Mrado

We are considering purchasing a 2006 330RX with 114k miles. The car's interior is in pristine condition, and my mechanic says it looks good under the hood as well. The rack & pinion steering has been replaced, and the timing belt was done at 86.5k. My only hesitation is that there is evidence of a slight oil leak. I know this isn't unusual in an older car, but this is the first time we've purchased a used car so we were hoping to get some feedback from experienced owners. I was thinking of calling my local Lexus dealership to see if they would take a look at it as well.
FYI The dealer is asking $13.9k or $14.5K with 4 brand new tires & alignment. They've had the car on the lot since June.
All feedback and suggestions are welcome!

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

Sounds good. The leak could be the valve cover gaskets. That is the best scenario. Hopefully not main seal

Rainbird

Welcome to Club Lexus Mrado. It's a good idea to have the Lexus dealership go over the vehicle for you. They would also have the entire Lexus service history of the vehicle on file and print out a copy for you.

Thundercld

Also look closely to see if there is condensation in the headlights; ask if they have already been replaced under the warranty enhancement.

We paid $12k (private party) for a 2005 RX330 Thundercloud Metallic with 121k miles a few weeks ago (no NAV or ML sound system, but lots of other goodies). Since then we've had one headlight assembly (04002-85548 for HID with AFS) replaced free of charge at the dealer for the condensation issue and I also got Lexus to replace the radiator (16041-20312, for tow package) which had a small leak at the top, just for the labor cost. The radiator had already been replaced under warranty in 2009; that helped in convincing Lexus Customer Satisfaction to provide the part free of charge for the new one (saved about $450 on the part cost)

I will wait until the headlight warranty enhancement ends 10/31/2015 (hoping for condensation on the right side) before deciding if I want to spend $500 (Sewell 04002-84548) to get a matching, shining new headlight assembly for the other side).

Carver

An oil leak is fairly rare on a Lexus and could be expensive. You should have it fixed by the dealer prior to purchase. You don't want your first bill to be for a rear main seal.

Mrado

Thanks for the feedback!! Seems like a great car with a lot of good miles left!

RXII

Carver is 100% correct! Do not purchase the car unless the dealership fixes that first…it will cost them a fraction of what it would cost you and quite frankly, I don't think a 2006 RX with 114K miles on it for 13K-14.5K is a good deal. (even with the new tires) Sorry! (I just traded a 2007 RX 350 with approx 120K miles, so I am pretty familiar with the costs at this stage in the car's life)

beefmc

I think the price is a bit high as well. We got our 2007 RX350 (w/ NAV) with 102k last December at Charles Barker Lexus in Va and paid 16k taxes and all out the door. Car was in magnificient shape as well, one owner who serviced it at that dealership for everything(documented on the Lexus website). May want to browse a bit more, lots of 2nd Gens for sale out there.