1998 Lexus RX300 AWD from North America - Comments

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.

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.

I would suggest a K & N air filter. I replace the stock filter in all my Lexis, and it makes a world of a difference. Let's face it all you Lexus aficionados, our cars pre-330 and pre2002 remakes were not the fastest of all cars. Lexus has largely solved this problem with the rx330 and es330. A K&N filter on an older Lexus for $75 is worth it's weight in gold in increased speed, and you get better gas mileage to boot.

I agree with the K&N Filter idea. I put one on my RX300 and saw the miles per gallon jump about 1-2 overall. Pretty noticeable on long trips. I often average 22-23 if I keep the speed below 65.