trays17000

Hello all. This is my first post. I've only owned 2 Lexus' (love them) but never an SUV. I need a bigger ride now.

Here's my question...
I'm looking to buy a 2002 RX 300 with 120k miles. Fully loaded, clean inside and out, well maintained...etc. With this info, if I pay $6500, is that a good deal? And is 2002 a good year for an RX?
Thanks in advance for any responses!

thomas1

That would be an excellent year to buy. Most problems were worked out. I would check its service record, and check to fluid color of the transmission fluid. Also smell it and see if it smells burnt. Otherwise should be a great car. If you decide to change transmission fluid never do a flush, drain and fill only. Good luck.

Z07

Adding to what thomas1 posted (with which I agree 100%) seeing that you live in Florida and after having driven a FWD 2002 RX 300 in snow and light ice this week in Atlanta, I would recommend you not buy an AWD model as the extra capacity would only serve to add weight and complexity without giving you any more capability in Florida. FWD did just fine in the snow even without pushing the "snow" button.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

I agree with the others!

Not much else to add except, look over it closely as you would with any other used car purchase.

Ensure that whichever RX you look at, it has had the timing belt and water pump changed at 90k miles.

Mors

Another vote for "Agree-land". I have an 02 RX with 113,000 miles on it and I still love it. I have regularly maintained it - done whatever the dealer told me to do. So with excellent maintenance records, I think it's a good deal - you can see if they'll go down to $6000. I'm planning on starting mine out at $7500 once I get my new one in - and mine isn't fully loaded (no nav, no heated seats), but there aren't that many RX's roaming the roads where I live.
As with any used car, you may want to have a mechanic look it over before you buy (if you are in a position to do that of course). At least take it for a longer test drive to see if the Check Engine light comes on. I recently bought a stupid Honda for my son and didn't drive it long enough. 20 miles later and the CEL came on stating the ECU needed replaced (which would have been covered 2 years ago). Needless to say, he doesn't have that Honda any more.
Good luck with your purchase. You'll always find great information from plenty of people here at CL.

trays17000

Thanks to all of you for your responses and making me feel at home here!
Given what you've all said, I feel better about pulling the trigger on this car -- however, I'll see if my mechanic can look at it before purchase. And I'll offer 6k...see if he'll bite. I've owned a 1990 LS 400 and am currently driving a 1997 ES 300. The LS had well over 200k miles but my Grandfather wrecked it. My 97 ES 300 currently has 186k miles and has had no MAJOR problems...it just started leaking a bit of oil as of late. I think I may take a look at this RX 300 today!