VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

I need opinions from you RX300 gurus.

I am looking at black/tan 1999 RX300 with 75k miles. Price is $17,400 from a non-lexus dealership.
It has all service records.
Outside and inside look pretty much flawless.

should I buy this or no?
too many miles?
price too high?

any input would be appreciated.

thanks
dennis

mooretorque

That vehicle is somewhere between 5 and 6 years old, so the mileage is somewhere between slightly below and slightly above average. The price is actually pretty good considering it's coming from a dealership. They could reasonably ask $2-3k more if it's AWD, LSD, with Nakamichi sound system.

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

it's AWD. not sure of LSD and no nakamichi.

how much longer can this car last? with no LSD and no nakamichi still a good deal?

Da Hapa

You've asked two questions which are difficult, if not impossible to answer.

If the RX you're looking at has been serviced properly, than there's no reason to assume the vehicle won't run relatively problem free (with continued R&M) for another 75 -100,000 miles. The Toyota Camry (which many of the basic parts of the RX were based on or engineered off of) is about as bulletproof an everyday car as you can get. Change the oil, do the maintenance, and they routinely run into 150,000 miles and beyond.

As an anecdote, my parents have had five Lexus vehicles since the brand was introduced. Three LS400's, an SC430 and an RX300 (now mine). Each LS was driven to 120,000 miles plus before being traded in on the next and each one was as tight, rattle free, and rock solid the day they traded them in as the day they bought them. Toyota/Lexus builds good cars.

My wife and I just bought my parents RX300. It is a 2000 with 54,000 miles on it and other than a few minor scratches and rock chips (inevitable for a truck taken on multiple ski trips to Tahoe), it looks, drives, and rides like brand new. I fully expect at least another 100,000 miles out of it.

As to your second question, you're going to hate this answer but it really depends. For example, where do you live? Resale values are not the same place to place. My advice is to check out kbb.com or edmunds.com. They'll give you a fair barometer.

BurnishedGoldRX

I would take it to a trusted mechanic and have them pull the valve cover off to check to for oil gelling. That would have saved ME a lot of trouble.

mooretorque

The VIN number will allow a Lexus dealer to access not only all Lexus service but to provide you with the answer to the question of LSD, tho I'd be willing to bet that it doesn't if the selling dealer isn't mentioning it.

Still not a bad deal at all. Da Hapa is right on the money as far as durability is concerned. And while the oil gelling issue is very unlikely, it's still a good precaution to check. Fyi, there is an 8 year, unlimited mileage warranty from T/L regarding oil gelling. The warranty is from date of original sale and applies regardless of owner.

jeremyp111

That is a good deal for a near flawless condition 99 RX300 with 75k miles. Have it checked out at a Lexus dealership prior to making the deal. It's worth the money. As said above, the dealer can check any work performed at a Lexus dealership by running the VIN. Get a Carfax report as well.

If everything checks out OK, then you won't be dissappointed by making the deal.

Good luck,

Jeremy

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

thank you for the advices.
I found a better deal over the weekend. I have a refundable deposit down on it.
Having the car checked out at the dealership for the above concerns and also trying to have it certified to the tune of $800 bucks which is worth it I think since the warranty will extend to 100k miles

1999 lexus rx300 with 58k miles. balance of factory warranty to 70k miles.
AWD no nav
clean carfax.
1 owner
local dealership
silver outside and dark gray inside.
same specs as the other but this ones has a spoiler.
$17800

I'll take some pictures if all works out and when I receive the vehicle.

thank you for all your help.
dennis

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

Just closed the deal on Lexus 1999RX300
Not a single scratch inside or out.
70k miles
1 owner (indiana car)
Full lexus dealership records from day 1)
clean carfax
clean carcheck
Black outside
Tan inside
AWD
CD changer
$17800
3 month 10k mile warranty (i drive about 30k miles per year so this works out)
also called the indiana lexus dealer where the car was serviced and the manager gave it thumbs up

included these services
(i stood over the tech while they were doing the service)
tranny full flush and fill toyota type IV
oil change
5 new tires mounted and balanced
radiator flush
differential service
all new brake pads
all new rotors
brake bleed
4wheel alignment
new battery

(they are doing these tomorrow before i pick up the car)
full detail inside and out and under the hood
injector cleaning service
tune up
plates
registration
freeon fill
new floor mats
new cargo net

i'll take some picture and put them up on friday.

thanks for all your help guys

One HoT

iTrader: (5)

Congrats on the new purchase Dennis...RX is an excellent choice!

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

thanks man. Now I can put the SC400 away and fix the front bumper over the winter.

Lex Luthor

Okay D...race ya RX vs. RX for dinner @ Peter Luger's

Think Deb will let me strap a 50-shot onto ours?

Congrats and enjoy the new purchase, we've loved ours since driving it off the floor, not a single problem.

- JonJon

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

racing RX's? hmmmmm 50shot..... i guess we should ask both of our ball-and-chain for the ok

D2-AUTOSPORT

Hey D, congrats man, I was wondering where you posted this! When you gonna post some pics bud?

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

rx300-1