Behold The Lexus RX300 - The Car The Mercedes M-Class Should Have Been
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Today, another odd Japanese car from channel fan Brad - most unusually for him this is a UK car and not an import! It's the Lexus RX300, is credit with helping kick-start the premium SUV craze and is what my mother should have bought 23 years ago, not that I bear grudges mind....
#Lexus #RX300 #Review
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I love how James NEVER forgets a bad dealer experience, even if he was nine at the time....
@@grievuspwn4g3 Mercedes Watford have always had a local reputation of being terrible, was still bad the last time someone I knew had an experience ( around 2015)
I owned one of these - it was exceptionally reliable, and for the time a superb car.
owned from new
Calm down
I own a 2002 RX300 with 213,000 miles.
My greatest fear is someone runs into me and totals it.
It's immaculate and runs like new and could never be replaced at today's ridiculous prices. I love this car!
Mine has 116k and I'm soooo afraid.
I have a 2002 with 172,000 miles. Alot of work put in the last 20,000 miles. Rebuilt tranny, tuneup, axle work, steering work, brakes and probably a few things I'm forgetting. About 15,000 dollars worth. Have you had to do any major work on yours?
@@christopherjung3860 you got unlucky. I think you might be alright engine-wise but let me not test your luck further
Me too! 2003 with 229,800 miles.
@@brandonfpvUnlucky should be my first name. I was shot at in that SUV. June of 2022 I was driving home and all of a sudden a guy unloads 7 rounds from the sidewalk at people across the street he had beef with. Only one bullet landed. It went through my passenger side front window missing my head by inches and out the other side. PTSD from it got me hooked on Pot the last year . I'm finally off pot though and trying to get my life back together. I normally don't share shit like this, but your unlucky description hit me hard. Not your fault. It's just how life is. In addition to the shooting, I've nearly been T- boned. I literally had to swerve out of the way. I was driving with my son right after Geico replaced the Tewo shattered windows. And all of a sudden a truck shoots across a media, just as I'm passing by. To this day, 8 don't know what the asshole was thinking. I swerve and ended up on the sidewalk. South Florida is some of the most dangerous driving I've seen. And I've been all around the world. 3rd world countries, China, Brazil, Northern Europe, Spain, The Med, Korea....etc. I thank my God that I'm alive. I literally smoked dope all day every day for over a year. I'm no wimp, but the mind is a strange thing. So anytime I see mental health crime or whatever, I say there but by the grace of God go I.
I bought an rx400h two years ago for 5 grand, it literally hasn't put a foot wrong since, and transported my wife (who has zero mechanical sympathy) and daughter around in luxurious comfort ever since. Fantastic motor
My uncle sold his M-class because it became a nightmare to maintain after warranty.
What sort of mpg is the 400h giving you?
@@Alans6563 in the summer around 36-38 , winter around 32-34, obviously depending on your driving style. My wife drives like a maniac and still gets 32mpg, approximately 450 miles to a tank
The audio system would probably be Nakamichi underneath which explains why it's so good. The lower end models used Pioneer and they were still pretty decent, but by the time you stepped up to the nav system you'd be getting the premium audio. The Nakamichi units are well worth getting a pro to replace the capacitors on, as by this age if they haven't been done, they will be starting to leak and will be affecting the audio quality. Now days I think they are all provided Mark Levinson.
i had a 99... the speakers were jbl branded
Yes, they moved to Mark Levinson around 2002 with the LS430, then the GX and LX 470.
I still drive my 2000 RX300 with a Bose stereo system and a 6 CD changer. The moonroof is perfect for the Hawaii weather. My wife still drives her 2003 Honda Odyssey. Today, both cars have over 300,000 miles. We are pleased with our purchases, and both vehicles have outstanding performance records 🤩
These SUVs just go forever. There are an amazing number of houses in my neighborhood that have his-and-hers RX 300/330/350 models in the driveway. If the used car market hadn't been so crazy when we were car shopping late last year, we probably would have bought one coming off a three-year lease. We ended up with a Toyota Venza instead (aka the Harrier in other markets), and I must say that getting twice the gas mileage of the RX is nice, plus I'd expect the Venza to be as reliable as most Toyota products.
I'm sure this car is badged as a harrier in Japan. Heaps of them around here.
@@LilleyAdam I think the older models might have been Harriers, but the current US/Canada Toyota Venza is known as the Harrier in other markets these days.
I don't even see those suvs anymore and I'm in California
I bought an '00 RX 300 with low miles from an old lady in Jan. '21 for 3k, just before used car prices went nuts. Probably worth 5-6k now. Great vehicle, no problems so far.
Similar here. 03 RX300 with all options including nav. Bought for 3k in October of 2021. Miss my Audi Cabriolet, but I'm confident the Lexus is going to start every morning.
It’s VERY rare you see a first generation of any car still driving my around normally.
The Engineering of these cars are incredible.
Dumb statement. What about first generations of cars that are still being made, eg Macans?
@@numbereightyseven he’s talking about first gen of cars that have went though many generations. so his point still stands
I just bought one ! It's in nice clean condition too!
Porsche SUVs didn’t show up until late 2002 and were rarer to see until they ramped up production later in the mid 2000s.. RXs were mass produced in 1997 & I guarantee they’re up there with the most commonly seen 90s cars still RUNNING closest to the word
P E R F E C T on the road today/tomorrow etc etc. Pursuit of PERFECTION - Heavy set Camry in a prom dress.. Plus the V6 they use is notoriously over engineered & insanely reliable. It’s probably equal if not more reliable then Toyotas 2jz or 1UZ.. Reminder that V configurations aren’t as balanced & considered less reliable then inline engines
just got one im 23 lol its as old as me!
These 90's car reviews are the bread and butter of this channel, nice to see more coming along.
As an American I simply do not understand this British reluctance to buy a Lexus. I can only conclude it is something in the British character that insists if you're going to have something nice you must balance it off with pain and suffering. German vehicles are perfect for that. that ML was called the Alabama trashcan for a reason
It was called the Alabama Trashcan because it was made in Alabama. It is not a German car.
@@quonston Designed and engineered in Germany, manufactured in Alabama. They are both to blame for that POS.
On the flip side those few smart Brits can have a Lexus for next to nothing ha! I remember I bought my 2000 IS200 for $1600 quid like 8 years ago, such a amazing car
The UK and Europe were primarily a Diesel market until the recent crackdown on emissions and only the 2nd-gen IS has been offered with such engines.
@@quonston nonsense. It was made in Alabama but it was designed by Germans, engineered by Germans, and the interior was picked out by Germans. Cheap Germans who were insulting their customers
I still drive my 2000 RX300 with a Bose stereo system and a 6 CD changer. The moonroof is perfect for the Hawaii weather. My wife still drives her 2003 Honda Odyssey. Today, both cars have over 300,000 miles. We are pleased with our purchases, and both vehicles have outstanding performance records 🤩
I own a 2000 rx300 & Love it. It actually has enormous back seat leg room because the back seat is adjustable. There is a lever in front by your feet that allows the seat to move forward or back.
Great review Jay, showcases Lexus quality v Mercedes penny pinching accountants at this time. Dubious styling, but a good all rounder!
We bought one of these in our family back in 1999. I learned to drive on this car, and drove it throughout my college years. We still have it, close to 250k miles on the odometer.
My 2004 RX330 AWD has 37,900 miles on it. Love these vehicles.
This is one of the best cars ever made.. They run forever
most reliable doesn't mean best
@@kristians2704 every Toyota/Lexus and Honda fanboys should know this
Reliability is what matters most. So im my book wat determines whats the best
Well done on the Subs you deserve more.
The 1MZFE engine ultra reliable, provided serviced. The 4 speed, Toyota did not go to a 5 speed with that weight and 1MZFE until 2005 Alphard. This was just about reliability.
Should give you 300,000 miles, at least
If you put the rx330 re designed rear valve cover it should last longer as the problem with the engine is the bad pcv system that was re designed for the next gen, Its not a hard job just annoying.
When I lived in the USA in 2000, I bought a 1999 ML320 with 28,000 miles. I drove it between Texas and Florida, New Orleans and Dallas, all across the Southern US. It sometimes towed a small boat and never missed a beat, needing only routine servicing. It was sold when we left the USA in 2004 with 120,000 miles on the clock having done 92,000 trouble free miles during our 4 years of ownership and depreciating only $10k in 4 years which considering the miles was outstanding in my opinion. So for us, the ML320 was a really good car.
320s have proven much more reliable than any lexus I've owned in my experience. I've had 2 w210 e320s and put thousands of miles on them with only routine maintenance. 2 of the 3 lexus of the same era have had pain in the ass knock sensor failures amongst other small issues plus the expensive timing service that isn't required on Mercedes
What's not to like about Lexus? When you invest in an expensive car, you don't expect faults or eye-watering bills after the warranty ends!
The cruise control stalk you showed is still exactly the same in my 2016 Lexus. :-).
My 2016 Toyota too. If it ain’t broke….
Think it is the same ones in the Soarers ect. Must be around 30 years old. The Toyota Crowns have it, mine doesn't unfortunately but I'm going to retrofit it if it doesn't make a mess of the steering wheel
If it wasnt for it being quite thirsty, i would love it as a daily. ( I already own an m2c)
Mercedes got it all wrong using some cheap steel that rusts back around 2000, MLs are known as rust buckets. They allowed the accountants to take over the engineers.
The rear seats go much further back. You recorded this with them in their front most position.
These are widely driven throughout Africa (albeit sometimes under the Toyota Harrier badge). I am assuming because of their exceptional reliability.
My Mother bought a 2002 RX300 in 2002 for around 30K. She drove it until 2016. I started driving it daily in 2018 and besides oil changes, 2 bulbs, wiper blades, and a $1020 battery and engine computer pcm/ecu replacement I've had no issues. I've put 41K on it and the tires are still carrying good tread. Best thing it still only has 86K miles on it today. It is an incredibly well built vehicle. Mine was built in Canada.
Its probably worth mentioning that the ML was an experiment in many ways for Mercedes. Previous 4x4s such as the G Wagen were almost certainly contracted out to Steyr in Austria as was the European version of the Chrysler voyager but the ML was made in an all new factory in Alabama. I was an automotive industry analyst at the time and lucky enough to be flown to Alabama by private jet with some colleagues to visit the new factory and drive the soon to be released car both on and off road. Alabama in the late 90s was mainly known for the gulf between rich and poor and a legacy of grown men marauding around the state in white sheets and pointy hoods. Quality manufacturing wasn't in the local lexicon at that time. The difficulty getting skilled and diligent labour prompted a BMW executive from their facility in South Carolina to comment when comparing the experiences BMW and Mercedes were having setting up shop in non unionised southern states "I suppose at least our workforce turns up wearing shoes" It was also a time when US made cars were pretty dire and Mercedes was recovering from problems of its own.
My friend had ML270 TDi, and when going to Spain via Ardennes, I was amazed this car could go over 200Km/h uphill .
These Cars were really way ahead compared to a Nissan Patrol Turbo.
When arriving in Spain, he had a Turbo failure, Car was like 2 years old then..
We call the ML Benz here in the states "the Alabama Trash Can". Thing is with Bubba working the assembly line, its a grueling job, both physically and mentally. Some guys can do it, some can't. Thing is you gotta keep all the "good" Bubba's happy with great pay/benefits. You are gonna run into quality/production issues if you are replacing Bubba with another Bubba every 6-12 months. And its also damn hard to find a qualified Bubba in that part of the world who has the skill set to do maintenance/troubleshooting work on the machines/presses/robots in the factory. IMO Bubba did a good job screwing these things together, it was all the Stuttgart based Hans/Karls/Ottos in accounting who ruined this era of Benz. Especially the ML, this was by far the worst car Benz introduced in that late 90's/00's period.
Jeremy Clarkson was really scathing of those 1st gen ML’s when he took it out for a test drive on Top Gear.
I thought only the 450 was made in Alabami. Those were the ones I always heard bad things about.
Mercedes for the most part haven't been very good cars for a very long time.
I love the cruise control stalk, got the same one in my 2002 IS200. Imho better than having to press buttons on the steering wheel or worse yet, toggle cruise control on/off from a separate button on the dash.
Same in my 99 GS300.
My '06 IS220d has the same setup. By far one of the easiest cruise systems to opperate
We bought ours brand new in the US for $37K. We still have it and my kids have learned to drive in it. Now has 200K miles
I have had a 1999 ml 320 for 4 year and its my daily that l use for work. I have maintained it myself and it's never let me down in 40th miles. It is thirty but it runs on LPG. I love it and will drive as long as l can. As long as people like you nock them they will stay a bargain for the rest of us in the know.
You have the rear seats extended on the RX300 out that's why there is less leg space, below there's a bar where you can pull and push the seats back. You'll have to readjust the angle of the back seats every time you do this.
I own one with wooden trim. I replaced the central console for the next gen which fits perfectly. Best daily I had, comfy, reliable and perfect for the weather I face (snow and hot summer)and indeed the stereo is awesome. I'm purchasing a LS soon for me, but this one stays in the family for my partner.
Hello, how do you replace the center console with an rx330 console? I haven't heard of that mod before.
Hello can you give a little more information on that mod. Please
Lexus brand has looked liked a good alternative to Mercs/Beemers, ever since i heard of them, generally you get that same features in engine and drivetrain, albeit with "lower quality" interiors on older models(before 2015ish) and on the other hand you get the higher reliability at a lower cost(depreciation value if bought used)
My 2009 GS460 has a way nicer interior than the W212 E Series of the same year - which believe me I've stepped out of my car and into a E series, and they feel cheap and nasty in comparison - also the E had developed all manner of rattles in 10 years & looked a lot more worn than it should have for the age & mileage. I'd agree that the LS460 of the late 00's early 10's isn't quite as good as the S series, but it's not far off.
@@Beer_Dad1975 exactly why i used the "" signs because it depends on the user/driver
Traditionally german vs traditionally japanese
Each with their own quirks
And you never even mentioned the ML's depreciation! MLs were USA built therefore awful quality interiors.
Well both are worth virtually nothing now
In 2002, the starting price was around £25,000 but that changes depending on model and options.
Yes, my mum bought a top spec all singing all dancing model and it cost £32,000 and change. Was an awesome daily for the time.
I have a 1st generation ML 350 2004, and it's been an incredible car. Bit thirsty and likes a camshaft sensor.....but apart from that, a joy to own.
Still have one - 2004 with 170,000 miles. Most reliable car I ever owned.
I bought a 2001 RX 300 all wheel drive from the original owner in mint condition with just 79,000 miles as a go to work vehicle so I could let my new full size chevy truck could sit in the garage looking new. And to my surprise after owning the Lexus for a year now I love it! The quality is superb all the features are working engine is smooth and quite. This is a solid suv and it just needs a upgraded stereo although it sounds great it doesn’t have Bluetooth or none of the modern features a stereo should have. I have the original window sticker with it and it had a price of just over $41,000.
Another good video, James, thankyou. I have a Lexus LS430 from this era, and the interior has a similar mix of the very nice and cheap Toyota parts. On 235k now and still going strong though.
I've been a longtime Japanese car enthusiast and have owned quite a few early 90s Nissans and the like. Last year I picked up a neglected 2000 ML55 from a coworker who purchased it from a small dodgy dealership some years prior. I planned to fix some items and flip it. I got it for a *really* good price. It had its share of issues that needed worked out for a twenty year old car, including a busted instrument cluster so mileage was unknown. Turns out with some internet sleuthing and one Carfax later- the ol' ML has over 320k miles on it (515k km)! It's grown on me, like a wart, for the past year as I've nursed and reconditioned it back to its former glory- and the thing just doesn't miss a beat! The legendary AMG-built M113 V8 roars to life without any hesitation along with the original drivetrain (including the transfer case with low range). It's got gobs of power and hustles down the highway nicely and in relative comfort for a body-on-frame SUV. I've ended up lifting it slightly and fitting some knobby all-terrain 275/65R18 to exploit the surprisingly competent off road prowess the ol' petrol-sucking SUV offers. (Did I mention I'm American?). Just a year ago I couldn't have told you anything about a Benz and now I can't get enough of the accountant-era red-headed stepchildren. My friends told me it was an 'Alabama trashcan', and annual running costs would bankrupt me. Well, despite some early production-run build quality issues it has done nothing but impress this JDM lover... Also, the RX is a fantastic little runabout and you see tons of them here in the states, kinda boring though :)
Okay as his story with his mother states. Mercedes was very unreliable.
Could anyone from Europe please explain to me why yall buy unreliable cars? I mean so do Americans but we have increasingly gone to more reliable brands and that is why our American brands keep going bankrupt. Euroepan brands constantly score badly on reliability tests. And as personal experience my family had a Volvo and like his mother's MB, it went down as the absolute worst car in the family and was sold off within 6 months. And everyone I know who gets European (and American brands to be fair) has a awful time with them. And living near the BMW plant in America, all the workers tell me how bad the cars are and they only drive them because of deals as employees.
So... why buy trash? I guess as I stated this question is aimed at everyone including Americans.
My dad didn't do any research on that Volvo and paid the price. I assume it's the same for others?
When will people learn that mercedes are glossy but poorly-made cars, and their customer service is narcissistic to the point of offensive - and yes, criminal levels of deceit and cheating.
This is such a dumb statement. We own five mercedes. They are the definition of reliable. The w124 is imo the best car of all time, its made for eternity. But i cant say that about mercedeses after 2000, ours are all built before 2000. But the ML was indeed a big shit show but as i dont really like SUVs anyway i dont care.
I've driven a 1st gen ML 270. Ugly, slow , prone to rust, but surprisingly quiet and comfortable. Even though it was made in the dark age of Mercedes Benz, the interior was above the Japanese or hilarious American equivalent of a smaller luxury SUV.
The m270 lived in the SHOP!,NO THANKS
Modern Lexus could learn a thing or two from the cars they produced from this period.
Mercedes Benz. The best marketing strategy Lexus will ever have, and it doesn't cost them a penny. Canny lot those Japanese.
Mercedes build quality from 1995 - 2006 was terrible. Everything rusted like sawdust. You just had to huff and puff like the Big Bad Wolf and they would crumble. This Lexus RX was of course terrific. They don't break down. Reliable transport they are till this day!
Same scenario with my friend in 1999 when trying to choose between the Ml320 and the RX300 in America. He asked me as a technician which one I would buy. I told him the Lexus was the better of the 2. Now in 2022 he still owns the Lexus. He did upgrade the Lexus for a Macan GTS last year but decided to keep the Lexus as his dog hauler. Lexus weak spots are oil sludge issues if synthetic oil is not used and the automatic transmissions can fail prematurely.
As for the issue,Castro xl will take care of that,my 2001 has zero sludge !
Have one as my first car, kinda riced it out but its an excellent starter vehicle. Still going 200k strong!
The more I look at vehicles and having bought a Toyota against buying a car built in the EU (Brexiter) the more I would now only buy a Toyota or Lexus or Mazda for reliable cheap dependable motoring.
Had 5 RX models pass through the family over the years, the worst problem we came across was a stone getting caught between the brake caliper and the disc. 3 of the 5 RX's were traded in with over 200k on the clock, one with 150k and latest one coming up to 90k. My dad started me down the Lexus route and I can't fault any of the cars we own, GS F, LS400 and NX300h. Looking to add an IS200 sportcross as the dog-mobile too!
I had a '99. I've seen the guy I sold it to - he still has it, and liked it so much he bought a later version to go with it. I later had a Porsche Macan (base), which was the same sort of car, or "car".
My mom has had her 2003 RX-300 for over 10 years now, and it’s been extremely reliable. Now at 191,000 miles, and the driveshaft is the only thing that’s broken on it. Never had a single light go on the dash. Considering how hard it’s been driven, it’s really amazing how well it’s held up. Really speaks for how good Toyota is. Hardly any rust either despite being in the rust belt of the US for the past 20 years.
Bought A 2002 Rx300 New was around $40K USD .
My parents have owned one for the last 15 years (I grew up with it) and it's still going strong at ~205K miles. The comfort, build quality, and reliability are excellent. My only complaint is that fuel economy isn't great (~21 US mpg) and it could really use an extra cog (gets really annoying in the hills/mountains).
I own a 2007 lexus GX470 and a 2002 RX300. The RX300 is a car of compromises, Is it fast no but fast enough, HP per Liter of displacement sub 80 (but the strain on the drive train is low), Does it handle well no but its better than a full size suv and only slightly worse than a vw golf from similar vintage. Its like on every choice they made the most practical decision and just bumped it on the good side of that choice. I really hate to say it, but I would totally get a new/newer one when this one craps out. AND the 2002 RX300 is better than my moms 2017 gmc Acadia by a large margin and only gets 3 mpg less and is 15 years older.
We have a 1999 with 376,000+ miles and still going strong except it does use oil at highway speeds. Purchased it in 2005 with ~80,000 miles. It's an excellent car.
Phenomenal 👏 I'm looking to purchase one next week.
I’m getting a 2000 rx300 this weekend with 185k miles on it. This information help me a lot. Thanks!
How's that going?
I love how James has no qualms calling out bad dealerships. The RX 300 was a revolution at the time, great looking, lots of features, very quiet, this particular one he is in crazy immaculate condition. Look at the front end shot, there is like no chips at all on that front end or bumper, beautiful. It has to have been repainted, even though Lexus has excellent fit and finish… I mean my 2022 BMW with 5000 miles has more small pitting on the bumper than that 22-year-old Lexus LMAO
And I’m curious about the stereo now, I think in the United States they were available with the Nakamachi? Or perhaps the Mark Levinson? Perhaps neither I’ll have to research👌🙏 Thanks James
It’s nice to hear another cinematographers perspective on cars.
This video is the reason I only choose true Japanese cars. I doubt the Mercedes his mother bought are still on the road whereas this Lexus still lives on. 2022 and German manufacturers still cannot touch the Japanese brands for reliability.
I agree with you completely pal. I have a 09 rx awd and a LC500
Best cars Hand down
As far as im concerned these exist to provide engines for mr2s
I'd genuinely rather drive the RX. MR2s are utterly horrid things. Cramped, noisy, impractical, harsh riding, nasty handling (unpredictable as to whether you get terminal understeer or vicious snap oversteer)... MR2s exist to provide manual gearboxes for these.
@@richardharrold9736 mr2 isnt the perfect chassis but if you find it snap oversteering youre driving it wrong. power understeer isnt a slow way to drive a car either.
@@Will_M600 understeer is just unpleasant, and sudden snap oversteer is no fun either. MR2s are useless, horrid cars. Give me a Corolla T-Sport or even a Camry or RX any day.
@@richardharrold9736 with that opinion i think you must be a useless, horrid driver!
A friend still has one he bought new...it has 360k miles on it.
the ML was built in a new plant in the southern states wasn't it? agreed, It was crap. I'd love the RX300 but for someone who'd probably only do 2000/3000 miles pa in it, £600 RFL seems a lot.
Yep, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, chosen by Chrysler as it's a non-union state. Pay peanuts, hire monkeys. No wonder the build quality was crap. BMW did the same, going to South Carolina to build the Z and X cars. VW went to Tennessee and ironically tried to impose unionisation only for the Republican state administration to foil their attempt.
Alabama Trashcan
After twenty years, this car is holding up remarkably well. The interior isn't in tatters and it seems like a really smooth drive. Not bad when you have GM products or Mercedes products that can't last ten years without needing a new transmission or expensive repairs
I bought one for my wife when we lived in the States. It was a pretty good car for what it was. It did have a gearbox failure while out of warranty but Lexus covered it anyway after a carefully worded overture to Lexus of America
Could you tell us what year it was and the mileage at tyranny issue?
Thanks
@@paulcoenen7918 2001 model with 77,000 miles at the time
I have owned 2 of these; best build quality.
Sorry man for your bad experience. Personally have lived with my ml270 manual 6 speed for the last 10 years,have only replaced turbo transducers once. It has very good economy. I maintain it very well . Lexus has tested reliability though. Thanks for good video
I have one of these with nearly 300,000 American Freedumb Eagle units on the odometer (miles, not kilometers), and it barely needed anything outside, for finally, an 02 sensor went out but, for the hundreds of thousands of miles all its ever needed was oil, wheels, and brakes.
So weird to see one of these in wrong-side drive but flipping the video it looks proper.
I may be wrong but I think a fellow TH-camr high peek autos has recently bought an early ML..
About to watch the video, but I absolutely prefer the 2002-2005 Mercedes ML (specifically the ML500) because it’s body on frame and very truck like in how it drives.
The engine light coming on but then going out again could be an oxygen sensor on the way out
WHY O WHY does someone who has such bad treatment from a dealer go and buy a car from the same dealer/brand, especially if it is so poor, unreliable and thirsty?? It must be brand snobbery. So desperately sad. Why do people, even today, go into a Merc dealer and say "Please, beat me up, insult me, rip me off and sell me a crap unreliable car for far too much money?" My wifes shopping Roomster has vastly more room in the back and a similar in the boot to the Lexus. Great interesting video though JM.
Can't offer you first gen of ML class, but (as I already send you two emails with that) can offer you GLE350d from 2016 for review 😉👍
Have you reviewed a classic Mini yet?
Edit: NVM you did. Maybe the Volvo S40 2.4 then…
what was your parents business? i dont think you've mentioned before
I picked up a minty 2008 RX350 last year and I'm absolutely in love it. It looks and drives like new and has the superb Mark Levinson stereo in it. They are great aging luxury cars , Toyota reliability and lots of comfort and features .
Lexus's don't interest me alot and this doesn't change that
This was a wild success in North America with the suburban upper middle class. My grandmother still drives her 2002 two-tone beige on beige to this day. Later versions remained the best-selling luxury car in the US (and I think Canada) until recently. Interestingly enough, the RX was roughly identical to the JDM Toyota Harrier until the 4th generation RX. After that, the RX went a bit bigger and slightly more upmarket than it was prior.
Have to chuckle about the "ugly" comments. I'd rather drive an ugly reliable car than a good looking one that spends more time in a garage than on the road. Drove a 1st gen ML for 6 months and in that time the tailgate stuck closed, gearbox started making strange noises, rear passenger windows stopped working, sunroof leaked, fog lights failed and it developed a habit of taking a brand new fully charged battery to totally flat overnight and then the dashboard started up with more lights stuck on than our local nightclub. Also the alloys suffered from horrendous peeling or corrosion but that seemed to be fairly common. Best thing about that car was watching it being trailered away 🤣
I picked up an 01’ ml55 in November here in the states. Cheap too, 3200 US and came with an extra set of wheels and tires! I’ve since put 2800 miles on it bringing the total to 186k miles and other than the battery dying over the weekend once, turned out to be a user error, it hasn’t left me stranded. I used it to tow a generator to the job site and put a front bumper for another car easily in the rear storage space with the seats folded down. For a truck the thing is amazing, very capable and quick, decent storage and towing ability. For a Mercedes well it’s definitely a mixed bag. The amg interior is certainly much better than what I’ve seen in the 320s and 430s. I would liken the materials and fit to that of a w220 S rather than a full fat designo package amg interior. I haven’t had any problems with the rear hatch as many do but one of the rear doors does have the popping lock problem that many of the early cars have. In all it is a great utility vehicle but far too thirsty for a daily driver that does a few hundred miles a day.
That kind of Lexus cost about £3,700.00 in Central America. And still performs well.
Thanks for sharing the Merc experience, I couldn't stop laughing :)
You're welcome, James. Watching your videos ain't much, and it's definitely not honest work, but I am proud to be doing my bit
I went looking for a low km, old RX recently and even the low km ones had a terrible cracked dashboard just above the glove box. Most were in Brisbane and Sydney. Any rural ones that were looked after and under cover had like 300,000 + km.
I have the exact same car, RX300SE in platinum ice, bought in 2002, with the 17” upgrade alloys, was £34k. Bloody lovely car. Just clocked 100k 😁
Im legit looking at buying one of these for a daily. Funny timing
I thought it had an awfully bouncy ride compared to the ML , so I bought the ml and have been thrilled since.
Having had two vehicles with auto 4 speeds, never again. They just seem to drag between gears with big steps in the ratios, the extra gear of a 5 speed just makes a nicer drive.
I own a 2001 RX300 with 250,000 miles for 8000 pounds. nice car. 4wd. 3L, 220 hp. i hope nothing will happen in next 5 years.
My grandma bought a 99 Lexus rx300 fwd for 32k to 36k in the states she got a sunroof and nakamichi sound system
A-Class : don’t tell me, gearbox? Our auto was shocking and needed a rebuild. That said, it was flexible and spacious.
Nice car. Was thinking about buying one sadly not too many nice examples around me. Nice review. Keep up the good work.
These are extremely popular out here in the states, a good first gen rx300 is $7,500-9k right now.
My 1999 came with the sticker, new was 37250.00. still have it, 265000 miles. nice video.
I have this truck and Bmw e36 M3 for weekends. These 2 vehicles are considered Bullet proof engine's and go up in value every year
I saw a 2003 modle with with over 300k and it still is going and the interior is solid as heck I almost got it.
I made a terrible mistake too in 2011, I bought a Mercedes. I hate them ever since same for BMW and Range rover
no way i just got one for 3000 at 188000! moddness I tell ya! I was going to flip it but I may just keep the wagon
Would love to see you review a Mazda Bongo!