6th Sep 2009, 17:15

Original reviewer here - the Lexus continued to perform very well until it needed a sensor when it had about 90,000 miles on it. It was brought in for service because the check engine light came on.

At just over 100,000 miles, the light came on again. This time it was the dreaded "engine sludge issue". We paid the labor, Lexus paid for the parts. About a year later the light came on again. This time Lexus replaced the block (which they should've replaced the first time, in my opinion). Lexus did warranty this. On the way home from the dealership the engine died. This time it threw the timing belt. Lexus again paid for the repair and again furnished us with a loaner.

With the exception of a developing oil leak, the next 15,000 -20,000 miles were relatively trouble free.

We traded the RX300 at 135,000 miles for a Saab 9-7x.

My opinion now of the RX300 - It was a well designed SUV that was very comfortable, quiet, got good MPG's, however it had a few issues that I believe you wouldn't expect to have in a vehicle like this. To Lexus/Toyota Motor Company's credit - the service was good. Would we buy another? I'm not sure at this point. Probably, but only if it had a really good warranty.

8th May 2012, 09:05

Original Reviewer - Nearly 3 years after my wife traded in the RX-300 for a Saab 9-7x (GM mid-sized SUV based on the Trailblazer/Envoy - but given the Saab treatment by Saab engineers) I would have to say that the 9-7x has proven to be the better of the 2 vehicles.

The engine sludge issues of a well maintained Lexus are/were unacceptable, as is the pathetic key fobs that inevitably end up having to be taped together. Lexus service was superb, but the RX-300 certainly should have been more reliable, in my opinion.

Having owned close to an equal share of imports & domestics, I honestly don't see imports being any more reliable than the domestics we've owned, and in the case of the Lexus, it was one of the least reliable vehicles we have owned.