Children's soresRX300, RX330, RX350 andRX400 H (2003-2009).

Lexus RX is the best-selling Lexus model. In 1998, sales of this luxury SUV (crossover, SUV) began in the USA. The first generation RX was created in response to the Mercedes ML. In 2000, the RX-1 was officially sold in Europe. In Russia the RX 300 (in Japan Toyota Harrier) was sold through “gray dealers”.

But in 2003, when the second generation of the model appeared (RX300, RX330), and Lexus received a Russian registration, the flow of "gray" cars only increased. The popularity of the previous model (and the dollar rate, then it was more profitable to buy a car from the USA than from a dealer), the new design (which Hiroshi Suzuki drew) turned out to be very successful and even in 2016 the car looks modern, it is also worth noting such options as an electric trunk drive (set the fashion for other crossovers), adaptive low beam with "xenon", air suspension and many other options, increased the already good sales of Lexus.

Between 1998 and 2008, one million Lexus RX (1st and 2nd generation) were sold. It is no secret that in Russia they love the Toyota and Lexus brands primarily for their reliability, and prices in the secondary market have been falling for a long time. Well, let's look at the so-called "Toyota" reliability on the example of the second generation Lexus RX.

Weaknesses of the RX 300 (European market), RX 330 (United States market), RX 350 and RX 400H (European and US markets) or what to look for when buying a car.

Sores	Solutions
Engine
failure of the inverter in a hybrid	only RX400H, can be replaced for free with modified Lexus
crackle of VVT-i couplings	only on RX350, can be solved by changing the oil on Mobil1 0w-40
leakage of the engine cooling radiator, leaks due to our reagents, especially in cities with a million population	solved by replacing it with a Chinese analogue
rupture of one of the sections of the engine rubber oil pipe	replace with a metal tube for a free Lexus service campaign - only applies to RX 350
Transmission
not large foam of automatic transmission, especially noticeable when switching from 2nd to 3rd gear, occur due to the "brains" of the automatic transmission, it is adaptive and when changing driving style, it can "kick"	for rx330 there is automatic transmission firmware that fixes the problem, for rx300 there is no solution, in rx350 and RX400H this problem is not observed
Air suspension
the front struts knock on rebound and a dull sound under the feet of the front passenger on small bumps	support bearings knock, they can be replaced, they are not expensive, but a dull sound is already the development of the air shock absorber itself, it can be restored in companies specializing in the repair of air suspension
- the car "collapsed" on one side, stands crooked	you need to check the body position and thrust sensors to these sensors, the rear right rod often breaks down, it is not difficult and not expensive to replace
the transition to springs will help to radically solve the problems with the air suspension
Brakes
beating on the steering wheel when braking	The front brake discs "drive", this happens when you have a full car of people, and you dynamically eat and start braking in front of a puddle, water can get on the brake disc and "drive" it, you can replace it with Textar discs - the problem goes away
the handbrake does not hold back, but keeps forward	we tighten the parking brake cables, if it does not help, we put new ones
sour caliper guides	before replacing pads and brake discs - lubricate the guides
Body
weak bonnet paintwork, the bonnet is highly prone to chipping	the best solution is painting the bonnet and a sticker "armored film"
flow into the cabin from the roof rails	you need to remove the rails and coat the bolts with sealant with which they are screwed to the roof
Salon
crickets in the cabin	there is no cardinal solution, it is better to arm yourself with good silicone grease, and grease the sealing gum of the doors and hatch

I have highlighted the main sores rx 300, 330, 350 and rx 400h that it is desirable to eliminate, there are others, but they are not significant. Say a lot for a premium brand, and even for Toyota? In part, wake you right, all cars break down! But the most important components of the Lexus, and this is the gearbox, engine, suspension - are very reliable, and the body is resistant to corrosion.

You can join the discussion or ask a question at the link above.

The topic of "unreliability" of automatic transmissions on the first generation Lexus RX 300 is raised more often than others.

To dispel myths and legends, collect general information and just opinions, this topic was created. This (root) post will collect key links as well as useful information.

Myth - the RX300 automatic transmission is unreliable.

Reality - With proper operation, the service life of the RX300 automatic transmission is about 300 thousand kilometers.

Myth - automatic transmission repair Lexus RX 300 is insanely expensive

Reality - not more expensive than most cars with automatic transmission. About 60 thousand rubles on a turnkey basis, with removal, installation, spare parts and all consumables. And the reliability after repair is much higher than European cars.

At the moment, the club community has concluded that the best place to repair the automatic transmission is the club's partner, the company. The cost of a complete repair of an automatic transmission with a club discount is less than 60 thousand rubles, the quality has been checked by club members.

The main reasons for repairs:

1. Slipping. The RX300 is not an SUV, but a SUV. Don't skid! If you have sat down, it is better to immediately find the cable than to force the transmission! Trying to get out of the way is the death sentence of an automatic transmission.

2. Changing the oil to a non-original... In the automatic transmission RX300 - pour only Type T-IV, original Toyota oil. Do not listen to "experts" who assure that this is "ordinary Dexron, the current is more expensive." T-IV contains a number of specific frictional additives that are specifically designed for this type of transmission. "Analogs" from Castrol, etc., which supposedly fully comply with T-IV, have also been brought up more than once.

3. Untimely or illiterate filter replacement... Washing the filter of the "old" sample (iron mesh), instead of changing to the "new" one (with paper filling). The topic on automatic transmission filters on the RX 300 is

4. Oil change in automatic transmission... with answers and opinions on many popular questions.

5. Continuous movement at high speed with heavily soiled cooling radiators ("main" and under the wing). The consequence is overheating, reduced resource.

6. Coiled run!... Most RX300s in Russia have coiled mileage, although 99% firmly believe in its "honesty" and carefully pass on the "legend" explaining the 100 thousand miles on duty ("the oligarch's wife hardly traveled," "the minister gave her daughter, and she went to study in Cambridge "," the eighth car in the family "," I just went to the beach and drove a VAZ2107 "," I have a Harrier, but they don't drive much in Japan, I have pieces of paper with hieroglyphs ", etc.) about my car to the next buyer.

But look at things sensibly. The RX300 is a comfortable and fast car. Less than 20 thousand a year for such a machine is a unique case (legends - into the furnace!). More often 25-30, sometimes more. Thus, for the average static RX300 99-2000, we get about 200-250 thousand kilometers for 2008. Not less! ... And most likely, over the years, the car has seen everything. The previous owners slipped on a fishing trip or in a snowy yard, and the oil change period was overdue a couple of times ("Japanese is not Lomazza!") And in the "service of good friends" they changed the oil to Mobile-ATF at 100 rubles per can. And here is the result. Your box needs repair.

Hope dies last. Variants of "shamanism" (or maybe the wiring is gone, the terminal should be removed from the battery or just the oil should be changed?) Help in 1 percent out of 100. If you want to waste a couple of hundred before repairing, the choice is yours.

Do you still have doubts, want to know more?
Then below are collected links for you that will answer all your questions.

1. Club "Knowledge Base"... Start from here! Please read the section on

5. - general theme

Attention! In disputes, truth is born. When reading the materials, keep in mind that some opinions expressed in disputes are controversial! But after spending about an hour studying a selection of texts, you yourself will understand what is true and what is not.

Before asking questions, carefully read the entire thread, links and the information they contain!... Detailed answers have already been written for 99% of the questions, do not be lazy to find them yourself!

From the beginning - general information. Don't expect to see mechanical gearboxes on the RX - only automatic ones. Front wheel drive cars exist, but there are very few of them. All-wheel drive on RX - with a traditional center differential, and on restyled cars - even with a viscous clutch that blocks it. In principle, the design was the same on the first generation RX, but when the generation changed, the drive circuit was slightly simplified. A car with such a lock does not become a serious SUV, but on slippery surfaces the handling is slightly better. In addition, without blocking, breaking the transfer case turned out to be easier than ever: it was enough to skid for a couple of minutes with a completely stationary rear axle. For example, on running drums when passing a vehicle inspection.

The mechanical part of the transmission is remarkably reliable. You just need to watch the CV joints anthers, and after one and a half hundred thousand run, listen to the vibrations at the start. If they are, you will have to check the propeller shaft, or rather, its intermediate support, in order to avoid expensive repairs to the "pipe" itself. And do not forget that the oil in the transfer case and the rear gearbox must be changed every 40-50 thousand kilometers. It is there, of course, not eternal.

On front-wheel drive cars, early wear of the CV joints is possible, especially of the inner tripod, which is reflected in increased noise and obvious overheating of the cover plastic under prolonged load.

Now let's move on to the gearboxes.

Automatic transmissions on all non-hybrid versions are variations of the Aisin 95-51LS unit (Toyota classification - U151F / E). In general, the classic - five steps, electronic control and a rather conservative design.

On most cars, before restyling, the automatic transmission has a dipstick, and in most American cars with the trailer towing option, the box from the factory is equipped with an external reinforced radiator, and not just a heat exchanger in the engine radiator.

There are several variants of the automatic transmission control unit. For European cars, even a tiptronic was offered - a variant with manual gear shifting, but in fact, all boxes are exactly the same in terms of resource and capabilities.

Mono-drive 151E gearboxes are cheaper, and the exact same ones were installed on Camry, RAV4 and a bunch of other models, so if necessary, you can find a completely live machine from a lighter car with a weak engine. On a heavy crossover, even the mono-drive box is very heavily loaded. All-wheel drive automatic transmissions 151F are more than one and a half times more expensive and probably have less residual life.

Nevertheless, the automatic transmission of the E series perfectly turns into an F, you just need to change the "bell", the main pair, and sometimes put the reference disc and sensors. This will significantly reduce costs in case of automatic transmission breakdown. Indeed, the repair of this five-stage usually costs more than 60 thousand, and most likely, the price will be twice as high: a "standard" set of spare parts with a full bulkhead usually pulls 30-50 thousand, often planetary gears also play back, and they are changed to " used "or restored. And a good contract unit can sometimes be bought for less than 50 thousand, since this automatic transmission model is very common.

Experienced toyotaists know that these are very reliable boxes, capable of passing 300-400 thousand kilometers without any problems with a timely oil change. So why is there such an emphasis on renovations?

In the photo: Lexus RX 400h "2005–09

On the Lexus RX, the box is very overloaded, especially when paired with a 3.5 liter engine. With runs of less than 200 thousand, cars are regularly encountered, the boxes of which can kick and hit. And a complete failure, unfortunately, is not such a rarity. In addition, the software of American cars turned out to be sharpened for a very unhurried style of movement.

With the slightest contamination of the mass air flow sensor and the throttle and small fluctuations in the parameters of the lambda sensors, at which the engine still feels great, age-old cars begin to "kick" solely because of control system failures. Kicks on downshifts are quite standard problems, especially when accelerating hard after a steady ride. With normal acceleration from a standstill, the problem is less pronounced and is mainly associated with damage to the automatic transmission itself.

They tried to cure the problem with the new software of the box, and in part it helps. If the “hardware” of the automatic transmission is in order and the valve body is not dirty, the situation, as a rule, improves. But usually intervention in the motor is also required: cleaning the MAF, checking the condition of the throttle and cleaning it, checking and adapting the TPS. Replacing spark plugs often helps, especially on MZ engines.

The valve body, traditionally for Aisin, is very sensitive to oil contamination and does not like aggressive drivers who erase the blocking lining of the gas turbine engine during intensive acceleration. But he loves the external filter box and a good external radiator with a thermostat.

In terms of the mechanical part, the automatic transmission is quite reliable. First of all, the automatic transmission rear cover caliper and its O-rings are subject to wear. With pressure leaks in this zone, the Ovedrive package suffers, and sometimes Direct. Often the root cause is a breakdown of the needle bearing of the cover, it should be checked immediately if there are shocks when turning on the second and third gears. To check, you do not even need to remove the box; it is enough to slightly lower the power unit on the stretcher.

Operation with dirty oil leads to damage to the pump cover and its sleeve, as well as the gas turbine oil seal, and to progressive valve body problems.

Unfortunately, with powerful motors there is a risk of damage to the Forward planetary gear (rear). It has a backlash in the axes of the satellites, and in advanced cases it cuts out their teeth, severely damaging the box as a whole.

It is advisable to periodically check and replace the heaviest loaded solenoids to avoid mechanical problems. Basically - line pressure solenoid and SL1 solenoids, and sometimes SL2-SL3.

Cars of the first years of production may not have the most successful modification of the hydraulic plate, and in order to improve the quality of work, it is better to replace it in the assembly with a later version (2005-2009 model year).

The hybrids were equipped with a completely different transmission. It is sometimes called a variator, but it has nothing to do with traditional designs with a belt or chain.

The Synergy Drive uses an electrically coupled differential drive in the low torque branch. Unclear? It is rather difficult to explain on the fingers, but we will try.

Imagine a design of two differentials, one of which divides the power flow into two branches, and the other brings it back together. If we put a gearbox on one of the branches, and make the differentials asymmetrical (so that only a small part of the power is transmitted to the gearbox), then something like Synergy drive will turn out. Only instead of a gearbox there is an electric transmission, and the two differentials are made in the form of one complex planetary multi-mode transmission. An electric transmission can completely decouple this drive (in this case, the car will go only on electric traction), work only in generator mode, or completely block the branch using a mechanical lock (all motor power will be transmitted only through the "differentials" by a mechanical link). By varying the "gear ratio" of the generator - electric motor ligament, you can get any gear ratio for this gearbox relative to the internal combustion engine and the output shaft. I hope it became clearer?

If not, do not worry: the design is really extremely complex, multi-mode and unique in its own way. And surprisingly not capricious in work, because there is a minimum of complex hydraulics, the mechanics are very reliable, and the load goes mainly to the electrical part.

Motors

The Lexus RX engine range is not very impressive in scope, but the quality is excellent. Before restyling, the cars were equipped with V6 engines of the MZ series of 3.0 and 3.3 liters, after restyling, the version of this engine remained on hybrids. All these are the 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE engines, the old "fighters" of the Toyota school.

After restyling, the engines of the new 2GR-FE series with a volume of 3.5 liters became the basis of the engine range. Their overall reliability is the highest, but there are still some weak points.

Radiator

price for original

45 266 rubles

With regular maintenance, all motors have a chance to change 300-350 thousand kilometers without major repairs, and with some luck, even step over half a million kilometers. And the enemies of these engines are well known to us: poor choice of oils, overheating, dirty filters, malfunctions of power and control systems, malfunctions of the transmission and aggressive driving.

The common weak point of all Lexus RXs (except for the hybrid version) is the main radiator. Replacing it regularly and monitoring leaks is a guarantee of a long life for the motors. The radiator is prone to leaking tanks in the lower part. As many believe, due to the not very successful design and fastenings, the long lower part sags. Non-original nodes often have a greater resource and are less susceptible to the problem, but care must be taken so that they do not turn out to be thinner.

Also, on all motors, the pump resource is below average, so it is worth regularly "listening" to it. Especially often it fails at 2GR, but on MZ motors this unit is also not perfect, and besides, it is difficult to replace.

In the photo: Lexus RX 350 "2006-09

MZ motors are renowned for their resource, and they are truly "eternal" in passenger cars. But there are some things to remember.

Timing belt 1MZ-FE

price for original

2 403 rubles

Firstly, these motors have a timing belt drive. It is reliable, you just need to remember to change it and not skimp on details. And watch out for oil leaks, which are very dangerous for a timing belt. Unfortunately, there are leaks in older motors. Lids and oil seals often leak, for which it is worth saying "thanks" to the simple crankcase ventilation system.

Another unpleasant feature is the tendency to detonate. Installing the wrong spark plugs, running on 92nd gasoline, contaminated radiators - all this greatly reduces not only power, but also resource. And you need to very carefully monitor the condition of the knock sensors, which fans of the brand recommend replacing with new ones after ten years of operation.

The design of the cooling system can also deliver a lot of unpleasant minutes. In the collapse of the block there is a bypass hose of the small circle of the system, which heats up and is prone to leaks. It is difficult to get to it - you need to remove the entire intake. It is also not easy to get close to the thermostat, which, although reliable, is not eternal: you will either need to remove the intake, or seriously disassemble the attachment from the end of the motor. Much more often you will have to change the thermostat gasket, which is also prone to leaks.

In the photo: Under the hood of the Lexus RX 350 "2006–09

Contamination of the throttle and the crankcase ventilation system, the gradual "creeping" of its tubes - this is a "disease" of almost all old engines. But for some reason, the wiring of the injectors gradually peeling off is found mainly in the RX. It is also located in the collapse of the block, and any repair turns into a serious test.

The phase shifter valves require regular replacement to prevent unnecessary stress on the timing.

In the photo: Lexus RX 330 "2003-06

The choke here is very tricky: with mini chokes that limit the power of a cold engine, and of a complex shape. As a result, it becomes dirty more easily than we would like, and it is difficult to rinse it. It will no longer be possible to spray with a carbcliner, you will have to remove and wash it, and the older the motor, the more often.

The rest of the motors are quite strong and also extremely inexpensive. Both in repair and in replacement.

Timing chain 2GR-FE

price for original

5 150 rubles

After restyling, two engines were replaced by one, but with a volume of 3.5 liters and a capacity of about 270 hp, which significantly improved the dynamic parameters of the car. There is a chain in the timing drive of this engine, and its control system is noticeably more modern than its predecessors. But there are more difficulties with these motors, despite the more recent year of production, and they themselves are more expensive.

The most dangerous generic problem is the oil line on cars manufactured in 2006-2008. With runs of more than 50 thousand kilometers, the rubber hose in the timing control system leaked, and the oil consumption in this system was such that the engine lost it completely in five minutes. Effects - . During the recall campaign, dealers changed the hose, and on later cars, a single tube was used instead of two pipes and a hose. When choosing a machine, you should pay attention to this nuance, and if there is a hose, immediately replace it with part 15772-31030.

In the photo: Under the hood of the Lexus RX 400h "2005–09

The "problem of the fifth cylinder" on this motor even got its own name - "PPTs". In fact, on 2GR-FE this is more of a problem for the first cylinder, and the fifth cylinder dies on 2GR-FSE engines on the next generation of the model. When operating on dusty roads, due to the design of the intake, the penetrating dust begins to kill the first and fifth cylinders. Intake valves die, scuffs appear, the compression ring may collapse. Complicated by all poor circulation of coolant in this area.

The same problem manifests itself when the catalyst "dies", so keep an eye on its condition. When purchasing, it is recommended to carefully inspect the intake manifold and throttle for the presence of sand, and the cylinders will not be damaged by endoscopy. And even the usual measurement of compression can tell a lot about the standing of the motor.

In the photo: Lexus RX 400h "2005–09

After the purchase, it is worth buying only high-quality filters, putting them on silicone grease and monitoring the condition of the catalyst, especially in regions where there are many starts at very low temperatures: they wear out this unit greatly.

Pump 1MZ-FE

price for original

5 152 rubles

The pump resource is sometimes insultingly small: the original can leak with runs up to 50 thousand. Cars from cold regions are especially at risk. In addition, the motor is very sensitive to the fluid level and the quality of the cooling system, so even slight overheating cannot do without consequences.

When operating with low viscosity SAE30 oil and regular high loads in hot weather, scuffing of the liners is possible. This is especially true for the RX due to the heavy weight of the machine and the associated increased loads. After 200 thousand runs, it would be nice to remove and clean the crankcase and the front pipe of the oil pump. For heavy summer use, it is better to use oils with a viscosity higher than SAE40.

The resource of chains varies widely depending on the style of operation. It is not uncommon for a car with chains that have traveled both more than 250 thousand kilometers and rattling with runs of less than a hundred. True, the noise of the chain at startup is often confused with the noise from the phase shifter couplings, which are not made in the best way here. This noise is quite harmless, the clutches are strong, but it will be extremely unpleasant for perfectionists. The price of new couplings is quite high, and the noise is guaranteed to manifest itself with a mileage of more than 60 thousand. Despite these small flaws, the motor is quite resourceful and reliable. And even easy to repair.

In the photo: Lexus RX 350 "2006-09

Unfortunately, the tax for engines above 250 hp is too large, which is unpleasant for rather economical cars in operation. However, if you want a fresher overall car, you have no other options.

conclusions

If you want a practical car, buy a Toyota. If you need a car with a soul and a pleasant attention to detail - take Lexus. RX brilliantly confirms this rule.

Nice body, stuffing, motors and boxes. Excellent design and interiors, excellent comfort and quite decent driving characteristics - all this the car has. And even the price doesn't bite.

Among the minuses we will name the cost of fuel, and in the case of cars after restyling - taxes, despite the fact that 270 hp. don't make a crossover a racing car. Moreover, the difference in dynamics with cars before restyling and engines with a volume of 3.3 liters is not noticeable at all.

In the photo: Lexus RX 300 "2003-06

Choosing, as always, is a specific instance, since many of these cars were bought by "riders" who did not think about maintenance and generously spent the resource allocated to the car, saving on maintenance.

And don't be tempted by the hybrid version. Yes, in urban operation, you can "knock down" the flow rate to 10-11 liters per hundred, which is not bad for a large car, but problems with a hybrid will nullify the joy of this savings. It is better then to buy a diesel car from Europe: there will be dynamics, and lower maintenance costs, and handling. And most importantly, the car will be predictable (if you choose the right one), but what the hybrid will throw up is a difficult question.

Few people know that the world's first mass-produced hybrid SUV was made not by advanced Japanese, but by conservative Americans. It was a Ford Escape Hybrid. Yes, there was little off-road in it, yes, in the land of the rising land by that time, hybrids were riveted for several years ... But this very fact greatly annoyed the descendants of the samurai.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

What's the point of a hybrid car? Is it more than the marketing quirks of automakers and green pressure? Are there any advantages over, say, a small-capacity and economical internal combustion engine with an advanced exhaust gas cleaning system? As for the questions themselves, it is clear that the main bonus should be sought in the economic and environmental fields. As an example, let's take our hero - Lexus RX450h, whose power plant works according to the parallel hybrid scheme. The internal combustion engine, operating on the Atkinson-Miller cycle with long opening of the intake valves and a high compression ratio, is connected at medium speeds and above, almost never idling and avoiding the most harmful loads, where it is assisted by an electric motor. Acceleration from standstill, sharp acceleration, driving in a traffic jam - all this significantly increases fuel consumption and the level of harmful emissions. And this happens in places of maximum concentration of people. And it turns out that the engine is, in principle, small in volume and economical, the dynamics is not lost, because the electric motor helps, emissions are noticeably less and fuel consumption is lower. These are the obvious benefits of hybrids. Less obvious, but extremely important for us, can be found by examining the state of affairs in the secondary market. Not so long ago I had a chance to talk with the owner of an eleven-year-old Toyota Prius. This is interesting because the same power unit is used in the Lexus RX450h. So, the most important thing that I heard from the "priusovod" is that it never breaks. That is, in general! Well, the gradual wear of the chassis, well, bulbs, consumables, chips on the body - that's understandable. But as for the engine, transmission and electrical systems, everything is incredibly reliable, requires almost no maintenance and does not lose its consumer properties even after 300 thousand mileage. To find out how much the battery life has fallen during the operation, we tried to drive in the "Electro" mode as much as possible. It turned out almost two and a half kilometers of ordinary country roads. The eight-year-old Lexus RX400h, according to owners, runs nearly four. It turns out that after our winters, maintenance and torn urban rhythm, the battery is more alive than all living things. Actually, this is all that potential owners of hybrid cars are afraid, but not all that they may encounter while using the third generation Lexus RX450h.

Battery backed by an eight-year warranty

JUST LIKE OTHERS

In addition to the unique "hybrid" problems, the Lexus RX450h also has the usual, so to speak, typical for each car. Associated only with the specifics of the brand and model. On the way, owners of hybrid Japanese crossovers most often complain about knocking in the rear suspension. Most likely, these are stabilizer struts. In general, penny parts (as well as their replacement), if it were not for Lexus. The original costs about 2 thousand rubles, but you can find a reliable supplier for 800 rubles. Unlike purely gasoline versions, the hybrid was not equipped with air suspension, which slightly reduces the cost of maintenance. Springs will cost 28 thousand rubles per pair, shock absorbers - 10. More often than others, the upper wishbone of the rear suspension also needs replacing - the silent block wears out. They say that it can be repaired in a workshop, but more often the entire lever is changed, which is relatively inexpensive: about 6 thousand for a lever and 4.5 thousand for a replacement. Tapping can also come from short traction

hub, which costs from 5 thousand for the original. Otherwise, with the exception of the stabilizer struts, the suspension does not require intervention up to 150 thousand kilometers, despite the fact that it is more loaded than usual, since the battery is stacked above the rear axle.

The minimum ground clearance in the area of \u200b\u200bthe gas tank is 180 mm

The front suspension did not show any typical problems, although fans of a sharp ride more often than others complain about wheel bearings wear. Well, stabilizers, where can we go without them. Both can be replaced on a run for just over 50 thousand. The bearing will cost 3 thousand for the original, and half of that amount, for example, for Koyo. The stabilizer stands will cost 700-800 rubles per part. The knock of the steering rack ends, as a rule, by replacing the tips. It's not as expensive as it might seem - about 5 thousand per pair. The rake itself is quite reliable, but if you do not monitor the safety of the covers, you can get a replacement, and this is almost 40 thousand rubles without work!

An E-CVT variator was installed on the Lexus RX450h as a transmission. The planetary clutch, which connects the front electric motor to the internal combustion engine, and the starter-generator also work with it. Quite reliable design, despite the large number of nodes. There were no serial refusals, no serious recall campaigns. The variator allows you to manually select virtual gears and allows the owner to decide in which of the three possible modes to move: economy, normal or sport. This is not counting the electric ...

Nothing special can be said about the engine. Despite the 450 index in the model name, under the hood of the hybrid crossover there is a 2GR-FE - a 3.5-liter V6. In fact, the same as on the RX350, except that it is derated to 249 hp, due to a special duty cycle. The timing drive is a chain, which, when replaced, will cost 5 thousand rubles. The drive should be changed every 150 thousand kilometers, and it is unlikely that you will have to do this more often, since the very design of a hybrid car does not allow the engine to work for wear. Questions may arise except for the injectors, due to the poor quality of the fuel. It is not easy to notice this, since the idle speed of the internal combustion engine is considered not, and the jerks during acceleration are compensated by the electric motors. Until 2010, the oil supply system to the VVTi system sinned with leaks, but after replacing the composite tube with a one-piece and massive service campaign, the problem disappeared. It happens that the phase change clutch grunts. It can be replaced if annoying, or you don't need to. Sometimes they complain about a pump leak, but this problem did not become widespread. In a word, an ordinary, boring Japanese motor, which cannot please even the most curious journalist with something ugly.

The hybrid is ready for fords and ruts,
but does not handle sand and snow poorly.
This is understandable - only the electric motor turns the wheels

JUST LIKE OTHERS

The most serious problem of the second generation Lexus RX hybrid was a sudden failure of the electrical part of the drive. More precisely, the burnout of the inverter of the power supply system of the electric motor-generator. And it doesn't matter if this happened as a result of overheating of the power transistor switches themselves or a breakdown of the inverter cooling pump. It is important that the unit was either changed under a warranty / recall campaign, or was bought for $ 700 on Ebay ... There seem to be no such problems on the Lexus RX450h. It seems to be because the official dealers say no, but at the same time there is a service campaign for the replacement of inverters ... The fact is that sensors have been added to the cooling system of the unit that turn off the current if the load exceeds the pump's capabilities. The owner only needs to closely monitor the supply of coolant in the expansion tank, or at least pay attention to the indicators on the instrument panel. Long before entering the critical mode, a warning signal of a malfunction of the cooling system warns of danger. The inverter board itself costs a little more than 100 thousand rubles, and the entire unit costs almost half a million, so you should not ignore the signal.

There are two electric motors in the Lexus RX450h. They work independently of each other, each actuating its own axis. There are extremely rare cases of damage to the rear motor housing, as it hangs to the side of the differential and is not covered by anything. A contract gearbox with an electric motor can be found for 40 thousand. Original new - three times more expensive. The front unit, new, original and ready for installation, costs about 220 thousand rubles. A generator costs about 150 thousand, which is also a launcher for an internal combustion engine. It is impossible to say that electric motors never fail, but failures are so rare that no characteristic problems have been identified.

Previously, the terrible words "hybrid battery" have long since frightened anyone. And at - 36 ° C it works, and a ten-year resource easily survives. I mean the main power supply, hidden under the rear row of seats and in the trunk of the Lexus RX450h. By the way, do not fill up the space between the first and second row of seats with luggage. There are air intakes for cooling and ventilation of the battery compartment. If they are closed, the battery may overheat and go into emergency mode. The warranty period for the entire block of elements is eight years in Russia. Any frequent complaints about battery failure have not been identified. However, it should be remembered that a new battery will cost the cost of a new "Niva" - almost half a million rubles.

Hybrid Lexus at the beginning of sales cost significantly more than their usual counterparts. They were sold so-so, although the owners quickly realized how successful their choice was. On the secondary market, there will hardly be a hundred of them per country. This includes both the American versions and those officially sold here. The cost starts at one and a half million. If you are not afraid of a hybrid in principle, you are not retrograde, you live close to a qualified service and do not go off-road heavier than a snow rush in half a wheel, - hybrid Lexus

The RX450h will be one of the greatest purchases of your life. And because Lexus, and because a hybrid. And the transport tax on it is almost twice lower than on a regular RX, since the declared power is 249 hp. calculated by combustion engine, not cumulative. In a word, not a car, but a bright future!

OWNER REVIEW:
ARTEM, LEXUS RX450H 2010

The car really liked its acceleration. Not even dynamics up to a hundred, but an instant response to the pedal. And both from a place and in motion. Very quiet. Comfortable interior, wide armchairs not in Japanese style, excellent equipment. They say that after the 2012 restyling, it became even more convenient. Consumption pleases, even in the city I can keep within 8.5 liters.

Russian motorists have long appreciated the Lexus RX300. This car combines high comfort, excellent image and very stylish appearance. Plus it is very reliable. But for all this you have to pay a considerable amount.

Few people can afford a new car, but a used car aged 3-7 years is much more affordable. But is it worth buying a used Lexus RX300?

For the first time, a car with such an appearance was presented in 1997. Then it had a different name (Toyota Harrier) and it was available only to residents of the Land of the Rising Sun. One year later, the Japanese introduced the Lexus RX300, which was initially sold exclusively in the North American market. However, two years later, it began to be supplied to Europe. And this was a step in the right direction, since the car was appreciated not only by Americans, but also by residents of Europe. First of all, buyers liked the design of the car, which still looks very stylish. Actually, it was the appearance that often became decisive in the choice of this car.

As for the Lexus RX300 present on the Russian market, most of them are from Canada or the USA. The Canadian version is considered somewhat more consistent with our realities, since the lighting technology of this option meets European requirements. True, European Lexus RX300 can also be found, and they have some differences from their American counterparts. First of all, it is worth noting the 17-inch wheels and a stiffer suspension. True, it is quite a bit stiffer, but this is enough to noticeably improve the car's handling at high speeds. There are some differences in the vehicle interior. For example, the European RX300 has a touch-screen monitor, but the seat memory may not be available.

In view of the above, motorists often do not know which option should be preferred. It is difficult to answer this question in a nutshell. It is believed that cars from America have more mileage and enter the Russian market in a slightly worse condition than Europeans, who, according to public opinion, come to us in almost perfect condition. It is possible that there is some truth in this, but when it comes to a specific car, everything can change exactly the opposite.

But what can be said almost for sure is that the Lexus RX300 from the United States is usually cheaper than the "Europeans". This is explained, firstly, by the fact that the Lexus RX300 in America is initially cheaper than in Europe, and secondly, by the high rate of the euro.

There are only two factors, and as a result, the American Lexus will cost 3-5 thousand dollars cheaper. By the way, if you want to save some more, you need to look for versions with a drive only to the front axle, which were once sold in the USA. True, the purchase of such cars is not recommended, since it is still, although "parquet", but an SUV should remain an SUV and, accordingly, have a four-wheel drive.

The Lexus RX300 has several complete sets, but you should not worry about this. Even the most sparsely equipped RX300s have multiple airbags, a CD player, and a set of electric drives. It is usually said that the base Lexus RX300 has a leather interior. But in reality, the seats of the European version are often trimmed with velor, while American cars are always trimmed with leather. In addition to all the essentials, the RX300 includes things like a compass, garage door remote control or navigation system. The ergonomics of the cabin, as well as the availability of free space, are also not satisfactory, although some, especially discerning owners, complained that the seats devoid of lateral support are not good enough.

A huge plus of the Lexus RX300 is that, despite the abundance of various electrics, it works without problems and breakdowns, even on those cars that already have a solid mileage. Of course, they can also break down, but these breakdowns are not of a massive nature. It makes sense to pay attention only to the front "turn signals" on cars from the United States, which are located in the bumpers: sometimes the wiring rots in them. However, to restore the turn signals, you will have to pay very little - about $ 30. Actually, this is the only drawback that car owners and mechanics could remember. The fact that metal does not rot is a matter of course, as is the high cost of spare parts, which is quite natural for a car like the Lexus RX300.

The RX300 was equipped with only a 3.0-liter "six" with a characteristic Toyota VVT-i variable valve timing system. In American versions, this engine develops 223 hp, while the "Europeans" are somewhat weaker (201 hp). However, it should be borne in mind that in both versions the power was calculated in accordance with different standards. It is possible that this is precisely why, in practice, no noticeable difference in the power of the "Europeans" and "Americans" is noticeable. In any case, it is unrealistic to determine which car is from Europe and which from the States on the go. Be that as it may, the car remains very fast and gains a hundred kilometers in just 9 seconds. But the maximum speed is artificially limited at around 180 km / h: the creators of the car decided that it was simply dangerous to gain high speed on this SUV.

The big advantage of the Lexus RX300 is its modest fuel consumption for an SUV - in city driving conditions, approximately 12-14 liters per 100 km are consumed.

According to experienced mechanics (working with the Lexus RX300 from the first years of its production), there are no serious problems with the car's engine. During the entire period of its existence, there were only a few cases of his "death", and each time the owner of the car was to blame for this.

Lexus RX300 of the early years of production, having high mileage and rather worn out engines, began to enter the Russian market only from 2004-2005. However, in this case, the reason for the dubious standing of the power unit was the former owners of these cars. Most likely, the owners of the cars were not regularly inspected, and the oil used was of poor quality. As a rule, this is typical for American cars: in this country, young people tend to buy a status car with their last money, and then “cut off the corner” of not using it. However, even in such machines, only the rear crankshaft oil seal is subject to replacement.

True, this operation is technically quite complicated and therefore the replacement cost is about $ 550. Another (albeit small) problem is the burnout of the muffler in the middle part, where the corrugated insert "gives up". However, this happens only on copies of the first years of production and the cost of repairs is quite moderate (about $ 200). What else will the owner of the RX300 have to fork out for, carrying out repairs and diagnostics of this car?

Platinum candles on Russian-made gasoline sometimes quickly fade into oblivion, but almost anyone can spend about $ 90 a year on a new set. In addition, many Lexus RX300 owners put regular candles for $ 20-30, which also work pretty well. Manufacturers recommend changing the timing belt every 100,000 km. mileage. Specialists from Russia also agree with this, since, in their opinion, the belt is very reliable. It will cost $ 250-300 to replace it, along with drive belts and rollers.

The gearbox, like the engine, will not learn to choose - only a four-speed automatic transmission is installed on all machines. It is distinguished by its extraordinary reliability and does not seem to know about wear and tear.

However, this is not at all a reason not to check it before buying a used car. If the previous owner was not too caring, then buying a new box or repairing it will cost 1.5-2.5 thousand dollars.

The car has a permanent all-wheel drive system with torque distribution on two axles in a 50/50 ratio. In addition, there is a center differential with a viscous coupling. But it's still not worth climbing into impassable mud, since there are no mechanical locks or low gears. In terms of reliability, both the transmission and the four-wheel drive system are very good and usually do not need repairs.

As for the chassis of the Lexus RX300, everything is fine here too and no costly problems are found. The suspension, both front and rear, is completely independent and, for all its complexity, is very reliable, especially if you are not driving off-road, but on asphalt, for which the car is mostly designed. And although spare parts for the undercarriage cost a lot, their cost cannot be called fabulous. For example, you will need to pay 80-100 $ for the installation of stabilizer struts and bushings. There are enough of them, depending on the quality of roads and driving style, for 40-70 thousand km. The shock absorber support bearings have a resource of 100-120 thousand kilometers and their replacement with installation will cost one hundred dollars each.

But the shock absorbers themselves can live over 150-180 thousand km. For new ones, you will have to pay a rather modest amount, which is approximately equal to the cost of shock absorbers for simpler foreign cars. For one set on the left / right wheel you need to pay $ 150-200.

Actually, on a car five years old, other parts are unlikely to break. But if the car was not operated too carefully, then it may be necessary to replace the rear transverse rods assembled with silent blocks. The cost of this operation (in light of the cost of the machine and the resource of parts) is quite moderate - $ 300-400. The front levers with ball bearings on many cars have never changed at all and, according to auto-masters, they can safely serve another 200-250 thousand km. In addition, it should be noted that the ball joints in this case can be changed separately from the levers.

There are no special complaints about the work of the brakes, and the discs need to be changed approximately every 60-80 thousand km. The cost of one disc will range from $ 150 to $ 200. Of course, you should purchase at least two discs at once, and it is better to immediately install a new set of pads (cost about $ 120). As a result, it turns out that it will take about $ 500 to update the front brakes and about the same will have to be paid for the rear brakes.

Deviating somewhat from the topic, we can say that Lexus RX300 stands out among used cars. The fact is that he has almost no problems that would be worth paying close attention to, and which could scare away the buyer. In addition, this car rarely breaks down at all, which only increases its credibility among motorists. As a result, the only drawback of the Lexus RX300 is its rather high price. In addition, this car is clearly in no hurry to get cheaper, and after, say, two years, its cost will decrease quite a bit.

From the history of the Lexus RX300

The car was introduced in 1998, although under the name Toyota Harrier, a car had appeared in Japan a year earlier, having the same shape. The Harrier was equipped with three engines to choose from: 2 liters (140 hp), 2.4 liters (160 hp) and 3.5 liters (220 hp). But the first "three hundredth" was equipped only with a three-liter V6 engine with 223 hp. and an automatic transmission.

At first, the car was sold only in the States, where, in addition to the classic all-wheel drive version, it was also produced in a front-wheel drive version. The glory of a good car also penetrated into Europe, where it also began to be imported, albeit unofficially. The company's management took this circumstance into account, and in 2000 decided to start selling the Lexus RX300 in the Old World, slightly modernizing it to meet European conditions. The engine began to produce 201 hp, the suspension was “toughened up”, plus a few more minor changes.

In 2003, a new generation Lexus RX300 was introduced, which was sold in the States as the Lexus RX330. The difference was that the RX330 had 233 hp. against 204 forces on the "three hundredth". There were no particular external differences, and this is understandable, since motorists liked the design of the first Lexus RX300 so much that the designers decided not to look for an alternative to an already successful find. The equipment of the new generation cars has become even more impressive, in addition, air suspension has appeared.

A year later (in 2004) the most equipped Lexus to date was presented. It was a Lexus RX400H hybrid based on the RX300 / 330. Its power plant combined an electric motor and a 3.3-liter V6 petrol. In total, the power plant is capable of squeezing out 272 hp, which is roughly equivalent to a 4-liter V8 engine.

In 2006, a new version of this series with a 3.5-liter engine, called the Lexus RX350, went on sale. The 3.5-liter V6 engine develops 276 "horses" and 342 Nm. At the same time, the developers emphasize that the new model is not only more powerful than its predecessors, but also more economical: fuel consumption should decrease by about 8%, amounting to about 11.2 liters / 100km.