Lexus RX second generation: strengths and weaknesses. Affordable luxury: problem areas and ailments Pre-owned Lexus PX II Gearbox and suspension

Modifications Lexus RX II

Lexus RX II 300

Lexus RX II 330

Lexus RX II 400h

Lexus RX II 350

Odnoklassniki Lexus RX II for the price

Unfortunately, this model has no classmates...

Lexus RX II owner reviews

Lexus RX II, 2006

I really like Lexus cars. Now I drive a Lexus RX II. And before that, she first operated a BMW, then another Toyota RAV4. And then my husband gave me this wonderful gift - a great Lexus car. At first, I even began to resent why it was so expensive to spend money on a car, it was too expensive. But I tried it a little ride and realized what it means to enjoy driving. So in the future, if you change from this car to another, then definitely something from Lexus. Comfortable interior, easy to drive, sometimes it feels like the car is alive and drives on its own. Inside the Lexus RX II is very quiet, starting from a place is very easy, the car just picks up speed in a matter of moments. In winter, the city "eats" up to 15 liters per 100 km, in summer up to 13 liters. Therefore, if you hesitate whether to take this car - take it for sure. Choose the Lexus brand, or even better, the Lexus RX II. I've been driving it for two years now and haven't had any problems. You only need to periodically refuel, fill in new oil and treat such a car with love.

Advantages : comfortable interior, easy to drive, quiet interior.

Anna, Belaya Tserkov

Lexus RX II, 2005

The car was operated for five years (from 2006 to 2011) and at the same time it did not bring any troubles. I only had to change the engine oil every 10 thousand km. Well, I also changed as the brake pads wore out. All consumables are not too expensive, for example, pads cost me 1.7 thousand rubles. This despite the fact that on my previous "Peugeot 406" brake pads were almost twice as much. The car did not get stuck either in the snow or in the mud. Thank you for making the Lexus RX II an all-wheel drive vehicle. Even with my height of 190 cm, I can comfortably and comfortably sit in the driver's seat. It is very helpful that there are many settings. Just a wonderful car, considering what kind of roads we have. The high ground clearance of the Lexus RX II and the presence of all-wheel drive came in handy in our winters (you yourself know that public utilities remember that winter has come only when the roads are completely filled with snow and it becomes completely impossible to drive). Also, those around you are respectful, no signals in the ass when you slow down to let a pedestrian pass. Now it would be necessary to change the car, but there is no way to find a decent alternative. The updated RX with a different body is not at all for me, and it looks terrible on the outside and everything in the cabin is somehow miserable.

Advantages : driving position, ground clearance, the attitude of others.

Peter, Kyiv

Lexus RX II, 2007

My set is complete. In addition to the DVD, there is a cassette player (it came in handy, for all the time, once). Navigation is decent (touch), everything draws and shows in the right direction. The music (Mark Levinson) sounds good to the driver and front passenger. The rear passengers of the Lexus RX II are allocated one speaker in the doors. There is a lot of free space in the car, no one is constrained. Armrests are comfortable for everyone sitting in the car. Engine - 276 hp, enough everywhere. The automatic transmission never hinted at a malfunction. Works smoothly and without jerks. The engine never "grunted". The traction is decent.

The air suspension of the Lexus RX II is moderately comfortable, not rolly. On the track, clinging to the road, allows sharp maneuvers. There were no problems with "pneuma". In the mountains, on the highway, through mud and pits, the car behaves with dignity. The seats are acceptable, a continuous road of 2000 km does not cause fatigue. The glove box and trunk are roomy. Visibility from the driver's seat is good. Near xenon shines well, far excellent. I don’t want to change for the next RX because of the unacceptable design, the Germans are alarmed by reviews of reliability, although I would love to try the new Touareg. Let's wait for the "fourth" Lexus RX. The car is ideal for practical drivers who do not require high driving qualities from their car.

Advantages : appearance. Comfortable ride. Reliability.

Andrey, Moscow

The new 4th generation Lexus RX was introduced in April 2015 at the New York Auto Show. Compared to, the new crossover has been significantly redesigned both technically and stylistically.

Exterior

The change in appearance turned out to be revolutionary. The new Lexus RX 2016-2017 is made in the corporate style of the brand and differs significantly from its predecessor. The SUV received an aggressive angular design with a rich relief. Of course, such a style is not for everyone - it will delight someone, and disgust someone.

Undoubtedly, the design of the front of the Lexus RX 2017 in the new body is characterized by a giant radiator grill, which the manufacturer compares in shape with a spindle, as well as diamond-shaped evil “eyes” of the head optics, a ribbed hood and an acute-angled relief of the fog lamp slots.

The new 2017-2018 Lexus RX model looks dynamic in profile due to the prominent “nose” in front, a long front overhang and a blackened C-pillar that creates the effect of a “floating” roof, enhanced by a rear spoiler. Almost square wheel arches, "filled" with large wheels gives the car a masculine look.

The design of the rear of the premium crossover resembles a squinting robot, whose eyes are the taillights. True, when viewed strictly from the rear, the view of the car deteriorates a little due to the small size of the real exhaust pipes located in decorative trapezoidal tips.

The silhouette of the Lexus RX IV 2017 also looks original due to the large length of the car with a relatively small wheelbase.

Salon

In the interior of the new Lexus RX 2016-2017, everything looks “at the level” - high-quality fit, fine leather, although, if desired, you can still easily find “oak” plastic and cheap plastic.

Perhaps the latter does not allow the RX to catch up with premium German SUVs. Instead, Lexus laser-etched decorative aluminum and wood panels are supplied by Yamaha's musical instrument division.

The model has received a new steering wheel that looks and feels premium, bristling with a large number of buttons. In the center of the front panel, apparently to confirm the status, there is a beautiful analog clock.

Due to the increase in the slope of the windshield and the shift of the A-pillars, the space under the glass looks like a tabletop. The screen of the multimedia system now has a tablet design and a large diagonal, located above the front panel in the center.

The interior of the new Lexus RX 2017-2018 model has become more spacious in almost all directions, and the increase in the wheelbase has a positive effect on the rear passenger legroom.

The latter is also optionally offered an entertainment multimedia complex with two screens. The front seats are comfortable and have improved lateral support, which is quite suitable for long-distance trips.

As befits a car of this class, there is a good Pioneer audio system with 9 or 12 speakers, depending on the configuration. For an additional fee, you can install a Mark Levinson high-end system with 15 speakers.

Characteristics

Advertising the new Lexus RX 4th generation, representatives of the Japanese manufacturer “sprayed” marketing slogans about the car’s “driving orientation”, sports sharpness, aggressiveness, rigidity, power and other words pleasant to the ear of a car enthusiast.

In reality, the car looks sporty, youthful and hot only in terms of design. If we talk about driving characteristics, then the new Lexus RX is more of a family car, or a woman's car with an imposing character. It is quiet, smooth, comfortable and tidy, but not wild, angry and hungry for overtaking.

The mid-size 5-seat crossover in a 5-door body has the following dimensions: length 4,890 mm, width - 1,895 mm, height - 1,690 mm, and a wheelbase - 2,790 mm. The curb weight of the car, depending on the engine and drive, is 1,885 - 1,965 kg. Trunk volume is 553 liters as standard or 1,626 liters with the rear seats folded down.

For a smooth and soft ride meets McPherson-type independent spring suspension front and independent spring multi-link rear. The car is equipped with 20-inch wheels 235/55 with ventilated disc brakes on both axles. The ground clearance of the crossover is 200 mm.

The Russian version of the model is offered with three gasoline engines: the new Lexus RX 200t has a 2.0-liter turbo four with a capacity of 238 hp. and 350 Nm of torque, the Lexus RX 300 is equipped with a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine with 301 hp. and 370 Nm, and the RX 460h is powered by a hybrid unit consisting of a 3.5-liter aspirated engine with 263 hp. and 335 Nm and two electric motors, giving out a combined power of 313 forces.

The engines are aggregated in tandem with 6- and 8-band automatic transmissions with manual sequential shifting mode, as well as a variator.

Price in Russia

The Lexus RX 4 crossover is sold in Russia in four trim levels: Executive, Premium, F Sport, Luxury. The price of Lexus RX 2020 in a new body varies from 3,389,000 to 5,574,000 rubles.

AT6 - six-speed automatic transmission
AT8 - eight-speed automatic transmission
CVT - stepless variator
AWD - all-wheel drive (plug-in)
h - hybrid power plant

The first generation Lexus RX appeared in 1998. But the real triumph for the model came after the launch of the second generation. There were three main components: fresh design, luxury attributes and advertised reliability. A lot of time has passed since then. What happened in the end, let's find out on the example of the 2007 Lexus RX with a 3.5-liter engine with a capacity of 276 horses and all-wheel drive. Mileage - 150 thousand kilometers. The issue price is 750 thousand rubles.

Unlike the more recent 3rd and, moreover, the second generation Lexus RX is more like an American. This also applies to the layout of the cabin, and finishing materials. It is immediately clear that the car is "old". But, on the other hand, there is not a single cricket or squeak in the cabin, and the build quality itself is at a fairly high level. Although, as they say on Internet forums, the rear trunk shelf can spoil this harmony, and the swollen armrest looks depressing.

The character of the second generation Lexus RX is soft and calm, so there should be no complaints about the volume of the engine. This is not "driver's car" for you. Hence the sleepy reactions to the gas pedal, and "sluggish" handling; nevertheless, the main emphasis here is on silence and comfort. Well, high and all-wheel drive is, rather, for confidence on a winter road or for “curb parkour”, since on real off-road it will get stuck almost immediately. But the suspension of the second generation Lexus RX has excellent energy intensity, for our roads - “the very thing”. But how reliable the car is, we learn from the lips of auto mechanics of service centers.

Let's start with the engine. In general, this unit is very reliable. His most common problem is changing the valve timing. Over time, the VVT-i adjustment mechanism wears out and begins to “crunch”. This does not affect the speed, but the sound creates an unpleasant feeling of some kind of inferiority. In addition, on the RX300 and RX330 there is such a problem as . Therefore, the owners of these models need to be careful, otherwise you can overheat a reliable, in general, engine.

After restyling, it got better with this, but incidents still happen. They say that even 2 years for the radiator of the RX300 and RX330 is already a serious age. In this regard, many owners use non-original radiators - they cost several times cheaper and last longer. Sometimes they also write about oil leaking together with pipe connections. This also needs to be monitored. Otherwise, the engine does not cause problems, and 1 million is unlikely, but it can drive 500 thousand kilometers.

Now about the box. It's easy with her. Most complain about her jerks. The cure for this problem is flashing (especially on American models). And if you regularly change the oil with a filter every 40 thousand km., Do not carry loads and do not slip, then in general, there should be no problems with it.

Next in line is the suspension. The most common problem is that the steering wheel “beats” when braking. It's all about the brake discs. It is better to put perforated ones with notches, they last longer and are not expensive. Many complain about the rapid wear of the support bearings, the "acidification" of the rear calipers, as well as problems with the air suspension when the car rolls too much. The problem is that it is impossible to change the cylinder separately, you have to change the entire rack assembly, so many people switch to springs.

And all because the air suspension on the second generation Lexus RX is not as useful as on classmates from Germany. The car is not suitable for active driving, it is also not suitable for conquering off-road, so there is not much point in changing the ground clearance. The weak points of the chassis can be safely attributed: the stabilizer bushings, they surrender after 50 thousand kilometers, the rear silent blocks and, a little less often, the steering rack.

Now the electrics. If we talk about the salon, then there are no serious complaints about it. The only thing the owners are not happy with is the radio, which either stops working, then “goes out, then writes various errors. The disease is treated by putting another laser head. By the way, in terms of electrics, there may be another problem for those who like to reset errors by removing the terminals from the battery. After this not cunning, in general, procedure, power windows sometimes stop working. And the most annoying thing is that they cannot be returned to normal life just like that, they will have to reprogram their brains. That's it!

Of the domestic problems, many complain about bad drains, which often clog up, and dampness corrodes the body. In addition, the second generation RX did not do without the usual “Japanese disease” - a weak paintwork with it. To this we can add fogging taillights, delicate windshields (cheap Chinese counterparts are stronger) and weak wipers, they need to be changed quite often.

Now let's calculate how much you need to invest in order to fix all the shortcomings, and what will be the benefit compared to buying a new car. Let me remind you that for our 2007 Lexus RX, sellers are asking, on average, 750 thousand rubles. Repairing the chassis, refreshing the interior and removing cosmetic defects will cost 50-100 thousand, which means that the real price of the car will be 800-850 thousand rubles. As for, the recently released 4th generation is being sold at dealers. In a similar configuration, the car costs 3 million rubles. The difference in price with a used second-generation RX, including the money spent on repairs, is more than 2 million.

The legend that the old Lexus RX of the second generation will easily drive half a million kilometers is, of course, a myth. As a myth, and the fact that spare parts for it cost mere pennies. But when compared with competitors, especially Europeans, this is a really reliable and unpretentious car. Indeed, according to statistics, more than 80% of the owners of the second RX speak of their car only in a positive way.

For the first time the second generation of the mid-size crossover Lexus RX (Toyota Harier in Japan) was presented to fans of the brand in January 2003 at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The second-generation Lexus RX crossover was produced from 2003 to 2009 and produced at factories in Japan and Canada, in 2010 it was replaced by the third-generation Lexus RX.

The appearance of the 2003 Lexus RX model largely inherited the successful design of the previous generation - the first crossover of the Japanese company Lexus. At a cursory glance of an inexperienced motorist - it was easy to confuse representatives of two generations, especially in the front of the body, but there were certainly differences.

The second-generation Lexus RX has grown in size, in comparison with its predecessor, its dimensions have increased in length by 165 mm (up to 4740 mm), in width by 29 mm (up to 1845 mm), in height by 11 mm (up to 1680 mm), wheel dimensions base by 100 mm (2720 mm), the ground clearance remained at the level of 190 mm (with the air suspension installed, the ground clearance is from 170 mm to 215 mm). The front of the crossover is with large triangular headlights, the lower side bordering on the bumper. Between them, on a flowing hood, there is a neat trapezoidal false radiator grille with smooth curved corners. The front bumper with an additional air duct from below bears plastic protection, crossover unpainted plastic is present on the boxes and the rear bumper. Profile of the second generation Lexus RX - with large doors, large wheel arches, easily accommodating "rollers" 225/60 R17 or 235/55 R18, with a powerful rear roof pillar, which, together with swollen wings and highly climbed lighting fixtures, forms a monumental stern. The sloping roofline and heavily swept-up pillars give the body a sporty, unstoppable look. The spoiler, located above the sloping glass of the fifth door, seems not superfluous. Rear "crystal" chandeliers with LED lamps look amazing, especially at night.
The aerodynamics of the Lexus RX is the best in the class, only 0.33 Cx. Such a good result was made possible thanks to the installation of aerodynamic bumpers, a spoiler and generally smooth contours of the crossover body. As a result, the designers quite succeeded in the image of a swift devourer of kilometers of freeways.

The interior of Lexus cars amazes the average car owner with high-quality materials and a high, almost standard level of assembly and equipment. But for the owners of such cars, this is the norm.
The 2nd generation Lexus RX shows full electrification inside. Comfortable leather seats - with a lot of electric adjustments, the steering column helpfully enters the dashboard when getting in and out of the car. The steering wheel is optimally sized for the driver, pleasantly tactile and perfect in grip. The three deep wells of the dashboard are completely dark, but as soon as you insert the key into the ignition, they come to life and give birth to an enchanting performance. The front dashboard is massive, but just enough to fit harmoniously into the interior of a large crossover. The center console is stylishly framed on the sides with metal-like overlays, it houses music controls, climate control, in the most saturated versions, a touch-screen with a rear-view camera and a GPS navigator. At the bottom of the console at high tide, a stylish automatic control lever. There is no transmission tunnel in the cabin, in front you can easily change places with the driver, but in the back, the passenger sitting in the middle does not have to feel deprived of space. In the second row it is convenient and comfortable, the rear seats move on skids, the backrests change the angle of inclination. The luggage compartment is well organized and, thanks to the placement of the spare tire on the outside under the bottom, easily accommodates from 440 to 2130 liters of cargo. The rear door is optionally equipped with an electric drive. Cars sold in Russia had rich equipment: climate control, full power accessories, leather trim, Lexus signature music (perhaps even Mark Levinson), xenon, a sunroof, eight airbags and a lot of other useful and necessary gadgets.

Specifications Lexus RX 2nd generation- a typical representative of the "SUV". This is a crossover with a permanent all-wheel drive system, implemented through the operation of free differentials and electronic imitation of locks (TRC). Front and rear independent suspension on MacPherson struts with anti-roll bars and coil springs (option pneumatic elements), power steering, disc brakes with ABC EBD and VSC stabilization system.

For the 2003-2006 Lexus RX, two petrol six-cylinder engines were offered. The American version of the Lexus RX330 (230 hp) and the European Lexus RX300 (204 hp), three years after the start of production, they were replaced by the Lexus RX 350 (276 hp). All engines were aggregated only with a 5-speed automatic. In 2005, the complex hybrid Lexus RX 400h appeared - its sales in Europe were even greater than those of its gasoline brothers.

The driving characteristics of the second generation Lexus RX are striking in the softness of the suspension (regardless of conventional or pneumatic), absolute indifference to the poor quality of Russian asphalt, honed handling, stability at high speeds (up to a maximum speed of 200 km / h), excellent sound and noise insulation of the cabin. At any speed, Lexus RX gives a feeling of swiftness, but at the same time reliability and complete calmness, it seems that it is simply impossible to knock it off the trajectory of movement. Many owners consider this car to be the best crossover of all the analogues present on the market. Off-road, the Japanese Express becomes helpless and, accordingly, useless, even light off-road is a stumbling block for it. When the wheels slip, the electronics choke the engine and doom the Lexus RX to a stop in hard-to-reach places. Its element is autobahns, while driving a Lexus RX crossover you can easily drive a thousand kilometers without rest, just remember to refuel it. Average fuel consumption is 12.5-15 liters depending on driving style.

There are a lot of offers on the secondary market for the sale of the second generation Lexus RX. The price in Russia for a used Lexus RX crossover in 2012 ranges from 800,000 rubles for a 2003 car to 1,400,000 rubles for a well-groomed 2009 copy.

26.12.2019

Lexus RX 2 (Lexus RX XU30)- premium crossover E-class, produced by the Japanese company Toyota. For many motorists, cars with the Lexus nameplate cause only positive emotions and for good reason. Cars of this brand have always been famous for their bright design, good equipment, high level of safety and reliability. However, even the most sophisticated and expensive cars show many shortcomings and nuances with age. But what are they like in the Lexus RX of the second generation, now let's try to figure it out.

A bit of history:

The Lexus RX concept, called SLV (Sport Luxury Vehicle), was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1997, and a year later, mass production of the model started. In the domestic market of Japan, the car was sold under the name Toyota Harrier. When developing new items, the Toyota Camry platform was taken as the basis. The RX made its debut in the European market after an update carried out in 2000. The restyled version differed from its predecessor in a different optics and the presence of navigation with voice prompts.

Despite the fact that work on the creation of the Lexus RX 2 (XU30) began in the late 90s, the serial version of the novelty was officially presented in 2003. During the change of generations, the car increased in size and acquired new design solutions, but at the same time, its appearance remained recognizable. But the interior and technical equipment have changed more dramatically. In addition to a different performance, the interior, even in the basic configuration, boasts a high level of equipment and premium finishing materials that were previously available only in top trim levels. In addition, the novelty was endowed with a five-speed automatic transmission and improved aerodynamics, which allowed it to maintain its leadership position in the market. In 2005, a hybrid appeared on sale - RX400h. The model was updated in 2007 and 2008, during which the appearance was improved and a new engine appeared - the V6 3.5 liter.

The next generation of the model was presented in 2009 at the Tokyo Auto Show, although, according to the manufacturer, work on its creation has been carried out since 2004. Unlike its predecessors, the new R-X did not have a Toyota-badged twin, as the company decided to abandon Harrier production in favor of the Lexus RX. However, the previous generation of Toyota Harrier (aka Lexus RX XU30) was produced in parallel with the new product until 2013. In 2012, a restyled version of the model debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, in which the radiator grille, bumpers, wheel design changed, and the optics acquired LED strips. In addition, new interior color options and an expanded list of equipment have become available for customers to choose from.

The debut of the fourth generation Lexus RX took place at the New York Auto Show in April 2015. Unlike its predecessors, the novelty received a unique exterior and interior design, better aerodynamics and handling. The range of powertrains has also been upgraded, in which fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced. In addition, the line of units was replenished with a 3.5-liter engine for 300 forces and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Weaknesses and disadvantages of Lexus RX 2 with mileage

The paintwork of this car is of good quality, thanks to which even in the first copies the paint confidently adheres to the body. However, you need to understand that the car is no longer new and the presence of minor damage (chips, scratches) on it is the norm. But their complete absence should alert. Of the problem areas, it is worth highlighting the wheel arches (paint may swell) and the rear part of the threshold (the paintwork is wiped at the points of contact with the plastic lining). Good quality and body iron, however, without proper care and there may be problems with it. Most often, rust breaks through from under the sills and windshield frame. The hood, roof edge and parts restored after an accident are also subject to corrosion. On the bottom of the car, rust appears most quickly on protruding brackets, welds, exhaust system fasteners and suspensions. In hybrids, the front and rear suspension cups are subject to corrosion.

Chrome-plated parts painfully endure winter operation - after 3-5 winters they lose their presentation (they become cloudy, peel). Among the problematic ones are the seals of the rails and the tailgate, through which moisture penetrates into the cabin over time. The seam sealant of the rear pillars does not differ in reliability either (it dries up). Also, the appearance of water in the cabin can be caused by contamination of the hatch drain tube and leaks in the fluid supply hose to the rear window washer. The current ceiling not only spoils the appearance of the skin, but can also cause rust in the cabin. The trunk lid is also considered problematic, in which the lock and gas stops eventually become unusable. The electric drive of the door may also require attention - if the lock malfunctions and is repeatedly used, its wear is accelerated. Another disadvantage is the small resource of the rear wiper drive (wedges after 100-150 thousand km).

There are also complaints about the reliability of the front optics - the protective plastic becomes cloudy, the mount breaks and the seams are depressurized (the headlights start to sweat). The plastic reflector of the lenses is also of mediocre quality - it loses its reflective coating, burns out, as a result, the quality of the light beam decreases. It is difficult to call long-livers and foglights installed in the bumper - the mount breaks, crack when moisture gets in. In hybrid versions, the position lamp LEDs and the optics control board often fail (prone to corrosion). The windshield is quite soft and, moreover, painfully tolerates temperature changes (cracks). Buying original glass is not cheap, especially if it has an IR filter. Many people take Chinese analogues to save money, but this decision is controversial, since when using them, the rain sensor and heating may not work. The front wiper trapezoid needs periodic lubrication with complete disassembly. If you carry out a quick service using WD-40, an expensive repair will not take long (the bushings will rust).

Power units

In our market, the Lexus RX 2 was presented only with gasoline engines: RX300 - 3.0 (204 hp), RX330 - 3.3 (233 hp), RX350 - 3.5 (276 hp), RX400h (hybrid) - 3.3 (210 and 270 hp). All motors are quite reliable and, with proper maintenance, can do without repair 300-350 thousand km. However, many owners of this model, knowing about the reliability of Toyota engines, do not always pay enough attention to them. The main reasons for the early failure of internal combustion engines are: the use of low-quality oils, aggressive operation, overheating and malfunction of power systems. The most vulnerable point of the motors is the cooling system, in which the radiator, thermostat (flow) and the cooling pump are supplied. To replace the radiator, it is better to take a Chinese analogue, since it has a material that is more resistant to reagents. When using low-quality gasoline, the life of the catalyst is significantly reduced (it dusts into the cylinders when destroyed) and lambda sensors.

RX300 and RX330

On pre-styling cars, units of the MZ series - 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE were installed. A timing belt is used in the timing drive, if it breaks in 99% of cases, the pistons hit the valves, so you should not tighten it with its replacement (it lasts 90-100 thousand km). In addition, it is necessary to monitor the tightness of the internal combustion engine, since in the event of leakage of the valve cover gasket and oil seals, oil enters the belt and significantly reduces its service life. Can reduce the life of the belt and phase shifter valves, so you need to monitor their condition.

Another disadvantage is the tendency of engines to detonate. Most often, this ailment manifests itself in cars whose owners save on gasoline and spark plugs. This trouble is aggravated by the unreliability of the knock sensors. There are also complaints about the reliability of the VVT-i phase regulator valve, in the event of a malfunction of which the motor will triple. Among other shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the tendency of the throttle valve and the ventilation system to coking (manifested by unstable idling). It can throw a headache and the wiring of the nozzles, which eventually begins to climb - is in the collapse of the block, which complicates the repair. Cars with mileage of 200,000+ have a progressive oil burner.

RX350

The restyled Lexus RX was equipped with a 2GR-FE engine with a timing chain drive (depending on the driving style, the chain serves 150-250 thousand km) and an improved control system. The most troublesome thing in this internal combustion engine was the oil line, in which, after 50,000 km, the rubber tube of the high-pressure oil cooler was pierced, and the engine remained without lubrication in a matter of minutes. To fix this nuisance, the manufacturer released an improved part (15772-31030) and launched a recall campaign. When choosing a Lexus RX 2 on the secondary, pay attention to this, since gray cars might not have received a warranty repair of a defect.

Another significant ailment of the internal combustion engine is the problem of the first and fifth cylinders, which received the name "PPC" from the owners. This ailment is caused by an unsuccessful intake design, through which road dust enters the cylinders and “kills” the intake valves, forms scuffs and can destroy the compression ring. As you already understood, frequent walks on country roads are detrimental to this motor.

The throttle assembly is prone to coking, and if it is significantly contaminated, the power decreases and the idle speed floats. Often the pump and the couplings of the phase shifters fail, in the event of a malfunction of which the noise of the motor increases (they require replacement every 60-80 thousand km). On older cars, in the warm season, it is better not to use low-viscosity oils, since their use is fraught with turning the crankshaft liners.

RX400h

Hybrid Lexus RX 2 is not a frequent visitor to our market, but it is for the best, since buying such a car older than 10 years is a dubious undertaking. Firstly, batteries do not last forever, and replacing them is not a cheap pleasure. Secondly, for such machines, in addition to the mechanical part of the engine, the hybrid control electronics cause problems. But, if you still decide to buy a hybrid, be sure to carry out a complete diagnosis of car systems in a specialized service station.

Transmission

For Lexus RX 2, only the 5-speed automatic transmission Aisin 95-51LS (U151F / E) is available, but with different control units. Hybrid versions were equipped with an electro-mechanical E-CVT variator, which does not have complex hydraulics, and most of the load goes to the electronics. The machine is reliable and, with proper maintenance, will not bother with significant breakdowns up to 200,000 km. Most of the complaints about the gearbox are caused by the presence of jerks (bumps) when shifting gears. To eliminate the ailment, service station employees suggest changing the oil and “refilling” the firmware of the control unit, but this is a temporary solution, since the problem often lies in the motor - the MAF is clogged, the throttle is clogged, or its sensor is faulty.

Among the shortcomings of the machine, it is worth highlighting the weak oil seals of the oil pump and axle shafts, as well as the front gear cover. Under heavy loads, the planetary gear, the bearing in the rear cover of the box and the o-rings quickly give up. For machines with high mileage, in order to avoid problems with the mechanical part of the machine, you should periodically check the condition of the loaded solenoids (SL1, SL2, SL3) and change if necessary. In pre-styling cars, the valve body does not cope well with high-temperature loads and is more sensitive to oil cleanliness.

Four-wheel drive

Most of the Lexus RX 2, presented on the secondary market, are endowed with all-wheel drive, which is implemented using a traditional center differential and viscous coupling. If you don't fool yourself that this is an off-road vehicle capable of overcoming deep fords and snow-covered fields, there should be no significant problems with the drive. After 100,000 km of run, an intermediate support may require attention, when worn, the cardan shaft breaks, therefore, it is better not to tighten it with its replacement. Symptoms - vibrations appear at the start. Also, do not forget to periodically change the lubricant (every 40,000 km) in the gearbox and transfer case, this will help them last longer. Simultaneously with the oil, it is recommended to change the transfer case breather and check the anthers of the CV joints.

Reliability of suspension, steering and brakes Lexus RX 2

The car is equipped with an independent suspension: MacPherson struts are installed in front, multi-link in the back. In simple configurations, a spring suspension was installed, but for the top versions, air suspension was available with the ability to adjust the clearance from 155 to 210 mm. The chassis is quite comfortable and does not often bother with breakdowns. The weak points of the Lexus RX suspension can only be attributed to the struts and bushings of the stabilizers (the resource is 40-80 thousand km). Shock absorbers and thrust bearings with medium loads live 100-150 thousand km. About the same lack of wheel bearings and silent blocks of the front levers. Ball joints under moderate loads can last up to 200,000 km. Infrequently, parts of the rear suspension are also bothered by breakdowns - the rubber bands of the rods take care of about 120,000 km, and the floating silent blocks can last up to 150,000 km. Also, problems can be added by the tendency of fasteners to corrosion and soured bolts of the breakup levers.

But air suspension can cause significant repair costs. Pneumocylinders, as a rule, surrender after 100,000 km (poison the air). If they are not changed immediately (the cost of one rack is 500-700 USD), the compressor will work without stopping, which negatively affects its resource (the cost of the original is 1000-1500 $). While maintaining the integrity of the cylinders and periodic maintenance (replacing the lubricant, air filter and system dryer), the compressor will last 200-250 thousand km. Wiring and body position sensors do not differ in standard reliability.

In the steering, a rack and pinion mechanism with power steering is used (for the EUR hybrid). The rail here is quite weak and requires attention on a run of 100-150 thousand kilometers (knocking, flowing). Fortunately, this unit is maintainable, but you should not count on a cheap solution to the problem. But the power steering, as a rule, does not bother with breakdowns. There are no complaints about the steering consumables - the tips serve about 150,000 km, and thrust up to 250,000 km. Among the shortcomings of the brake system, weak brake discs can be distinguished, which, with active braking, quickly overheat and lose their geometry. Replacing standard disks with ventilated ones helps to eliminate the disadvantage. Require attention and calipers, in which seals and guides fail.

Salon

In the interior of the Lexus RX 2, only high-quality finishing materials are used, which are not amenable to aging for a long time. Only the steering wheel and gearshift lever can give out the real mileage of a car, but, as a rule, they are refreshed before selling. There are no problems with the restoration of the seat upholstery. Among the shortcomings here, it is worth highlighting the presence of crickets, which fill the interior over the years. The solution to the problem is banal - the installation of additional vibration and noise insulation. It should be noted that the execution of the robots requires special care, since the clips of the fasteners of the parts are very delicate and break without much difficulty. To eliminate squeaks coming from under the dashboard, it is enough to install an additional seal between the windshield and the panel. Also, the servo drive of the climate control dampers (there are 4 of them) can serve as a source of extraneous sounds. Treatment - updating the lubrication of brushes and drive gears, if it does not help, you will have to change the drive.

Despite the use of a large amount of electronics, it does not cause much trouble. Of the main problem areas, it is worth highlighting a small resource of the air conditioning compressor, the replacement of which will cost $ 600-800. On older cars, additional costs require an electric drive of the steering column (the gearbox wears out). After replacing the battery, the power windows may not work properly. To eliminate the trouble, you must visit the service to adapt the control unit. In a multimedia system, a CD changer most often fails, failures in which can lead to a failure of the player. In hybrid versions, failures in electronics happen much more often, and their elimination will require a specialized service and considerable investments. Most often, the power steering electric drive, air conditioning, vacuum pump, traction batteries (contacts are oxidized) and inverter require attention.

Outcome:

We have to admit that the Lexus RX 2, despite its impressive age, breaks down infrequently, but if something goes wrong, you will have to part with a tidy sum. When choosing a car on the secondary, check the equipment according to, check the presence of all the plates, look for traces of interference in the welds and the presence of non-factory rivets, since auto thieves are very fond of this model.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your review that will help readers of our site when choosing a car.