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What would I use/recommend?

These are based on first-hand and second-hand observation. I read quite a bit on oils, additives, you name it and I constantly update this section.

Gasoline

I did not have a choice in terms of brand when I lived in Mexico, but I tried whenever I could to use Pemex Premium (92 octane) as opposed to the lower octane Magna (87 octane).

However, in the United States, three gasolines are are tied at the top of my list: Sunoco Supreme Unleaded (93 octane), Chevron Supreme Unleaded (93 octane) and Texaco Power Premium (93 octane). When running Sunoco, the vehicle is very quiet and I have gotten slightly more MPG than with other gasolines, but Chevron and Texaco have gotten the fewest check engine lights of any gasoline I have tried due in major part to their excellent cleaning qualities with Techron.

Discount Parts

There are a lot of places on the Internet to be sure, but one place that I have used over the years with great success is Rock Auto .

Oil Filter

K&N Gold HP-2009 (what I currently use, this is 1.34 inches taller than the HP-1002 and we would call this an oversized filter to allow better oil flow and filtration, both this an the HP-1002 have a 1 inch nut on top to screw on and off easier and permit oil filter changes from the engine bay instead of having to go underneath the vehicle). For more information, see K&N .

K&N Gold HP-1002 (what I was using for many years, similar in size to the Toyota OEM filter)

Engine Oil

Castrol Syntec 0W30 (a.k.a. German Castrol) (they sell this at Autozone in the U.S. and BMW when I lived in Mexico)- Highest on my list. TunedRX300 had mentioned it to me, I investigated and found this to have a superior basestock and additives to just about anything available on the market. In addition, several friends with turbocharged vehicles in Mexico were running this oil (that was difficult to find down there) If you have this, you don't need additives. This is an excellent oil regardless of mileage. I have seen this same oil also sold at Pep Boys. This is my recommended oil.

Amsoil 0W30- An excellent oil. Costs a bit more than the Castrol and Pennzoil I mentioned. Many Carquest stores carry Amsoil products and in Florida, one can get it at Murray's Speed & Custom  or directly through Amsoil .

Pennzoil Platinum 5W30- Also available at just about any auto parts store and even department stores like WalMart, readily available substitute in place of the hard-to-get Castrol 0W30. It is cheaper than both the Castrol 0W30 and the Amsoil 0W30.

Note: I have used several different grades of Mobil 1 in the past (0W40, 5W30, 5W50, 10W30, 15W50) and found 0W40 the best grade of the bunch, but I no longer recommend Mobil 1 due to consumption issues I had while I was in Mexico. Even with 0W40, I found myself using additives. I might reconsider this should there formulation change perform better in UOAs (Universal Oil Analyses) compared to the 3 oils mentioned above.

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Amsoil Synthetic Universal Transmission Fluid- Superior to the Toyota fluid and used by many RX300 owners I have encountered, who report no problems and actually find improved performance. This is my recommended ATF. We had already had one member, TunedRX300, go 50,000 miles on this.

I should also note that we have had RX300 owners who have successfully used without issue other synthetic ATFs: Mobil 1 ATF, Royal Purple Max ATF and Redline Synthetic High-Temp ATF.

Brake Fluid

ATE Super Blue Racing Brake Fluid- Several RX300 owners have reported excellent results with this fluid. This is available through Tire Rack . Note: If you live in Florida, Tire Rack, due to regulations, will only sell the ATE TYP 200 Amber Fluid. This is the same exact fluid at the Super Blue, just a different color. This is my favorite of the bunch.

Castrol GT LMA- Toyota sold this in their dealership in Mexico and it is an all around great fluid that had very little in the way of contamination over time (superior to virtually every fluid available in this aspect). Pep Boys carries it. I also used this fluid in Mexico.

Valvoline Synthetic DOT 3 & 4- Very common brake fluid found in virtually any auto parts store. I used this for several years in Mexico.

PSF (Power Steering Fluid)

Mobil 1 ATF- Have not found anything better. Sold in most auto parts stores.

Brake Pads

Akebono ProACT Pads- TunedRX300 has been using these for quite some time and I thank him for this great recommendation. No jerkiness or hesitation such as with the OEM pads that I used to use. Rock Auto sells these pads.

Note: I have used EBC Greenstuff (lots of dust), Hawk Performance (nice stopping power, the last Lexus (marked Toyota) pads I had were better) and even custom pads (Carbotech, Ferodo) made in Mexico, but with my last Lexus pads the lining split from the pad itself, so I saw the need to move to something better.

Coolant Additive

Royal Purple Purple Ice- 1 bottle. Found at Pep Boys, though for more information see, Royal Purple .

Redline WaterWetter- 1 bottle. Found at most auto stores. For more information, see Redline .

Nology NotHot- but one needs 2 bottles. Found at certain speciality auto stores or for more information see Nology .

Oil Additives

Generally not needed, but if needed for specific cases, these are my recommendations:

AutoRX- this is a product my uncle has used for several years when I was in Mexico (we imported it as needed which is difficult), but it can help with sludge issues and leaks. TunedRX300 on Club Lexus is using it in his RX300. It does not always work, but for the price it is worth a try. Keep in mind there are certain instructions for using this product. This should probably go under engine flush, though I know a few people add a slight amount as an oil additive. For more information, see Auto-Rx .

Restore- They also make a fuel injector cleaner, but this is the oil additive. Known for helping restore compression, I have found this product to be a useful cleaner, too. This is available in most auto parts stores. For more information, see Restore .

Oil Extreme- Best oil additive I have ever used. Has immediate impact whereas other additives you may or may not see improvement over times Helps keep the oil and other additives from depositing and accumulating, much better flow. I found it very useful in helping maintain Spring and Fall like performance during the Summer, when it is much hotter of course. For more information see, Oil Extreme .

Liqui Moly MOS2 Anti-Friction Engine Treatment- For the price, the best anti-friction additive on the market. You are most likely to find it at Napa Auto Stores under the Lubro Moly brand. For more information, see Liqui Moly .

Liqui Moly CeraTec- A very expensive anti-friction product. Several friends down here along with myself have added this product. I added this to my oil about 1,500 miles before I put in the German Castrol. Slightly better compression and a quieter engine is all that I have noticed, and this is the second time I have used it. Although Napa Auto stores carry Liqu Moly products branded as Lubro Moly, you are unlikely to find this particular product in the United States. For more information, see Liqui Moly .

Liqui Moly Motor Oil Saver- If you have problems with compression and Restore does not solve it (for your piston walls), then chances are you have an issue with your piston rings. This product was recommended to me by friends at the track in Tlalnepantla and they told me it would work like crazy glue shortly after putting it in. It can help regenerate the piston rings and you will notice a significant improvement in engine compression. I highly recommend this product before having engine work done for compression related reasons. I have seen this product readily available at Napa Auto Stores under the Lubro Moly name. For more information, see Liqui Moly .

Rear Differential/Transfer Case fluid (for those of you with AWD RX300s)

Royal Purple Max Synthetic Gear oil 75W90- (I personally recommend this and a lot of in particular Lexus GS series owners also use this over other brands). Many auto parts stores carry this fluid.

Amsoil Synthetic Gear Lube 75W90- Another great fluid used by a lot of Lexus owners.

Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube 75W90- The majority of RX300 owners I know (other than those using OEM fluids) use this due to excellent qualities and wide availability. Most auto parts stores carry this.

Fuel Injector Cleaners

Redline Fuel System Cleaner- I picked this up immediately when at AutoZone when I was in Mexico, takes a day or two to be really noticeable on a full tank, but the vehicle will run much quieter and smoother afterwards. Most effective stuff I have used, though as I mentioned it takes just a bit more time than the Amsoil additive to have effect, but the effect seems to last a lot longer than other cleaners I have used. You are most likely to find it at Pep Boys in the United States.

Lucas Fuel Treatment- Many have reported an increase in MPG with this product and I noticed a .1 increase shortly after its use after staying stagnant at the same MPG previously. I also sensed that compression had improved likely due to the upper cylinder lubricant. Vehicle felt super smooth about a week after its use. In weeks after first putting in, found at least a .3 MPG increase that was sustained. Found at most auto parts stores. For more information see Lucas Oil .

Amsoil Fuel Injector Cleaner- Fastest working stuff I have ever used. Very potent and immediately noticeable.

Liqui Moly Jectron- Goes under the Lubro Moly name in the United States and available at Napa Auto Parts. I recommend using this a few weeks after use of one of the other cleaners. While it does a good job on its own, I have found this cleaner to clean up issues related to jerkiness/hesitation with the combustion cycle that other cleaners did not clean up.

Chevron Techron- You can fill up at Chevron, Texaco or it is widely available at auto parts stores.. When I lived in Mexico, you could get it as ProGard (less strength than regular Techron) at Costco.

Gas Additives

Apart from fuel injector cleaners I have had success with:

Gas Extreme- helps in cleaning deposits in the engine, quite potent in a small amount. For more information, see Oil Extreme .

Nology PowerBoost- not quite as effective as Gas Extreme, but effective on half a tank

For ethanol related issues:

Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment- If you live in a state with ethanol fuels or E10 fuels, this is an excellent additive that helps clean up issues caused by ethanol including scum/muck on the bottom of the tank that other cleaners just cannot clean up. In addition, since using this product, I have noticed a .5 mpg increase that has been sustained. Available at West Marine and WalMart in their marine section. For more information, see Star Tron.

Engine Flush

Liqui Moly Engine Flush- Found it in a number of places in Mexico. Try Napa Auto Parts under the Lubro Moly name.

Amsoil Engine Flush- another very good product on the market.

Misc.

A great site for reference on lubricants is Bob Is The Oil Guy and its accompanying forums, Forums

I highly encourage everyone took to take a look at Hyper Rev Magazine from Japan as Vols. 37, Vol. 46 and 62 show Harrier (RX series) aftermarket mods. My Auto Fashion was able to obtain a copies of 37 and 46 for me. They are one excellent group to consult.

Possible Modifications

Dressing up rear hatch area - I have never used the rear hatch area much even for groceries and wanted to dress up this area using some leather flooring and also using 2 dark colored bean bags from the Bean Bag Boys collection, Amazon.com is one place they can be bought.

Powdercoated Rims - Generally not expensive to do, but I have been wanting to powdercoat my rims black due to issues with the current condition of my rims and also for aesthetic reasons

Headers - (I was looking to get the Megan Racing 1MZFE headers when they become available, but with that part 2 of my exhaust modification, I think the point might be moot, except for the top part that exists the engine. Still there are options if you do not plan a custom route. However, I have no guarantee these may fit on your RX300. JP Performance makes some that fit the 1MZFE Camry/ES300/Solara that may fit the RX300. Xerd also made at one point in time some long-tube 1MZFE headers. Occasionally on e-bay, headers similar to hose that were being developed on ebay show up. Some Toyota Solara owners have put these on their vehicles, but have had issues with the placement location for the A/F sensors (often referred to as O2 sensors by some). Another one that Toyota Solara owners have been using are OBX headers.

Aerodyne Aerocharger Turbo - (does not use oil lines or a turbo timer) to be placed in front of the main cat with BOV and Boost. I plan to use an intercooler on the front lower half of the radiator. for other options take a look at take a look at the TTE Kompressor for the RX300 if you want another option (available through Toyota and Lexus dealers if you ask), Blitz of Japan also makes a 1MZFE Compressor.

Engine Management - Greddy eManage (this has been done to some RX/Harriers in Asia)

Performance Chip - JET Performance Import Computer Upgrade Package (you have to send your ECU to them, but you get it back quick)

Lowering Springs - (Intrax, TTE, Eibach, Espelir, B+G, H&R, KG/MM (over a 2 inch drop))

Rotors - Rotora slotted rotors (thanks to TunedRX300 for this recommendation)

Carbon Fiber Hood - One of our Club Lexus members, sgv_bum, recently found an RX300 carbon fiber hood from VIS Racing. I have reconsidered possibly using one in the future. Also check out a group called Extreme Dimensions as they have quite a bit of accessories for the RX300.

Speed Delimiter - HKS Speed Limit Defencer Type 2- TTE used to have a VMAX kit which allowed one to go past the 112 mph limit without the fuel cutting off. While it may still be possible to obtain this kit, it much cheaper to purchase this HKS unit that will do the same thing. Why would I want this? When I was in Mexico, you have the opportunity to go faster than you would in the U.S. . One other option might be the Greddy Speed Cut Controller.

Blackened Rear Lights - Popular on Toyota Harrier models in Asia

Tires - My next tires will likely be in the 235-60-16 size to improve acceleration over my 235-70-16

Please stop by the Club Lexus RX300 forum devoted to the first generation of the Lexus RX series for the 1999 to 2003 model years . I am aware that the Toyota Harrier had existed previously for the 1997 and 1998 model years and this applies to this group, too. You will find not only me, but also TunedRX300 who is extremely knowledgeable on the RX300 and has done some excellent DIY instructions widely used by our members. Salimshah is another one of our fine members who has been with the forum almost since its start and is an excellent reference to call on for a lot of issues with the RX300.

We also have an excellent forum devoted to the RX330/350/400h on Club Lexus devoted to the Lexus RX series for the 2004 to 2009 model years.

We also have a hybrid subforum related to unique topics concerning the hybrid technology on the RX400h.

Our latest edition is the forum for the the third generation Lexus RX series beginning with 2010 model year RX350 and RX450h models .

We also have a hybrid subforum related to unique topics concerning the hybrid technology on the RX450h.

Even if you have a Toyota Harrier from the above generations, I highly encourage you to stop by and join as have had several Toyota Harrier owners come by to visit and/or come in for assistance.

Fellow moderators Lil4X and CK6Speed have owned both generations of RXs and know an extraordinary amount of information about both models.

I did a lot of the DIY modifications and maintenance with my uncle and cousins back in Mexico and there are several helpful threads you will find the forum pertaining to them.

Finally, make sure to stop by my blog I just started as I post almost daily about modifications and other important topics of interest, Lexmex's Blog.