The Lexus RX300/Toyota Highlander Full Time AWD Road Warrior is Truly A Great Buy!

This full time all-wheel-drive 1st gen Lexus RX300 made in Japan (AKA Toyota Highlander and Toyota Harrier) has really grown on me. It has performed flawlessly in the worst winter conditions and its 20 years old!
This would make a GREAT over-lander rig or soft roader for off the beaten track camping and outdoor adventure!
The full-time all-wheel-drive of these early model Lexus RX's and Toyota Highlanders is a great option if you are looking for a vehicle with amazing traction.
The Lexus RX 300 is a luxury version of the early Toyota Highlanders.
More horsepower than a Subaru's and more cargo space than the Crosstrek.
A long lasting engine and drivetrain makes this a perfect choice for the used car buyer that wants something a little bit different and something a little more capable than just a front or rear wheel drive vehicle.
This was one of the very first crossover type vehicles that really crushed the market back then. Rugged design but with all the luxury features of a Lexus.
Fist Look RX300 Video • Lexus RX300 / Toyota H...

[@311baca]

Just purchased a 2007 RX350 AWD 295k miles. $3,200. 1 family owned. It's the smoothest, tightest vehicle I've ever owned or driven. I've owned 13 vehicles. 1 showroom new. This is better than all of them.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

They are pretty amazing vehicles, that is for sure! And amazing in the snow as well. 👌🍻

[@Vourn-75]

This SUV is one of Toyota best selling and very reliable. You take good care of it's maintenance and it will last forever... You will not go wrong with a Toyota... 💪💪💪💯

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Agreed 💯 🍻🍻

[@mrfazzy3137]

I got a 99 rx300 , 274,000k runs smoothly daily driver. Put some money into it for repairs coils, sensors etc... Nevertheless it's a beast....

[@user-qr3xx1xi4e]

I drive a 1999 Toyota Harrier. The same as the Lexus rx300, only the steering wheel is on the right side. Very reliable car, powerful 1mz-fe motor, mileage 365,000 km. There is only one drawback: a weak automatic transmission, does not like sharp acceleration, and lacks 5 gears. In terms of comfort, it surpasses many modern cars. I live in Russia, our roads are not very good, but my Toyota has never broken down. Modern cars often break down (even Toyotas)

[@mahinullah8562]

When you say doesn't like sharp acceleration like what is it?

[@clutchfilms24fps]

@@mahinullah8562 means it doesn't take off fast going from 1 - 60 , but has good torque with ton of power ! sometimes it feels like it could push a tank out of the way.

[@davidmunro1959]

I have one, very good vehicle overall, very good quality interior and exterior, however beware of the transmission they're quite fragile, be sure to get it serviced and change oil filter also.

[@tonyyoung3671]

I just picked up an 03 300 and i love it! No problems in the snow and ice in colorado. I wanna beef it up a bit and add those bigger shocks/strutts and wheels to it. I prefer the 300 over the 330 and 350 anyday

[@Dansk55]

I just got mine.. its in mint condition for a midwest car. Very little rust. Only needs an 02 sensor that im waiting to be delivered. Easy job. I've had a 95 Celica now for 11 years and that's still going strong at 300k

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats and thanks for the comment. You'll have fun with that for sure 👌👍

[@jackjohnson2636]

I just bought a 2000 with 177k for $1500 runs great, needs a little tlc tires, brakes, etc..I love it

[@albertmacias9382]

My 2001 has 214k miles . Tank!!!

[@Spillmansgarage]

Just bought a 05 RX330 AWD. MPG is not terrible either at 20-22 highway. Great vehicles!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats! They are tanks 👍

[@danw2651]

I have a an 01 RX300 that I take offroading all over the lower mainland of British Columbia. Incredible vehicle, absolutely bulletproof, planning on lifting it and building a bumper and skid plates

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the info and comment. I agree with you, they're definitely beasts and fly under most people's radar.

[@danw2651]

I always love the looks I get while passing jeeps up trails, for a sub 4000 dollar suv, they are just fantastic

[@blap9467]

take care of that car tho, make sure your oil changes and transmission fluid changes are on point with it because that shit will start slipping and having issues when you get closer and close to the 200,000 miles mark

[@jackjohnson2636]

Thanks good info

[@golferpro1241]

I have a 2004 RX330 AWD. I got 42,000 miles on it. Runs great. Put a aftermarket CARPLAY in to it with a back up cam. My son is going to put snows on it next winter and take it up to Canada. Great cars! $8,200 for it two years ago. Look like new inside and out.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, that is awesome 👌. 42,000, it's barely broken in 👍

[@ramishzaidi]

How'd you hook up the carplay and cam? Trying to figure that out too

[@drivewaygarage1561]

I bought a 2001 RX 300 several months ago with 295000 miles and now has 296000 miles on it it's a great vehicle but I had to gut 2 of the catalytic converters. Now I have a check engine light on but it runs great. I also deleted one of the knock sensors.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Awesome! Great vehicles and amazing in the snow. 👍🍻

[@fernandolopez8239]

Nice you made it 1k miles !!

[@ybirch9735]

Great vid, loved the cinematography! The close quarters ball-n-sock "Grizzly tamer" is pure brilliance!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you mr. Birch, much appreciated. Hehe, Grizzly Tamer is the perfect name for that thing LOL👍👍🍻

[@photojoebill1989]

That cannon ball is a shot put 😂 excellent video and car review

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Really? I like the cannonball idea better. 🤣 Thanks for the comment and info 👍🍺

[@photojoebill1989]

​@Jimmy Meatwhistle hey could be a cannon ball! Heck of a lot more fun 😜 I had one of these for a few years but got totaled. Thinking about picking another one up, they're going for around 5.5-6k right now here. Currently have a 95 Pathfinder. Cheers, Jimmy

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

A friend of mine just bought one, he paid $5,500 and loves it👍 Love those old Nissan Harbbody trucks. Saw quite a few on Van Island.

[@nancysmith4529]

Hi Jimmy! Hope your well. That’s a beast of a vehicle to. I’m partial to the pickup! The land is beautiful. You know where the bargains are! Awesome video.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you Nancy. Me too ! I'd much rather take that beastly F-250 out there. Although it would cost me a couple thousand and fuel 😂. Have a great weekend 🍻 👍

[@nancysmith4529]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle my 77 came with two fuel tanks imagine the cost now! It held 56 gallons! Plus it’s has 440 magnum engine. You have a wonderful weekend!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

I know the feeling. That red F250 has 2 tanks as well 😳

[@vannloc7551]

Mpg could be slightly better if it was up to me but these are beasts! Got an 01. If you can afford it, put the buletooth upgrade in where the Cd player used to be. Ull thank me later.

[@StephenHarristnt]

Had a blue as well with 4 WD and a 3SGTE engine implant. Was a fun car, but the engine was on its dying legs. Still was a blast and a bullet though! Sold it as was too much costs to rebuild the 3S, and I also have a 2 WD version. Rebuilding that one atm (wish it was also 4 WD), with a stock engine refresh, and planning some custom mods. Mines are not for offroad (have a Pathfinder also), but for cruising. Great cars - and I totally agree re this being the best looking model (until maybe the recent ones, arguably). Drive great. Ahead of their time.

[@markblue6464]

I have a 03 and I put some A/T ‘s on as well except I went 245s and Man it rides wayyy better than stock tires.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Good info thanks. How was the clearance as far as turning lock to lock?

[@markblue6464]

No problems with clearance.

[@tonyyoung3671]

@markblue6464 did you need to put beefier shocks and struts on for additional clearance after adding the 245?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

No, just the stock set up. But I hear 2011 Toyota Highlander struts will fit and will give you a lift and firmer ride.

[@petayV8]

I have a 2002 Highlander and love it. Ive done quite a few modifications to it including 1.5" lift and bigger wheels and tires. Also taken quite a few parts from the RX300 interior. I've driven gx470s and 4runners and ide still take my Highlander over those any day

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Great info and thanks for the comment. Highlanders are awesome 👍👍

[@petayV8]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle Thanks for upload! Really enjoyed the video. Your RX is so nice especially that color and I love the black interior, you don't see it very often

[@pepzotukile8756]

Hello please share th pic i wanna lift mine also

[@thebeast9606]

I hear Highlander parts are interchangeable with the RX300 since they used the same chassis, so I'd be curious to what you used to lift your vehicle because it should plug and play with the RX. Also, do you know of any coilovers that might work with the RX/Highlander? Those would allow for bigger tires as opposed to the factory struts.

[@ivoted7199]

Oh Yeah! Mine is an AWD 2001 RX300 150M mi. LOVE IT! Yep mine has stiffer/better suspension.

[@jaimec7383]

I have an rx300 too cant wait to see what you do to yours!

[@hsalvador1031]

Don't call her a beater fair from it. I have one I bought but last year 2002 rx300 all wheel drive paid ten thousand had 103,000 mile garage always. Carfax is crazy awesome.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

It's an amazing vehicle. I just talked my friend's son into buying one and he loves his as well. We call them beaters up here because of the price point, not because they're nasty 👍🍻

[@joedagher2982]

So I'm actually thinking of buying one soon a 2000 rx300 have you had any problems with it over the years?

[@airfox]

I’d love to hear more about your mods to this. I have a 2015, so Im hoping I can get bigger tires and lift it a bit, yet i heard its hard to do it in these models. Thanks for the content!

[@colinshum5216]

I bought a 2003 RAV4 manual after watching your video. Guess what I am looking into now😂

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Haha, great 👍

[@adewumit.k3406]

I have the 2002 RX300 with a mileage of 198998 is a great buy. I did a little upgrade with 235/60/18 Rims black. The vehicle is great on off-road but on a sandy land is kind of shaking

[@LittleKimmy213]

Once upon a time there was a mans-man known as Jimmy the Meatwhistle...This video is a true Hollywood gem featuring Clint Eastwood as JMW and offers the viewers an inside look at just one of the many adventures JMW had with his loyal sidekick buddy Whitt 🤠 Yee Haw!!!!! LOVE THIS UPLOAD FROM START TO FINISH JIMMY!!! Seriously, your filming, location & motion shots, music and editing ARE ALL ON POINT!! I was cruising thru the beginning expecting ZZTOP to strutt out of that old barn jamming on their guitars - Def ur best work I've seen so far!! Well done!! 😎🦂🏔

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hehe, thank you very much!! Best comment on the planet right there! Appreciated 🍻🍻🍻 have a great weekend 👌

[@LittleKimmy1965]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle Hollywood, Here comes JMW! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥📽📣💵💵💵🎬😘

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

Can any simple mods be done to increase performance? My 2001 is a great vehicle, but it could use some more power. My wife’s 2007 RAV4 has the 3.5L which has waaayyy more power!

[@vannloc7551]

U could modify ur air intake into a ram air and run a hose from the airbox inlet to the bumper where that hole is under the driver light in the bumper. U won't feel it til like 30mph and up though.

[@thunderthumbz3293]

I just bought a 04 RX350 couple of months ago. I put 50mm wheel spacers on it lol. I am impressed with the engineering and comfort but not so much with the fuel economy and the engine power. I think there is a reason why Lexus quickly moved to the 3.5 engine because the 3.3 to just feels underpowered. It did well in snowy mountain passes with just all season tires though.

[@Daily_sussy_baka]

Pretty good tires for a great price

[@samrackham4774]

Absolutely love this brother hope your keeping safe all the best. Cheers 🍻 🍻

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks a lot Sam. Much appreciated buddy. Have a great weekend and have a beer for me 🍻🍻

[@samrackham4774]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle I’ve put my daughter to bed and ran my wife a nice bath so yes I’m having at least 6 for you cheers 😂 🍻

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Haha!

[@brucemartin2882]

Just bought a 2001 rx 300 with 272k. Leather, sunroof ,one owner clean interior... $1300

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Awesome deal! You will love it 👍👌

[@twoheadnorth]

Love the Lexus we are currently driving Iceland to Australia in a Lexus RX350 SUV @twoheadnorth thanks Zahra & Paul

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Have a great trip 🍻🍻

[@oshtosh89547]

Great video, thanks for all the info! I got myself an '01 RX300 about a year ago and I love it. Perfect for taking FSRs to hiking and climbing spots. Any chance you can share where you're getting these great deals on tires? I'm looking to put some 235 ATs on and I'm starting down the barrel of a $1200 bill!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

I usually find my deals on Kijiji, its kinda like Craig's List here in Canada. Also check FB Marketplace. I'm not on Facebook (for good reason) but I can still see the ads and get a friend that is on FB to contact them for me, lol. Awesome vehicle, tanks!

[@jerrysmith5782]

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

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

From my research, the VSC (vehicle stability control) is ABS wheel spin speed sensor/ traction control. Brake controlled, etc.

[@jerrysmith5782]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle Yeah... according to the 2003 owners manual and my research, the VSC (VEHICLE SKID CONTROL) system only activates when the vehicle speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 mph), and it focuses on avoiding skidding, whereas the Traction Control system "helps prevent the spinning of 4 wheels when the vehicle is started or accelerated on slippery road surfaces". The term AWD or 4WD just means that all 4 wheels are driven, and people often wrongly assume that AWD or 4WD always includes some form of traction control or limited slip differential(s). From the 2003 owners manual: The vehicle skid control system helps provide comprehensive control of the systems such as anti-lock brake system, traction control, engine control, etc. This system automatically controls the brakes and engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on a slippery road surface or operating steering wheel abruptly. This system activates when the vehicle speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 mph). You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the system is in the self-check mode but does not indicate a malfunction."

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

@@jerrysmith5782 Thanks for the comment and info.

[@PabloAlvarez-pt9vi]

How know my lexus Rx300 2001 is AwD

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

@@PabloAlvarez-pt9vi look at the rear end, see if it has a drive shaft going to it 👍👍

[@sopheathra4772]

Love ur videos bro

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, thank you! Much appreciated 🙏

[@terryzanger7152]

Always thought they were more like an old rav4

[@badabing6474]

Just do the oil changes on time and it will be reliable.

[@manuelaraica3216]

Nice ride!

[@therighteousone1052]

Love mine

[@MrRockzilla86]

What make and model WHEELS do you have on your Lexus?..Looking for some for mine, like I said love yours! The black looks slick!

[@patrickthomas6170]

I feel the same about my 2002 rx . Got extra rx rims on CL cheap and use Michelin X ice 2 in winter in Montana. Toyo AT in summer. Frequent oil changes . Also like the 2002 tailgate wing vs 1999 no wing. Any thoughts how to get a passenger seat heater working. Cool video

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the comment Patrick. Great vehicles especially in our snowy winter conditions. Sorry I can't help you with the seat heater. I haven't had to look, luckily both of mine are working. 🍻🍻

[@petayV8]

On my IS300 it was just the switch and wasn't plugged in all the way

[@osbaldoa.castro488]

TRAIN BALL BEARING?

[@pixelbath2131]

I can't believe im just seeing this car now here I was looking at older rav 4s subis and suzis just feeling underwhelmed by the cheap interiors and lack of good examples. They're arent many of these here in australia but I will surely keep an eye out. Otherwise I might save a bit more and go for a post timing belt rx400h. It's not AWD but there is an electric motor in the back... curious how that goes. Not a overlanding guy I just want a crossover/small SUV with 2000s era simplicity and build quality. My biggest worry would the cost and availability of parts though.

[@edgarbier7461]

Is that factory blue? Looks clean. Did you have to change tires for the new wheels

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Yup, factory blue 👍. Love the color combo. I added those aluminum wheels. Thanks for the comment, and have a great weekend 👍👍🍺🍺

[@abdoutouzani1071]

Just bought one for 3.5k same color and leather. 160k miles. Just needs a muffler service job.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

You will love it! Great cars all around.

[@abdoutouzani1071]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle your video was my deciding point honestly! I already love it so far!

[@abdoutouzani1071]

I already car camped in it as well. So much bang for the buck.

[@rolldog82]

I was going to buy an 4runner or RAV4 but rx300 is my choice for bang of the bucks now. Thanks for the great content. Your right their sleepers so cheap now Also. What lift kit you recommend on this? I heard you say 2011 struts fit the this rx300 right? Is it all 4 struts? Are they longer by the way

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the comment, and congrats on your RX 300. I heard the rear struts work, but if you like your current ride comfort, I would just buy some Amazon 40 mm spacers.

[@rolldog82]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle you still have it? How it running? Thanks I'll look into more. Can beat Japanese reliability luxury cars from 2000 great machines

[@rolldog82]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle I got a question ❓ the rx300 and 1st gen Toyota Highlander share the same 4 full time AWD or rx300 is 50/50 AWD like a Subaru? Does it have a lock transfer or LSD?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hello. The RX300 1st generation is 5050 split. It has a viscous coupler center differential. Traction control is done by the ABS brake sensors. If one wheel slips, it sends power to the other wheel(s).

[@rolldog82]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle so is it the same as 1st Toyota Highlander 4wd full time AWD right or different AWD?

[@inaj27]

Trying to decide if I want to get this RS300 or 4 runner ? 🤔

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

These RX300's can go fairly cheap, a lot cheaper than a 4Runner. They kind of fly under everyone's radar.. But, they're definitely 2 different vehicles. Depending on what you're doing, this might be perfect

[@kadriib5117]

Did you raise it up?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

No, it's stock hight

[@kingofsludge7262]

Hey Rx300 family:)

[@josephoverstreet5584]

Where did you steal that from? Any around here at that price s a bad trans or motor lol

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

My fingers are still crossed LOL

[@Animalhouser]

How many miles?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

At the moment 395,000 km or 245,000 miles

[@Animalhouser]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle oh wow 👌

[@jerryfieldz7701]

Mine is at 260,000miles

[@mr.iforgot3062]

Hi guys hi.

[@terryzanger7152]

Ball mill ball

[@caseygates2175]

12 minutes of a 2 minute video

[@justinienFRQC]

The ball at the end of your video is a pétanque ball. A widespread game in Europe, and especially in France. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A9tanque

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the info and comment👍. This is petty heavy. It's about six pounds.