2000 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Very disappointed -- won't buy another Lexus

Faults:

This 2000 RX300 looks brand new inside and out. Bought it Lexus certified with 58700 miles, and it now has 67250.

Had the battery issue, and now have noticed a small oil leak in the driveway, and they say that it's the rear engine seal -- 14 hours labor and a $35 part -- as described by many others. So I'm guessing this is the beginning of the long saga for me.

Of course, I still owe more than it's worth as it has dropped in value to half what I paid in one years time. Dealership says 'too bad' and the customer service rep hasn't called me back. So guess they don't care, so I will just tell everyone I know all over the world.

General Comments:

I love the car's look and feel, but now have no confidence... so much for the 200,000 miles that the dealer talked about when I bought it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th September, 2008

12th Jul 2012, 23:36

Just try some sort of stop leak for a few months. Try having someone clean the PVC valve. Or better yet, just do it yourself. Just by doing this, you will probably get rid of the leak.

If not, find a neighborhood transmission shop, and have them replace the rear engine oil seal. They remove transmissions all the time. It never takes over a half hour to remove a modern transmission. It may take one and one half hours to replace everything. These shops are experts in splitting engines from their transmissions. They know how to do it very quickly. Once removed, the new rear seal is easily replaced. Immediately the transmission is reconnected. The entire job never takes more than 3 hours. 3 hours is a lot more realistic number than 14. Just do these two things. You might only have to do the first.

2000 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Sell fast and buy something else

Faults:

Transmission is starting to fail. Took it to Aamco and the transmission fluid is black. Checked 20,000 miles ago and it was OK. Already replaced the rear main seal at $1800. Looking at $2500 plus for a rebuild.

General Comments:

Unbelievable poor quality in major components of this RX300 model. Lexus should be ashamed.

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

Review Date: 19th August, 2008

28th Aug 2008, 14:58

That's your experience - our experience with the RX 300 has been very positive - well made, comfortable & reliable at 118,000 miles.

2000 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Good car if you can take care of it

Faults:

This car originally had a variety of minor issues including fuel injectors and LCD panel on the dash that had to be replaced, along with brakes every 15-20K miles.

The most recent problems (82K miles) may explain why trannies fail. The trans cooler was contaminated with engine coolant as the two coolers can tend to leak into one another. This had to be repaired by my mechanic, who was pretty observant to find a problem like this.

Also, this car had a main engine gasket leak at 75K miles, which had to be repaired. Either one of these could cause premature trannie failure if not repaired in time.

General Comments:

Generally a good car, with very expensive and somewhat incompetent dealerships.

Find a good private mechanic and stick with them. They will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2008

2000 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Faults:

My Lexus 2000 RX300 had been running great until now. I bought my used car in 2003. It was a Certified car. Today I drove it for about an hour no service lights came on, no warnings. It started skipping and slowing down before it completely stopped on me. I have about 110,000 miles on it. Before I bought my car I was told that I had nothing to worry about as long as I got my services done. Now my car is sitting in my yard. I had to call a tow company to come get it. Can someone tell me what this could possibly be?

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

Review Date: 9th February, 2008