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I am new and read a lot of the reliability/high mileage threads. I am a little scared of the transmission and oil sludge issues. However, I did see that maybe it is a little blown out of proportion due to complaints.
I used to drive a 97 corolla, but recently slid underneath an SUV. I can see that the RX will not be as easy to work on, but how about reliability? What should I look for when buying used? Is there any easy way to tell if the engine has the oil sludge issue? I'll probably go to a mechanic and do a pre-buy inspection.
I see a local 00 AWD with 180k and rebuilt transmission (1 year warranty), new tires, timing belt, water pump, and brakes for $4k. Is that good?
setup an acct, enter the vin and see what repairs have been done. Most lexus owners do not work on their vehicles so the record are typically complete. I like to see big ticket items being repaired. Starters, ac, transmission, timing belt, you get the idea. If it becomes chronic, its a lemon.
My every day driver since 2010 is a 2000 Lexus RX300 AWD. I purchased it for $7850 with 99,000 miles in 2010. It now has 198,000 miles and is running great, and is overall a wonderful vehicle but that hasn't been without a TON of issues and repairs. Overall I LOVE this car and would highly recommend it to anyone.., but YOU WILL HAVE WORK TO DO TO THE CAR IF YOU WANT IT TO LAST.
If you're not mechanically inclined, bear in mind cwsteini did all the work himself. You can double these costs at an independent mechanic and triple them at a dealership.
Agreed. You have to be willing to get your hands dirty and learn how to do things yourself to save big money. If not, you can still have loads from buying quality parts online on the cheap and doing basic diagnostics yourself. Helps to not get screwed by shady dealerships and mechanics, just have to arm yourself with knowledge from here and other sites.
Buy this car because you want one. On plus it is a Camry on downside the part you actually need will be a Lexus one. Loads of generic common parts and you will replace them all troubleshooting. Get the one with recent transmission rebuild as you want to move forward with mods not backwards with repairs.
11-06-16, 10:38 AM
Buying Used RX300
