0538960

I am one of those new guys. I have an opportunity to purchase one of these vehicles, 2001 RX 300 with 39K or 2002 RX 300 with 59K both have new timing belt/water pump and checked out by the Lexus Dealership. 2001 priced at $13,900 and the 2002 priced at $12,900. Would you purchase either one? Both are one owner cars but not serviced by the dealership.

thomas1

price seems high, but I may be wrong. I know they are low mileage.

0538960

Thanks for the reply Thomas. I agree it is high retail according to NADA and Kelly bluebook. As a Super Home Mechanic would I need to look for other issues with the low miles and age of the vehicles? Is it better to buy a Lexus with very lower miles that has not been driven as much or should I look for one with 90K that has had regular maintenance? I put about 20K+ a year on a vehicle and drive them until they die. Just looking for the best option.

nipponbird

Would go myself for one with low mileage. Have seen too many cars in my life with 'maintenance damage':cross threaded drain plugs, broken or lost plastic covers (definitely broken plastic clips on the plastic covers on an RX) ill installed air filters which allowed dust to enter the engine, broken or lost small parts on the calipers as a result of hasty installation of brake pads etc. etc. etc..
On the other hand I looked at a 400h, with only 57000Km on the clock, but which had been thoroughly abused by the previous owner. Guess there's something true in the adage which says it is more important to look at the previous owner than at the vehicle.
But, good luck and say what you've found. I love the interior on the RX300.

0538960

Thank you for the advice Nipponbird. I agree with your mileage comment and maintenance information. Will let you know what I decide to do and post some pics.

nipponbird

You're welcome, no prob. Dash layout on RX300 is just million dollar, but OK that can be a matter of taste. Funny that your price for the one's that you've mentioned is much higher than for what you can get them here. This is mainly due to the fact that the buying public here has not yet 'discovered' Lexus, despite them being officially present more than a decade. Also, because Lexus follow a low keyed marketing drive here. Fortunately (or unfortunately for those of us who want one for a song) this is changing.

hypervish

Tough choice, do both have full service records? I'm mostly concerned about oil changes, especially if the car was short-tripped (likely with the low mileage).

elecinsp

see if a carfax is available

0538960

Elecinsp,

The dealer included the carfax, service records for both cars and will replace/repair the following:
* Tires
* Water pump and timing belt
* Touch up paint and wax
* 60K service
* Detail the car inside and out


Will post photos next week. By the way I purchased the vehicle with 52K.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

So you bought the 2002. I hope you enjoy it. First thing to do is to drain and flush the transmission if this hasn't been done recently. There have been more than the typical number of transmission failures in the RX300 (rumor has it that Lexus revise the planetary gears in the transmission for the 2003 model year). Also, change the oil and filter. The RX300 had issues with sludge in the engine from people not changed the oil frequently enough. I'd use regular oil and change it every 5000 - 7500 miles. Other things that should be change regularly are brake fluid (every 2 years), and, after 12 years, the power steering fluid.

elecinsp

hope the rumor is true. i have a 2003 with 120K bought a month ago

Bobster999

I also advise adding a new larger trans cooler up front and bypassing the small stock one that gets little air cooling. You can do it yourself for about $50. Remember, Heat Kills...

nipponbird

Don't forget the most important thing on that RX300. Drop an extra denim in a bag and go on loooong road trip and you'll see you wouldn't want to get rid of it.