that this vehicle was purchased as an everyday commuter car, so I wanted something that was easy to drive, had some cargo room (I have another large SUV for big stuff), and had good looks. I love the traditional "Lexus look" of the headlights and front grille.

This vehicle was purchased as a 4 yr old lease return with almost 65,000 miles. It has been a great commuting vehicle with plenty of pick-up and stability for a major metropolitan area.

Gas mileage has been better than anticipated (20 city/22 mixed/24 hwy, with a high of 32).

Other than the starter problem noted around 100,000 miles, there have been no issues with the vehicle. The previous owner had it regularly serviced (oil changes and scheduled maintenance) at the same Lexus dealership where I bought it, and there was no previous repair history. The service department of my local Lexus dealership treat me great, and act as if my car is brand new. I appreciate the extra mile the Lexus people go to ensure customers are happy.

I recently went on a trip that is 1,000 miles one way. The RX drove and performed like it did years ago.

I like the "Power" shift mode -- which is what I generally use for everyday driving. The 300 is quick enough... I could only imagine how the 330's and 340's are now.

While I've had a few American vehicles (Cadillac Deville, Cadillac STS, and two different Grand Cherokees), I've been loyal to Japanese vehicles for 30 years. Having had several Hondas and one Toyota, this was my first Lexus (second Toyota product). I will keep Lexus high on my preferred list.

If someone is unhappy with their tires, I strongly recommend Michelin CrossTerrains. I'm on my second set of CrossTerrains. I went up a width for a little more aggressive look and perhaps a touch more stability.