1. Overview of Lexus RX 300

Lexus RX 300 was first introduced in Japan as far back as 1997 but with a different name. In Japan, it was offer as Toyota Harrier, indicating that the Lexus Brand is part of Toyota setup that inclues the likes of Corolla, Camry etc (Remember, Lexus is owned by Toyota, operating as the luxury branch of the company). Lexus RX 300 served as the first generation ancestor to the current models of Lexus RX like the RX 350 and RX 450 which is the Hybrid model.

Lexus RX offered customers the chance to own a vehicle that possessed some off-highway capabilities, excellent handling, a car that identified as an SUV with its features and the executive luxury known to Lexus sedans. Yes, Lexus RX was designed as an SUV for the highway, but one that could handle some off-road terrains perfectly.

When we say off-road, we do not mean the dubious mountain terrains meant for the destroyer, rather we talking about the unpaved paths, or snow covered highways and tracks, as well as muddy terrains. The Lexus RX 300 possesses a really remarkable and admirable handling especially when making corners at high speed.

RX 300 possesses really remarkable and admirable handling

Lexus RX 300 has been built and assembled at just two factories, one in Japan at the Miyata plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka while the other plant is located in Canada at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada plant in Ontario. The two plants have built all the first generation RX 300’s we’ve used from inception to 2003 when the RX 300 gave way to a new generation of the RX brand, which include the RX 330, RX 350 and RX 450 Hybrid version.

Lexus built the RX 300 in just its base trim, but tried to make the single trim good enough. However, the Base trim came with two drivetrains as will be mentioned in the Engine and Performance section.

2. Prices of Lexus RX 300 in Nigeria

The following list will give you a fair knowledge of the prices of Lexus RX 300 in Nigeria, from the price of Brand New models to Tokumbo and Nigerian Used models.

2.1. Brand New Lexus RX 300 prices in Nigeria

The manufacturers stated retail price of Lexus is stated below. Remember the Lexus RX 300 was offered in just a single trim but with two powertrains.

Also note that it's impossible to find these brand new on the market at the moment. These numbers are new car prices when the model was first released at that time.

2.2. Nigerian used RX 300 prices in Nigeria

Nigerian used cars can be a good option provided you do your home work well. We advise that before purchasing you confirm the mileage on the car and have a professional evaluator or a trusted mechanic evaluate the reliability and current state of the car. If you would like, below is a list of Nigerian used Lexus RX 300 in by year.

2.3. Tokunbo RX 300 prices in Nigeria

Tokunbo cars are always the first choice for most intending buyers. Below is a list of Foriegn used of Tokumbo Lexus RX 300 prices by year. Please note that these prices may change depending on car condition, currency exchange rate, custom clearing cost and import tax.

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3. Lexus RX 300 design

Lexus is known for Luxury, and that is what the RX 300 offered. A sultry sense of luxury that made is instantly attractive. One very obvious interior feature is the positioning of the gear shift lever, which is moved from the more traditional position at the floor area adjacent to the driver’s seat to somewhere close to the instrument panel on the dashboard area. This design feature surely creates more room for the front seat occupants and allows for more storage room as it were. The seats are made with some fine and soft Ivory-colored fabrics giving the RX 300 a gentle and soft interior look.

Each seat can slide forward and backwards and this includes the back seats which can be adjusted forward thus creating more legroom and luggage space as the case may be. Also each seat can recline individually offering more comfort to the passengers and driver. The RX 300 can comfortably seat 5 persons and offers rear leg room of 36.4 inches and front leg room of 40.7 inches. The RX 300 has a maximum cargo storage space of 75 cubic feet depending of the seat configuration.

The RX 300 can comfortably seat 5 persons

The Lexus RX 300 remains very popular thanks to its very unique exterior design and swanky urban style. One special feature of the RX 300 which all but gives it its urban SUV definition is the platform on which it is built on. Lexus dumped the much heavier Body on Frame Platform for its much lighter Unit Body Chassis for the production of the RX 300. This features means the RX 300 is much lighter and is suited for urban use and less of severe off-road driving.

RX 300 is built on a wheel base length of 103.1 inches

Its lighter weight which stands at a gross value of 4950 lbs is combines with a wheel base length of 103.1 inches to build this exquisite SUV. Its sublime exterior gives it better aerodynamic performance with its low drag coefficient signifying the ease with which air flows around the cars body when it is in motion. Additionally, you can be sure to enjoy the sunroof the RX 300 comes with, as this creates and bright and scenic ambience within the car when you choose to use it.

The RX 300 has a maximum cargo storage space of 75 cubic feet

4. Lexus RX 300 Engine and Performance

Remember we mentioned that the RX 300 was offered in just the Base Trim. Well, the base trim comes with two drivetrains, the front wheel drive and the all-wheel or four wheel drive 4WD. The powertrain takes its power from a 3.0 liter V6 engine that delivered 220 horse power at 5800 rpm and 220 lb-foot torque at 4400 rpm. This engine was combined with the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence VVTi and 4 speed automatic transmission and to help generate and supply power respectively to the drive axles. The V6 engine delivered some cool performance to the RX 300, with the luxury wagon delivering a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds for both front wheel and the 4 wheel drive.

The 2001 Lexus RX 300 with the front wheel drive, cleared the 0-60 mph in just 8.5 seconds and 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. The RX 300 can reach a maximum speed of 112 mph or 180 km/h.

The Luxury wagon delivers some solid performances on the road with its sublime handling over sharp bends, as well as its ability to handle rough patches of roads, slippery surfaces, unpaved roads and uneven terrains. Generally speaking, the RX 300 has offered a commendable performance, however there has been complaints with its handling, but this has come from just a few owners while majority of Lexus RX 300 owners have only but praise for this one.

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5. Lexus RX 300 Safety & other Features

Insurance Institute for highway safety IIHS gave the Lexus RX 300 a good safety rating. The report indicated that there was a very low chance of injury to the head, leg and neck occurring in the event of a head-on collision. As is seen the crash test video below, the RX 300 managed high impact frontal collision very well except for a minimal incursion inside.

The RX 300 comes with a number of safety and technology  features including the Anti-locking Brake System, front and side air bags for the protection in case of frontal crash or side impact incidents. Others are seat belts with pre-tensioners, Remote entry, rear seat door child safety locks, Anti theft Alarm system etc.

Lexus RX 300 specifications

Below is a beakdown of the general Specs of the Lexus RX 300!

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