What size tires are on a RX300?
The RX300's tire size isn't fixed by year; it varies by trim and wheel package. To ensure you buy the right tires, verify the size listed on the door placard or in the owner’s manual.
The RX300, produced from 1998 through 2003 in the United States, offered multiple wheel and option configurations. This guide explains how to identify the correct size for your specific vehicle and provides a rough overview of common factory sizes seen on early RX300 models.
How to identify the correct tire size for your RX300
Where to look on the vehicle
Before you replace tires, locate the official size on the vehicle itself. The primary sources are the door placard, the tire sidewall, and the owner’s manual.
- Door placard: Open the driver’s door and read the tire size listed on the placard alongside recommended inflation pressures. This shows the factory size for the front and rear tires (often the same size).
- Tire sidewall: If you’re replacing worn tires, the current size is molded into the sidewall of the tire itself (for example, P225/60R17).
- Owner’s manual: The manual includes the original equipment tire sizes, with notes on variations tied to wheel and option packages.
- Vehicle identification resources: If the placard is missing or the car has aftermarket wheels, a Lexus dealer or tire professional can pull the correct size using the VIN and trim information.
Concluding: The most reliable sources for your RX300’s exact tire size are the door placard and the owner’s manual. If in doubt, consult a tire professional or a Lexus dealer to confirm the correct size for your specific configuration.
Common RX300 tire sizes by wheel diameter (rough guide)
Notes on the guide
These sizes reflect what many 1998–2003 RX300 models used in stock configurations. Exact sizes vary by trim, market, and whether aftermarket wheels are installed. Always verify the size listed on the placard and in the manual before purchasing.
- 16-inch wheels: 225/65R16 is a frequently observed stock size on early RX300 models with 16-inch rims.
- 17-inch wheels: 225/60R17 is commonly reported for RX300 models equipped with 17-inch rims; some configurations may use 235/55R17 depending on the wheel style.
Concluding: Use these sizes as a rough reference for planning replacements, but confirm the exact specification for your vehicle with the door placard or the manual, especially if your RX300 has aftermarket wheels or non-standard trim.
Summary
There is no single tire size that covers all RX300s. The exact size depends on year, trim, and wheel package. For many early RX300s, common factory sizes include 225/65R16 (16-inch wheels) and 225/60R17 (17-inch wheels), but always verify against the door placard or the owner’s manual to ensure an exact match. When in doubt, consult a tire professional or Lexus dealership to avoid mismatched tires and potential handling changes.
What size tires are on a Lexus RX300?
The Lexus RX300 tire size varies by model year, with common sizes being 225/70R16 for the 1999-2003 models and different sizes for older or newer versions. For a precise and correct size, check the vehicle's door jamb sticker or the tire sidewall itself.
- 1999-2003: The standard tire size is 225/70R16.
- Other model years:
- 1998: The size depends on the specific trim, with options including 175/70R13, 205/60R15, and 235/75R15.
- 225/70R16: 2000-2001: is the standard size.
- To confirm the correct tire size:
- Look for a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
- Check the sidewall of your current tires for the size information.
How much is a 2000 Lexus RX300 worth today?
A 2000 Lexus RX RX 300 Sport Utility 4D has depreciated $85 or 3% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $2,442 and trade-in value of $1,095.
What are the best years for Lexus RX300?
The best Lexus RX 300 years are generally considered to be the 2001-2003 models because they were produced after a mid-cycle refresh and benefited from a more reliable 3.0L V6 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. These years represent the peak of the first-generation RX 300's development and refinement, making them a good balance of reliability and features.
Why these years are recommended
- Model year improvements: The 2001 model year received updates such as new styling for the grille, taillights, and exterior trim, along with optional HID headlights and a navigation package.
- Reliable engine: The 3.0-liter V6 engine (1MZ-FE) in these models is known for its durability, as long as routine maintenance, such as timing belt replacements, is performed correctly.
- Smooth ride: The RX 300 is praised for its smooth and quiet ride, making it a comfortable choice for daily driving and long trips.
- High reliability ratings: Owners consistently report high reliability and low maintenance costs for these models, with many cars reaching high mileage with minimal issues.
What to watch out for
- Engine sludge: The engine is susceptible to sludge buildup if oil changes are neglected, so it's crucial to check the service history for a record of regular oil changes.
- Dash cracking: Some models from the first generation can experience dash cracking issues, so check the condition of the dashboard carefully.
- Rust: The frame can rust out over time, especially in areas with a lot of road salt, so inspect the underbody for any signs of significant corrosion.
A note on other models
- If you are not set on the RX 300, the RX 330 (2004-2006) and the RX 350 (2007-present) are also very reliable options that offer modern features and improved performance.
- The second generation (RX 330) can be a great value, with 2006 and 2007 being particularly good years due to their high reliability ratings and inclusion of a timing chain, which eliminates the need for timing belt replacements.
What size tires are on a 1999 Lexus RX300?
The standard tire size for a 1999 Lexus RX300 is 225/70R16. This size is consistent across standard and base models for that year.
- P225/70R16: This indicates a tire with a width of 225 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 70 (the sidewall height is 70% of the width), and a 16-inch rim diameter.
