krue3m

Hi everyone. I'm looking at buying a 2004 RX330 with about 90,000 miles on it, and I'm trying to make sure I've thought of everything before I commit to a car with that many miles. I've searched around on the forum but haven't quite found the answers I was looking for, so here goes:

Assuming all the obvious things (interior & exterior appearance, no engine leaks, etc) check out ok, would you recommend this vehicle?

How is the reliability of the 2004 model beyond 100,000 miles?

Is there any maintinance that specifically should be done at or around 90,000 miles that I should check for?

I saw there was a brake recall for replacing a master cylinder seal, are there any other recall items for these vehicles?

What are the most common items that wear out/brake/fail that I should be looking for?

Any other tips for making sure I make a wise purchase?

Thanks!

kiwi

check the radiator for leaks, as people have had some issues (2005's though i think)

check the maintenance records, for consistency, and especially a timing belt. if that hasnt been replaced you run the risk of the engine being damaged.

i bought my 04 about 18 months ago, with 86000 miles on it, it now has 102500 miles, and there is no sign of this car dying (knock on wood).

the engine is out of the camry, as well as many other parts, so you know its going to last.

if the one you are looking at has air suspension, i would get that thoroughly checked out, as each "spring" will run you about 1000 bucks.

most dealers can do a 150 + point inspection on used cars for you (usually between 1-200 bucks, well worth the money. and while its there, they can run the vin number and check for any recalls.

infinirx

I think Kiwi covered pretty much everything. I can't say enough for "check the maintenance records, for consistency, and especially a timing belt. if that hasn't been replaced you run the risk of the engine being damaged." and about the transmission to make sure you have it checked. I did not and ended up having to go through allot to find the problem with the leak. Found of hte front differential was leaking. If I was not a really good shopper I would have spend over $2,000 on repairs but got it done right for $1k. Either way it was not not the best oversight to say the least. Replacing an RX trans is about 7K with labor.

I might also use a magnet while checking the body to see if any repairs have been done with bondo. Never know if the car was in s bad accident and repaired without insurance. Might be a bit picky but happens all the time.

I love my ride for he most part. got it at 93K and now I am at 104K mls. Going strong.

Rainbird

The 2004 - 05 Lexus RX330 is also affected by the Brake recall. You want to check if that has been done. Do you mind sharing with us the asking price of this vehicle?

MrBruin09

I purchased my car with 98,000 miles it has 120,000 miles on it.

A list of things that I had to have to do for my car:

Purchase new tires
Rear brakes and rotors had to be replaced
new spark plugs
120,000 miles service
left front axle had to be resealed; left front axle had to be replaced
transmission drain and fill, and to replace my transmission pan gasket.

(fortunately the car already had the timing belt, and water pump had already been replaced.)


After this, this car should easily last me at least 100,000 miles as long as keep doing regular maintenance.

ColdLexus

Good advice Kiwi!