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Lexus RX 300
9497 messages, Last post on Dec 13, 2012 at 5:24 PM
You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 300, SUV
#7930 of 9497 Value of CPO by dingo69
Jan 10, 2004 (8:14 pm)
Hello all. We would like to get your opinion on the following.We are considering a CPO or a private seller 2002 RX 300. The private seller vehicle is around $2k less than what the CPO vehicle is. The private seller vehicle has around 18,000 miles left on the original warranty. We'll put about 2,000 miles per month on the vehicle.
Obviously the value of the CPO is the added warranty on the vehicle. Any feedback on the following would be appreciated.
1. What is the monetary value of the CPO program? I know this is a guess and opinion, but any thoughts?
2. What is the general track record of this model after the warranty period has expired? If they are well cared for in the intial few years, is the overall track record favorable in years three through six?
3. If we were to go with the private seller, what types of things should we have checked by a mechanic and should that mechanic be at the Lexus dealership?
4. What is the thought on valuation of AWD vs. front wheel drive only?
#7931 of 9497 AWD/RX300 by wwest
Jan 10, 2004 (11:45 pm)
The "AWD" RX300 has just enough drive torque, 5% native, coupled to the rear wheels so that Lexus marketing can't be called liers. For the 04 Lexus RX, toyota HL and Sienna, they discarded that AWD system altogether.Anyone want to testify that the new RX330 AWD system actually works?
If you live, or drive, in areas wherein you don't encounter adverse roadbed conditions I would say that the FWD will suffice, assuming VSC & Trac options.
If you often do encounter those conditions and op to purpose the FWD anyway just be sure you are fully aware of the hazards of operating a FWD, or FWD biased AWD, in ice and snow conditions. That weight over the front driven wheels is ideal for getting up and going or accelerating but when it comes time to slow or stop on a slippery surface the level of engine braking to the front wheels can/will often catch you by surprise.
Having said that, the RX300 VSC/Trac system does often upshift in this circumstance, sudden lift of the gas pedal, to help alleviate the problem.
I would not buy any type of extended warranty for a Lexus unless I had concerns about the previous owner.
#7932 of 9497 Extended Warranty Purchase by dingo69
Jan 11, 2004 (9:58 am)
In reply to the above post, is it possible to purchase a warranty on a private owner purchased Lexus?#7933 of 9497 Yes.. by wwest
Jan 11, 2004 (10:34 am)
Any Toyota dealer, cost was in the $900 range if you negotiate HARD.#7934 of 9497 AWD vs. FWD...warranty on private purchase by dingo69
Jan 11, 2004 (7:26 pm)
We thought we'd settled on an AWD certified pre-owned model, but are having such a tough time finding one here.We are in Charlotte. We get snow once or twice per year that doesn't stick around very long. The vehicle will be driving 50 miles each way to work, each day. The roads traveled are state highways, one lane each way so standing water is a likely encounter.
Anyone with experience or opinion on AWD vs. FWD models of the RX 300 (2002 or maybe 2001)?
Finally, this one may be stupid but...can we buy from a private seller and purchase any kind of warranty from a dealer? If so, what kind of warranty is this and what is a typical cost?
#7936 of 9497 FWD vs. AWD by jodar96
Jan 14, 2004 (8:52 pm)
I am not sure AWD is that necessary if the base vehicle is FWD. We bought a FWD. I got four amazingly clean alloys on E-bay for $165! I was shocked at the condition of these wheels. For now, I have put two Bridgestone Dueler DM-Z2 on the front. The RX feels and IS much more sure footed. The only thing I do not like about these tires is that they are directional. I like to do same side and cross rotations.They say you need snow tires on all four wheels. I think that is sales ploy and may be the look of four matching snow tires is better, but I do not believe it is necessary as long as the tire size is identical and tire pressure is constant at 30 PSI all the way around. If I find out the look bothers me, I will put two more on next year.
Without the snow tires, several times I had trouble come up our steep driveway to get in the garage. The traction control was doing its work, but was not able to get the RX going. Also snow tires, save the weak FWD transmissons by preventing Front wheel from spinning. What often kills transmissions, is spinning on snow and ice and then suddenly hitting the dry patch.
I had Blizzaks on our 97 Dodge van for 6 years Nov-Mar (same tires). The van never had the transmission problem that so many Chrysler owners complain about.
But if the base vehicle come in RWD, then AWD/4WD is the way to go.
Joe
#7937 of 9497 Hazards... by wwest
Jan 15, 2004 (10:42 am)
Your FWD vehicle is quite hazardous enough on snow and ice without adding even more roadbed traction on the front versus the rear.I NEVER use winter tires, quieter that way, if I can avoid them and when I use snowchains they ALWAYS go on the back first and then another set on the front if things are really bad, like mostly FWD vehicles scattered and abandoned all over the roadbed such that the ditch is the only path around.
My 01 AWD RX got 1.2" spacers and 17x8 wheels all around right after purchase primarily for fitting rear snowchains.
And by the way, if you're relying on Trac to get you up that driveway then you need some adverse condition driving lessons or all four snow tires.
If Trac engages, especially with FWD, its telling you that you're applying too much gas for the conditions.
#7938 of 9497 Driving with FWD cars by jodar96
Jan 15, 2004 (2:45 pm)
WWest.......what are you talking about calling a FWD car/SUV hazerdeous???I drove my 85 Jetta on icy interstates 100 miles everyday 6 days a week from Oct 84-Nov 90 with two snow tires on front tires. Never ever had any problems. That Jetta had 183K miles when I sold it. I have seen a lot of cocky SUV drivers in the ditch or median also in my 21 years of commuting. I still drive on the same interstate only 60 miles a day for five days. Do you think I need driving lesson on icy roads or my experience qualifies me that I know what I am talking about?
I don't like chains. They are way too overkill for our driving. They might be the best choice in your area. If you really want a true SUV buy a Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee. As you mentioned, how good of AWD you have in an RX300 if only 10% of power ends up going to rear wheels?
With our 97 Dodge van, I was very happy with the way it drove with the snow tires. If you have not had Blizzaks or Winter Duelers, you should try them. They are excellent.These tires are a little noisy but not to the point of saying I much rather use chains occasionally and not listen to this noise.
I said the FWD RX with regular tires was not going up the driveway. I have NO experience with Lexus's snow botton that I assume lets the car take off in second gear, or traction control. All I know is that neither one was helping to get in the garage. How do suppose the snow tires on rear wheels would help here that you think I should have snow tires on all four wheels to get in the garage???
RX is a small car, at 180.O" long, and a short 103.0" WB. 18.0" wheels certainly don't help the ride. I already do not like the choppy ride of the RX with its 225/70-16 wheels, can't imagine 18" wheels will improve the ride.
Someone said to check the shocks. they are fine. I drove a 2003 with 18K miles, the ride was the same as our 2001 with 60K.
Joe
#7939 of 9497 AWD vs. FWD...one more time by dingo69
Jan 16, 2004 (6:29 am)
We thought we'd settled on an AWD certified pre-owned model, but are having such a tough time finding one here.We are in Charlotte. We get snow once or twice per year that doesn't stick around very long. The vehicle will be driving 50 miles each way to work, each day. The roads traveled are state highways, one lane each way so standing water is a likely encounter.
Anyone with experience or opinion on AWD vs. FWD models of the RX 300 (2002 or maybe 2001)?
Finally, this one may be stupid but...can we buy from a private seller and purchase any kind of warranty from a dealer? If so, what kind of warranty is this and what is a typical cost?
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