Lexus RX300 / Toyota Highlander - AWD Winter Car/SUV For Icy Rocky Mountain Roads - 20 Year Old Car?

Awesome winter beater, first gen Lexus RX (1999 - 2003)! Almost 20 years old and made in Japan. It is an all wheel drive snow beast with zero rust that is perfect for our icy snow covered Rocky Mountain road adventures! I guess this is also a long term review video since its from 2003 and has 430,000 kilometres on it. Leather seats, a great AWD system, comfortable and luxurious, zero rattles or shakes, smooth as silk and everything works including the heater! 😁👌🍻
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This is a 1st gen Lexus RX300, also known as a Toyota Highlander AWD crossover and is amazing in the snow!

[@NoahOn2Wheelsx]

These cars are so underrated. I’m in love with mine and it eats up snow/ice

[@vladavasiljev]

For your info - these cars are the most praised cars ever from the US to AUS.

[@AutismusPrime69]

Calm down

[@nickboswell8574]

Just bought a 2002 RX300 Coach Edition. 238k miles for $2k. Its in amazing condition!! Whatta Gem! Leather is in great shape and its Coach Leather. Pretty cool. Only 6,000 were made. This one still has the plastic tape over the back door entrance floor panel. I replaced the back struts as it was rattling and the front pads and rotors. Drives like a dream now. You can tell its a lexus and im pleasantly surprised by how smooth this baby really is.. Best cheap car I've ever bought. Looking fwd to putting some bigger tires and rims. Nothing crazy, just enough to handle whatever MN might call for. Thanks for the videos, its great to have a kindred spirit who loves these little lexus' too

[@shocker5910]

I love the older rx models. Marvelous machines

[@nancysmith2383]

Jimmy my motto is if you wake up in the morning it’s a great day already! Then if your around another day it could be the best day yet! Take care blessings to you!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Great motto 👍

[@kingofsludge7262]

I’ve got a 99 rx300 and I absolutely adore it, it does everything I ask of it and it’s easy to work on if anything ever fails. It’s not perfect, and it’s almost 23, but it’s mine and I’m very happy with it

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the comment and info. I agree, there is nothing I can find with this car that I don't like. it handles everything, comfortable, great sound system, everything Is awesome 👌

[@6431harry]

I just picked my RX 300 with 175000 miles. It was well maintained and picked it up for $3,000. I just love the SUV! Great to see the love for these vechicles.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats! They awesome 👌

[@bermei5187]

I just picked a 2003 up with 125k miles on it. Can't wait to take it to 400k+

[@Grandmaster-Kush]

Damn this is underrated video, editing, music, camerawork everything is great

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you very much 🍺 👍

[@austineleo5839]

Yeah 👍🏽

[@williamp.bogutski7814]

Very nice video. Mine is a 1999 RX300 with just under 330,000 miles on it. She’s a daily driver and I use it around VA and MD. The RX makes regular trips to Florida and she is a pleasure to drive down I95. Nothing lasts forever but I plan to keep using my RX 300 until the engine or tranny gives up. I’ll look at the comments regarding your video and see what other folks have said. Long may she run. Bill

[@stevearita3267]

Great video Jimmy! I have to admit...I have to catch up with you on all your SUV buying ventures...gotta say for $2K, you got quite the deal on the RX300. I am convinced, Toyota doesn't make them like that anymore! Aside from enjoying you walk through your latest purchase...your video shots of the mountains are nothing short of spectacular...just love the beautiful mountain landscapes you capture while on the road! Definitely makes me want to be there!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hey Steve thanks again for the awesome comment buddy, much appreciated! 👍👍🍻🍻 Toyota goodness

[@lamontgray6015]

I missed out on a 1500 dollar one I was saving for

[@ronaldclary]

Just picked up a cherry 2001 rx300 with 93,000 miles. Paid more but I figured for the extra miles I should get it is worth it. Garaged in Socal and driven under 4,000 miles a year. Thanks for your videos. They make me appreciate what I have.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, great find! They are awesome, that is for sure

[@xxl121]

got mine at 65000 miles for 7k!

[@LittleKimmy213]

Loved the scenery and I still am astonished when u randomly come upon wildlife just hanging out doing their thang ...They don't appear startled or the slightest bit worried that a human is among them. They casually look over your way, kinda nod as if to say "hey" and then go back to minding their own business. I really enjoy watching ur interactions. Thanks for sharing!! ❣🦬🐏🐰🐻🦃❣

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you! I'm going to try and get more Wildlife stuff into my videos. I love bumping into these beasts 😁👍

[@peewee.3138]

Beater with a heater! What a deal for a vehicle with no rust, leather, AWD, and loaded! Plus, it’s a Toyota powertrain which are indestructible. Good luck with it!.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks Peewee for the comment! I agree with you 100%. Its a steal of a deal! Cant wait to see see how long this Toyota lasts. 🍻👍

[@brianchisnell1548]

I inherited my Mom's '03 highlander. 45k mi. Garaged. 4WD, V6. I did a 100k service, due to age, not miles. What a great car! I am keeping this baby. I find I drive it more than my Tacoma!!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

They are AWESOME for sure!

[@unicore1000]

This video convinced me to buy a rx300 and I absolutely love it

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats, they are awesome vehicles 👌👍🍺

[@AJSHOPE]

I helped my mother-in-law find a "new" car a couple of weeks ago and it's a 2002 RX300. It only has 119,000 miles. It wasn't quite as cheap, it was $6500, but I still thought it was a pretty good deal given the market in the US. I'm glad so many people have such high praise for it and I helped my mother-in-law pick a good vehicle for her.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the comment and info 👍🍺. She made a great choice.

[@nancysmith2383]

That was a great deal for you. It’s in excellent condition for the years! It will do better than most new vehicles!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Crazy good deal and it's running like a top

[@pempuq]

I have a 2001 RX300 with the same VSC problem. When the VSC and "check engine" light on, the computer will not shift to the OD gear which will affect the fuel efficiency when driving at high speed. I replaced 2 knock sensors and it works like a charm. I also replaced a water pipe right above the knock sensor because it was the water leakage that damaged the knock sensors.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Great information. Thank you for your comment. 🍻🍻🍻👍

[@graves3774]

I have a 02. The light is caused from the tube behind the airbox coming off. Usually happens when u change the air filter. Metal tube to rubber hose.

[@woodglove]

Thank you for taking me through this experience gave me a lot of insight

[@ZanethMedia]

Just it 270,300 miles on my ‘02 RX300! Identical to yours except mine’s the Coach edition. Considered selling it a few times but glad I’m deciding against. Just hoping it can stay together until 300K 💪💪 I always thought that they were built off the RAV4 and not the Highlander. Very cool!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, that thing will probably go to 300 no problem. Thanks for the awesome comment much appreciated 🍻👍

[@Forbettafuture]

I got a 2002 with 136k miles no leaks best suv ive had so far you dont even feel it on.

[@ith0rn329]

I just did the same thing brother. These rx 300’s are very cool.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats. You can't go wrong these things are amazing! Going to stick another video up on the RX. I've got about ten thousand on it now, it's pushing 390,000 km and it's probably the nicest driving vehicle I have ever owned, and I've owned a pant load of vehicles. This thing is 10 out of 10!

[@ith0rn329]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle they are incredible! One of the nicest vehicles I have driven. I was looking for a Highlander first, but I am happy to have all of the bells and whistles that come with the RX. It’s insane how much cheaper a used RX is compared to the Highlander.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

LOL I agree! They go totally under everybody's radar as they're running towards the Highlander they passed 3 RX300 😂

[@ith0rn329]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle haha exactly. I knew what I wanted and never even considered the Lexus which is perfect for what I needed, more reliable then the other equivalent makes/ models, and much more luxurious. Also! Built in Japan! Haha. Thanks brother looking forward to the next video.

[@castle3112]

The vcs is on because of the engine light. If you erase the codes you should be able to reset the vcs by jumping obd with a wire. Works with my 05 Lexus. Look up the procedure.

[@paddlefaster]

Another entertaining video. I'd love to own a car with a cassette player. The last one I had was in a 99 F-150. the cure for all warning lights is a roll of black electrical tape in the glove box. apply as needed.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Haha, thanks John! I'm liking that tape solution 👌

[@drivewaygarage1561]

I just picked up one of these for $1700 it has 294000 miles on it but it's in really good shape and it was well maintained. I replaced one of the upper 02 sensors and today I'm going to replace the other 1 and from the research I did that might make the VSC light go off, Time will tell.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Great machines. Tanks. I have 395,000 km on mine at the moment. I heard the VCS light goes on whenever the engine check light goes on so you probably all right about the O2 sensor

[@aurorahiraeth5896]

Found one for $1200 with 200k. It was a shuttle car for a mechanic shop. Drives like new.

[@craws_ak]

I just got one of these this summer as a backup rig. It's a fun little rig. I have a 1.5 inch lift kit for mine that I'm getting ready to put in

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi and thanks for the comment and info. Hey that's a great idea. 👍 are you just shimming the suspension?. I love this thing, it's been going great and it is amazing in the snow

[@macermacer6582]

Really liking all your vids I been binge watching for the last week.. thanks

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, thanks for that, and the comment 👍😁🍺

[@tonyyoung3671]

I just picked up an 03 300 myself. I love it! I'm looking into putting on bigger struts and shocks and the 235 tires to beef it up a bit.

[@nancysmith2383]

What beautiful majestic animals. Really makes you appreciate nature!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the comment Nancy. They are pretty awesome that's for sure 👍

[@golferpro1241]

I have an ‘04 AWD Rx330 37,928 on it. Will get some snows this winter for it. Put in Apple Car play. Car is flawless. Garage kept!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

That is amazing. That's not even broken in yet. Awesome find and thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend 👍🍻👌

[@nancysmith2383]

Love your vehicle. It’s in really wonderful condition. Have a wonderful Christmas. Stay safe and healthy.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks again Nancy. You too, have an awesome Christmas

[@trackingpaket07]

Awesome, nice ride Jimmy. Great work, thanks you for share

[@johninalaska4437]

Nice ride Jimmy, gotta love those AWD, they work really well in most cases. Those bucks look mighty tasty, lol.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

haha, agreed John on both 😁👍

[@craigrobertson6082]

Great video Jimmy. Can 'minty' be used as an adjective here...a minty video? Merry Christmas everyone.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Haha, thanks Craig! Have an awesome Christmas 🍻🍻

[@kerrykeim8484]

Gorgeous landscape brother. I'm looking at a 99 right now.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks Kerry 👍. You can't go wrong with one of these. They're bloody tanks 👌🍻

[@us-eb3info79]

Love this and highlander. I have a few Rx330 and rx350 they all look like JELLYBEANS so I kept only Highlander as it was bigger

[@Dansk55]

I have the 03. Great car and so damn quiet for 150k miles.. I've ended up replacing the prop shaft and door actuators. Just a word of caution, you MUST use OEM if actuators or key will trigger alarm when opening manual with key and not remove.. If using the cheap ones, only replace the internal worn part. Other than that, great car. Will overland with it sometime.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Great info. Thanks for the comment. Awesome vehicles 👍🍺

[@kenbell8752]

Cool bucks! Looks like another nice rig you bought too. Great price!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank Ken! It's a beauty 🍻👌

[@drlodge]

I get those engine warning lights with VSC when the o2 sensor warming filament is gone, like it is now. Only in my case the lights come on and go off again.

[@NoahOn2Wheelsx]

Anytime the check engine light is on the VSC light comes by default. No matter how small the check engine light.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Great info, thanks for the comment. I ran the codes and its showing PO 0171, 0174 and 0136. So thinking it might just be a vacuum leak, will check all the hoses and/or a o2 a/f sensor? Since then my ABS light showed up 😂 But, it is running like a top other than its consuming a ton of fuel!

[@NoahOn2Wheelsx]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle yeah there is an article saying when 0171-0174 happen in sequence it’s a vacuum leak. They are definitely thirsty but are tanks.. you can put 2011 highlander struts/springs on them. Gives a small lift and increases ride quality :)

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Again thanks for the great inf! I'll be throwing those struts and springs on this car for sure. Hehe We haven't had this long but I already have a thing for it. We love it! Much appreciate the info. Many thanks 🍻👍

[@MycketTuff]

Some care for that leather and it'll look terrific

[@paulcaskey]

I even like the colour.

[@jerrysmith5782]

Note that this is a 2003... with 2001-2003 drive system (AWD with VSC)...1999-2000 had a different drive system.

[@shyngyskopbayev2666]

It reminds me of a 97 Camry interior.

[@ClassicExists]

Hmm. Nice to see a guy who talks about the old rx 300. Bc i cant really find much people caring about these. Bc my family has it and its been with us for 13 years. And it still runs great. Getting old but still great. And its also blue color. In my opinion the blue color really makes the car shine with the spoiler. But i did notice that your car doesnt have the touchscreen. Some of the cars does and doesnt. And i noticed that u said 2 cupholders in the back. Theres actually another cup holder like below the seat in the front of the back middle seat. I have explored a lot of my family's 2001 rx 300 xD

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi and thanks for the comment. Great vehicles and I do agree with you I love this blue color 😀😀

[@ClassicExists]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle oh no. just found out that my family is gonna sell the car to somebody. im going to miss that car. its been with me for almost 14 years. i dont want them to sell it. But they say its old. Well only my dad says they are going to sell it to somebody. but others disagree. And that somebody looks like someone who wont take good care of the vehicle. But :( im just too sad.

[@Drywall-Troupers]

@@ClassicExists how much is your family selling their Rx for?

[@Drywall-Troupers]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle I know a fell here in who is selling his Rx 2003 for 5500usd, at first he wanted 7k

[@ClassicExists]

Oh thank god they are not gonna sell

[@richardking6415]

That was awesome I've enjoyed a lot of your videos

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, thank you very much for the awesome comment 👍🍻

[@Sci-Mon1]

There’s one for sale, same color and same mileage, that has the interior ripped, what smells like spilt bong water, and need some suspension work. Asking price is $1,500. I’m considering buying it

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Buy it, they are tanks

[@glennoc8585]

I had the Japanese harrier version and it was great car. Mine was a 98 sports that had the trp shocks. My only complaint was the fuel economy was terrible.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the info and comment 👍🍺. Compared to my 7.5L Ford, its a dream in the fuel department 😊

[@mikestyles499]

The VSC sensors are known to be bad.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Also known as ABS sensors. Luckily they're cheap, around 20 bucks or so on Amazon

[@mikestyles499]

Good video. People don’t know that Lexus IS Toyota? Seriously?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks 👍

[@Mr.Engineer.]

Does your RX300 have the rear torsion diff?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

I'm not sure I'll have to check the rear diff. I've read some info on that and I hear that it's only on the earlier models? But this is very beastly in the snow that's for sure

[@kelvinimasagasi7398]

RX H FAMILIA

[@kelvinimasagasi7398]

Rx3oo

[@yeahman1975]

Great video Jimmy The RX300 balances out at a 57/43 ratio

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you! That ratio is good to know. I did feel like I could swing the back end around and that's probably why LOL. thanks again for the info and have a great week 👍

[@colinshum5216]

What happen to the mini rav4 as beater?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

We sold it.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Lol, thanks 👍 agreed the M3 is on the next level. I love developing film in the basement sink, nothing netter 😁👌

[@pjrazvoza4343]

Although The RX300 has a similar drive train as the Toyota Highlander it's the same exact vehicle as the Toyota harrier AWD check it out for yourself!

[@rveurope]

good Editing and great Mountain views👍👍👍 Another Car, so the garage might be full this winter, i liked the US V 8 Diesel Pick Up as my #1 and the Lexus with Eibachs # 2 Seasons Greetings from Southern Germany

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank! Yes those are my picks as well 👍😀 Have a great week and thanks for the comment.

[@AlanTrades]

I had to sell my rx since it got stuck in the snow for 4 hours. Had to call a tow

[@MycketTuff]

Bring the right tires and an axe always

[@AlanTrades]

@@MycketTuff and a shovel!

[@9erner]

👍👍👍👍

[@ДимаДемидов-э9у]

👍💪🖐🔥🔥🔥

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you 👍🍻

[@yeahman1975]

A moment of silence for the rav4.....

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Yup. It was a great vehicle, but it had to go LOL

[@mc_sim]

it's not toyota highlander! omg! it's toyota HARRIER! ahahahha. highlander is absolutely different car.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Same engine, same drivetrain

[@mc_sim]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle yes, but still it is not highlander. highlander came out 2 years later. it is toyota harrier.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

@mc_sim First generation Highlander (XU20 came out in 2000)

[@mc_sim]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle yes and harrier came out in 1997 and lexus in 1998.

[@twoheadnorth]

I liked the video; we are currently driving Iceland to Australia in a Lexus RX350 SUV @twoheadnorth thanks Zahra & Paul

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the comment, and have a great road trip 🍻