1999 Lexus RX300 review from North America

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.

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.