Lexus RX 300

May 28, 2001

The Jeep Cherokee was getting a little long on miles, so it was time to upgrade.

I originally thought I was going to get a Mercedes ML430. However, it took soooo long for them to get the model I was interested in delivered to their dealership that I went out car shopping during the long wait. And ... I discovered that the Lexus was a pretty neat vehicle too. Oh, it's a substantial savings over the Mercedes too. :-)

Nicely appointed, and it had the gadgets I so love. Actually this car is both superior and inferior to the ML. The Mercedes was a bit more of an off road 4 wheeler. For example it had a true low range gearing capability. I think the engine and drive train were also superior but not by a whole lot.

The advantages that accrue to the Lexus ... since they decided up front that it wasn't going to be a "real" off road vehicle, they dispensed with the low range gearing, and didn't attempt to offer much in the way of obstacle clearance. And since they abandoned that concept they stuck with a much smoother car like ride. It's very smooth and quiet.

This car is now history to me and so, I've published the data I collected over the years of ownership. Click on the "Lexus Operating Data" link above left.

The RX300 was a delight to drive. It was never in the shop for anything but routine maintance. However, at the end there was a problem with the headlights.  Specifically the daytime running headlights weren't working, Lexus fixed them but within 2 months they were once again not working. I was told I could replace the entire headlamp assemblies and this would cure the problem but that was pretty expensive for such an old car so ... I decided to buy a new vehicle. See MY NEWER CAR for the details.

The RX300 waiting to be sold parked in front of the new RX400h