Lexus IS 300

Lexus IS 300 questions and answers

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Q: Well, I was recommended a old model Lexus SC 300, is that better bet than a nissan 300zx?
I asked a friend who knows a lot about cars, and he recommended that maybe a Lexus SC 300 say from 1990-1992 would be a better bet than the nissan 300zx. I'm not looking for a fast car, just something that has a good body design. Any thoughts on the SC 300 as a first car?

A: it's kinda like apples and oranges.what kind of driving are you going to be doing?what kind of gas mileage are you looking for? lots of questions you have the answers.

Q: My Lexus 300 starts most times but at other times makes a clicking sound and does not start. Starter prob?
When the key is turned all the lights come on including the front ones but then only clicks by turning further.

A: Starter or battery (not enough juice.) Take to AutoZone and they can test it for free.

Q: What parts are needed for a timing belt change on a Lexus RX 300 2001?
I know it will get a timing belt, tensioner and water pump. Should the crank and camshft seals be replaced? Is there anything else that should be replaced as a preventative measure? My Lexus has 106,000 miles on it. I know the belt should have been replaced at 90,000 miles but I did not find that out until it had 105,000 miles on it.

A: It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the crank seal while you have it out and apart. Seals & gaskets should be replaced if you see any type of seapage because the oil could ruin the new belt.

Q: How do you check the check engine light codes in a 2003 IS 300 Lexus?
My check engine light came on and my trac off light is flashing too, I wanted to check the code on the computer before taking it into the shop, can someone please tell me how to do it? Thanks!

A: go to autozone..... it's free.

Q: I have a 1999 lexus 300 when I start the car it does not stay started?
if i keep the gas going it's fine but if i take my foot off the gas it stops... Can anyone tell me if they have the same problem and if so what I can do to fix it.

A: The problem is your Idle air control valve, it is located on the throttle body. It is a fairly common problem with rx300s. The valves get excessive carbon build up and start to stick, not letting the car idle. The repair at a dealer should be less than $500. If your looking for the cheapest repair you can try cleaning the valve by removing your intake tubing and spraying throttle body cleaner into the valve, the valve is by the throttle plate to the right.

Q: I have a 2001 lexus rx 300 and I have a clicking sound coming from under my passenger side dash?
When I remove the two plastic panels I can see a white plastic piece with a metal rod attached moving continuously back and forth on a plastic track? It is located on what would be the side of the center dash. Is something jammed in one of the air vents and it can't close? Any answers would be greatly appreciated- the noise is driving me nuts!

A: its a time bomb...idk i just felt like answering a question... :) oh but if you want a real answer then i suggest you go to a good mechanic to get it checked, or your lexus dealer if you gotsss the $$$$

Q: What is the difference between Lexus RX 330, Lexus RX 300, Lexus RX 350, and Lexus RX 400?
I am looking for a car... basicly Lexus with the following models and Im not sure what the difference is in them, besides the number in the title. Which is the safest? Newest? Who has a Lexus RX & do you like it? PLease Help.

A: The difference between the RX 330, 300, 350, and 400h is engine size. The numbers signify how big the engine is. Take, for example, the 350. Move the decimal to the left two places and that's how big the engine is (3.5 liters). Same as the 330 (3.3 liters) and the 300 (3.0 liters). They try to trick you with the 400h, though. If you see a Lexus with an 'h' after the letters, that isn't the actual size of the engine. The RX 400h isn't a 4.0 liter, but it's comparable to a 4.0 liter. The gasoline engine is 3.5 liters and the electric engine is 0.5 liters that come together to make a total of 4.0 liters. As the years go on, the numbers increase. From 1999 - 2003, the RX was a 300. Then in 2004, they redesigned the RX and replaced the 3.0 liter engine with a 3.3 liter engine and then called it RX 330. Then Lexus thought that the RX needed more power so they upgraded the engine to a 3.5 liter (RX 350). They also added a hybrid to the line in 2006 and called it the RX 400h. The safest RX out there is the newest RX. Generally cars get more and more safe as they get older. The RX 300 is safe, but the RX 330, 350, and 400h have more safety features in them. The newest RX is the RX 350 and 400h.

Q: How long do the Lexus RX 300 models last?
I'm looking to purchase a 200 lexus RX and I'm wondering what the average life span is on them? Is 160,000 miles on a 2000 too much? How much longer can I expect that car to run? Thanks!!

A: Personally that's alot of miles to be gettting into. I have a friend that has one with 229 on it and it's still going strong. Any car's reliability depends on when and how it was taken care of. If it was one owner and they religiously maintained it i'd probably buy it. If your not sure you can always shell out $100 and take it to a local mechanic and have him look it over. It's better to invest $100 to get a professionals advice then to waste another $3K on a car with 160K. Good luck!

Q: I have a 2003 Lexus IS 300 (manual) do I need the radiator and the transmission flushed?
Last time I had my oil changed they told me that i needed both services but I declined and decided to research it. I now see that there are drains and flushes, some say that a flush is neccesary, some say that they have practically the same effect and others say not to flush just to drain. Does anyone know what the truth is, in particular for my car? Thanks!

A: Flushing the radiator is a good idea. The transmission DOES NOT need a flush, just a drain and refill.

Q: How much would it cost to replace a power steering hose on a 1992 Lexus SC 300?
Or is it something that is easy enough to do myself? Thank you!

A: Depends on the type of hose. The reservoir (located near the radiator on the passenger side.) hose usually becomes brittle and breaks. If that is the case get some good hose and replace it. If the high pressure, or return lines are leaking you should probably take it to a mechanic. These lines are not easy to replace. If in doubt as to what it leaking, have a professional look at it. I have seen idle speed control valves on the pump leak also. Hope this helps

Q: I am deciding between an 02 toyota sequoia and an 03 Lexus RX 300 4x4. Which should I choose?
I love both looks, however, the main reason I am buying this type of vehicle is to drive out on the beach. I know the sequoia canhandle it, but I am unsure of the Lexus' ability to perform in sand. Any info will be helpful and greatly appreciated.

A: If you want the added luxury, go with the lexus. If you don't care, go with what your comfortable with. The sequoia would probably be cheaper too. I hope that helped.

Q: Parts needed for a timing belt change on a 2001 Lexus RX 300?
I know it will get a timing belt, tensioner and water pump. Should the crank and camshft seals be replaced? Is there anything else that should be replaced as a preventative measure? My Lexus has 106,000 miles on it. I know the belt should have been replaced at 90,000 miles but I did not find that out until it had 105,000 miles on it.

A: I would not touch the front seals unless they were leaking.Actually I don't even recommend replacing water pump & tensioner on that engine with that mileage.This engine has plenty of clearance (unlike most Hondas & Mitsubishis) and does not cause major engine damage if timing belt (or waterpump or tensioner) break.

Q: What is the most miles you can get out of a lexus?I have a 93 Gs 300 with 217,000 miles, runs like a dream.?
Has anyone ever heard of a Lexus going over 300,000 miles with the original engine.

A: Yeah Ive seen one over 400k miles check out www.clublexus.com

Q: Would it be hard to replace a Power Steering hose for a 1992 Lexus SC 300 by myself?
Would it be expensive to replace at a mechanic?

A: any power steering hose on a Lexus is hard....

Q: A good list of car cleaning products to clean the inside and out of a Lexus RX 300 SUV?
My mom takes her dogs out in her car is extremely filthy with dirt marks and smells like wet dog. The mats are stained dark brown. I have a steam vac and it might not cut it, or might take forever. Also she spilled ice cream on the trunk mat. I need a good list of products to clean the vinyl, leather, fabric mats, windows, headlights, taillights, tires, rims, hand vacuum or whatever to make the car really clean. Thanks.

A: Those SUV's can get dirty I recommend spending the money for professional detailing in instances of gross interior neglect. Then go to pet smart and get canine crates or wire cages that fit the rear of the Lexus so people will want to ride in the seats again. Lexol makes saddle soap leather cleaners and conditioners Self Spray car wash soap and rinse all the floor mats shampoo with the steam cleaner the floors polish and wax the exterior and shine up the windows put new wiper blades in at this time. leave the under hood to some mechanic. Armor-all the tires and vinyl around the seat backs and door panels but just wash the dash and towel dry. Shine on dash reflects in the glass. Get one of those cans of car fresnener at Lowe's on the ends of the front isles by scent labs "aroma pots" lasts up to sixty days Jasmine, Mango Tangerine all good on top of dog smell.