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RX300 Toad 4 wheels down?

Yahoo Message Number: 1918
I would like to hear from those who tow a Lexus RX300 4 wheels down.
- RX300 Model: AWD or FWD?

- Anything done (aftermarket products) to make it towable 4 wheels down?

- Experience: towed/total mileage, toad problems, Lexus service/warranty issues?

Thanks,

Paul Thomas
'00 Magna 5762

Re: RX300 Toad 4 wheels down?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1922
Paul:

I'm abit of an RV-junky of 20 years and subscribe to the major RV journals.
There have been recent articles pointing out problems with the RX 300. It was one I also considered 'til began reading of owner problems (transmission).
If you have a FAX or address I will be happy to send you a copy of Q & A article addressing the Toyotas, May '02, p. 92, Motorhome Mag., but essentially :
"The Lexus RX 300 is only available with an auto. trans., and it had similar problems. Toyota no longer approves the Lexus RX 300 for towing, and that's why it wasn't listed in our "2002" Dinghy Tow Guide".
Nor was it listed in FMC's March, 2002 towing guide. I stick to these RV towing guides also, so as to avoid warranty problems with the Mfg. by modifying it
As you will see in my message # 1895 to the CC Yahoo group, I place alot of confidence in Consumers Reports rather than hearsay. Their annual April issue on cars / SUVs includes 10 year repair records of owner's experiences + which models to buy / avoid, informing the public of each's likely reliability down the road and is why I eliminated a Jeep from consideration. However, there are many who have had little / acceptable problems their choices.
My recent CR-V purchase was the best I've had through my Credit Union. I also seriously considered the Acura MDX 'til learning dealers were asking for as much as $4500.00 OVER invoice + several months of waiting. The C.U. deal only through a dealer's Fleet Manager and ONLY with INVOICE PRICES for both the car and its options. I got exactly the car, options, and color I wanted for $1000.00 over invoice.....without the hassle....Then the car was delivered to my door. Thus far, I'm totally happy with it. Honda is about to come out with a larger model + 6 cyl.engine which I would have preferred but we're preparing to leave for Alaska in a few weeks.
I'm thinking of writing an expanded / reference type article to the group.........Don

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Re: RX300 Toad 4 wheels down?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1930
We have a 2001 Toyota Highlander, which is the same engine and drivetrain. Have towed it over 10, 000 miles with no trouble whatever and nothing added to make it towable. That stated, Toyota listed the 2001 Highlander and rx300 as being towable four wheeles down, but removed that rating on both for 2002. I have heard of tranny failures with the rx300 that were covered under warranty, but apparantly Toyota wants out.

Re: RX300 Toad 4 wheels down?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1945
Hi Paul,

We have towed a 2000 RX300 AWD for probably 5000 mi in the last 2 years with no problems. I have a Roadmaster hitch/platform on it. I have a letter from Lexus witch says it is OK to tow with the caveat of 55MPH, no more than 200 miles, then letting the engine idle a few minutes, etc. I would be glad to mail you a copy of the letter if you wish. E mail your address to me.

I have not read anything "official", but have heard from the rumor mill that this vehicle is no longer approved by Lexus for towing. I feel somewhat protected since I do have a personal SIGNED letter for approved towing procedures.
Don Krahling

paulkthomas wrote:
 

Re: RX300 Toad 4 wheels down?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 1954
I've learned some more about this subject off-line.

- Lexus bought back RX300 (toads) because transmission problems arose from towing.

- I called Lexus customer relations about towing 2002 RX300 AWD and got the response that emergency towing only is allowed under warranty. i.e, professional tow truck and operator Lexus position is the same for the FWD model.

Paul Thomas