Hi All,

I'm about to buy a Mk1 RX 300 and have a few questions. Firstly, I took one for a test drive, and noticed that there was wind noise around the mirrors at high speed. I have looked at old road tests, and see that this is a design fault, but is there any easy way (customised wing mirrors or side window wind deflectors) of correcting this? Minor problem I know, but I'm a perfectionist!

Secondly, on cambelts and plugs. One specialist I spoke to said that the plugs and cambelt should be changed at 60k miles, but a Lexus dealer said that the cambelt can wait until 100k miles. Who is right?

Finally, I have around 4 RX 300'S lined up to look at over the next few days. Any general things/bugbears I should look out for?

Any advice appreciated. I'm looking very forward to RX 300 ownership.

Thanks

Ligier

50-60K For the cam belt to be changed sounds about right, I've just had my 40k service and was told it'll be done on my next service, it's a biggy mind, I've been quoted around £550 by my local Lexus dealer, you might want to enquire about the pre-paid service plans Lexus do.(check out the recent "pre-service plan" threads for more info)
As for the noise from the wing mirrors, I can't say it's a big problem, and with the windows all up you hardly hear any outside noise whatsoever.
Look out for corrosion on the alloys it's a common fault with most Lexus models not just the RX. The fuel economy isn't too bad either, although I added LPG to mine and I found it better still, and no difference in performance. Hope this helps Nev

EDIT
Have found some info on the cambelt change, on another site it seems that 90k or 72 months (6 years) is the reccommendation for inspection and change if needed, and seeing as mine will be 6 years old at the next service is possibly why my Lexus has told me mine will be checked.

"I checked my Alldata database and found that Toyota/Lexus recommends replacing the timing belt on the 3.0-liter V6 engine in your '99 RX300 at 90,000 miles, as the dealer suggested. On '97 and earlier models, there's no routine replacement suggested, but on '98 models the recommendation is 90,000 miles or 72 months if the vehicle is operated under "severe conditions such as extensive idling and/or low speed driving for extended ranges." On 1999-2003 models, there's no "severe condition" standard, and the recommendation is to replace the timing belt every 90,000 miles or 72 months.
Since the V6 in your truck isn't an interference engine, meaning the pistons won't hit open valves if the belt breaks, a belt failure will only leave you stranded and needing a tow and require the installation of a new belt, but it won't destroy the engine." Hope this helps Nev

Cambelt change for the RX is 100K
Wind noise is not a serious issue. I have wind deflectors so don't notice it at all.
Mechacnics wise the RX is almost bulletproof. Just make sure of a genuine service history and keep to the service schedule.
OEM alloys on almost all the Lexus range don't last much longer than the warranty if they manage it. Either refurbs or aftermarket wheels are an option.
It is a great luxury SUV. Plenty of good examples out there and cheap money at the moment. Good luck in your purchase.
Terry

As above I was told 100K for the cambelt.......all I can say about wind noise is that my Mk1 RX is quieter than my mates 2 year old BMW 7 series LWB.......I have had no issues with mirror wind noise at all.

Look out for small splits in the seat base material just aboue the plastic trim pieces on the sides of the front seats, I have a couple of small horizontal splits there.....but of course it could just have been a fat git pre owner?

Otherwise nothing out of the ordinary....its typically Japanese....easy/effortless to drive.

Best regards David

Thanks for all the advice from everyone. Much appreciated. Ligier