2001 Lexus RX 300 FWD from North America
Summary:
Comfortable and reliable luxury SUV!!
Faults:
The mass air flow Sensor went bad at 92,000 (less than $200 to replace). After subsequent research, I realized that I should have been cleaning the idle air control valve (IACV) and MAF about every 20,000 miles - neither had ever been cleaned until 92,000. Both are relatively easy to clean by yourself at home.
General Comments:
Overall, this SUV has served its purpose well for me over the past two years and nearly 30,000 miles with minimal problems (MAF and IACV). Do not believe the horror stories you read about engine and transmission problems. The majority of RX300s have solid engines and transmissions that will last 150k-200k, provided regular scheduled maintenance is performed on time.
The ride is quiet, smooth (as expected with any Lexus), and it has relatively quick acceleration considering the size of the vehicle (0-60 around eight seconds in my 2WD model).
The seats are comfortable and supportive on long trips - superior in my opinion to the seats in my Infiniti FX35.
Reliability has been excellent in my experience, and I would certainly recommend a used RX300 to anyone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th November, 2008
20th Nov 2008, 11:29
I agree that the RX is a wonderful SUV, but I can state from experience that the engine does have a sludge problem.
My wife owns a 1999 RX300 and she has the oil changed every 3000 miles. At just over 100,000 miles the engine failed due to sludge.
Thankfully Lexus stepped up to the plate and repaired her Lexus even providing a loaner vehicle for the time her's was in the shop.
At over 120,000 miles we have not had a problem with the transmission (and certainly hope that we don't).
We still feel the Lexus is a fantastic SUV, and would certainly buy another.