blaketots

I am thinking about buying a 2001 RX300 in indigo ink pearl from a Lexus dealership. It has 147k miles on it and has not had the timing belt replaced. It has a fair amount of good service history, but it is not complete as it had 4 owners and not all of them went to Toyota or Lexus for service.

I previously owned a 2000 RX 300 which I purchased used in 2007. It had the sludge problem and had the engine completely replaced at 83k miles. Later, I found out the entire bottom of the car was rusted out and it needed $4k in repairs to fix some bolts and struts that were rusted, so I just traded it. I'm nervous about going 1st generation again.

Should I be worried about buying this model with such high mileage? I am planning to request the dealership replace the timing belt and water pump before I will sign a deal. The price seems really good at $3800.

2KHarrier

That does seem like a decent price for an 01. Even with that mileage.

Make sure someone takes a very good look at the car. You shouldn't have much of a rust issue being in the south,so that should be ok.
The 2001's don't suffer from the sludge problems like the 99 and 00 models because of the redesigned rear valve cover.

If they do the TB and WP, I would think you'll be starting off with a good car.

fastnoypi

Fixed It is a newer design however the 2nd iteration rear valve cover will still sludge under short trip driving conditions. My '02 RX had an oil consumption problem attributed to the rear valve cover.

The rear valve cover found on the RX330 is the best breathing version to swap over in the event your first gen RX has an oil consumption/sludge problem.

That said...3800 is a good price..even if you have to refresh suspension and timing belt to get to "like new" dependability. My 02 is nearing 155k and runs like a top.

The only thing i would caution is to do some homework regarding any mentions of transmission problems and/or lack of trans maintenance. A blown transmission will easily total the purchase.

2KHarrier

Wonder what the OP decided on the car???

matts6887

I would say that is a fair price as well. Harrier is right as well. You definitely want a through and experienced person/shop to do a complete exam of the vehicle before signing on this deal. You want to make sure the timing belt has been done, as well as the trans has been serviced(not flushed, just drained and refilled as the others on here will tell you). have it checked for leaks, etc. This is what me and my dad did before we bought the one I have now which is my 2nd rx as my first one was involved in a accident and was totaled out. Either way hopefully it will turn out good for you.

louieclee

Great car!! Bought brand new in 2001, now has 311,000 miles on it and is still used every day!!

Raksan

louieclee, your car look very very nice! 14 years and still shiny.