1999 Lexus RX300 AWD review from North America
"It's a great car!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 143000 miles the passenger side lock started to "stick"
My flex pipe broke at 146000.
Small gas tank.
Not so hot off-road.
Other than that, nothing really.
General comments?
I'm 17, and bought this car from my parents (its been in my family since 1998), I get a lot of comments from my friends about owning a Lexus. This prestige is well earned, as I've had no problems as far as parts breaking other than the sticky lock (still works if done manually) and the flex pipe (the flex pipe was my fault in that I took it off-road). All in all, Toyota makes a great-reliable product.
The car has an extremely comfortable ride, and tight, crisp handling. I base the handling statement in comparing it to my mother's Highlander. I've driven the RX300 all the way to Vermont, 3 hour dive, without a stop and I was comfortable throughout the entire trip.
The interior features are excellent. All of the typical driver controls (i.e climate, de-frost, music) are in easy reach and easy to find while driving. The heated seats make winter driving great! The sound system is also terrific, with a 6-CD changer. The only negative to the changer is it's a slight pain to load the CDs.
The only question I have about this car, is I've noticed other reviewers mentioning that they average 19-21 mpg, I can't seem to get mine above 17. And, in response to the inevitable question, yes, I do try and drive conservatively to save gas. So if any RX300 owner has any ideas to up the mileage, please email me at penguinpilot736@gmail.com.
Recommended reviews
| Sporty luxury with just enough spirit to keep from being bored |
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| We love our car, but key repair should be simple and much less expensive |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 138000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 148000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 22nd November, 2005 |