New RX350-what to have inspected?
#1
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New RX350-what to have inspected?
My wife will be picking up a new to her 2009 RX350 with 90,551 tomorrow off the used lot at a nearby Toyota dealership. We checked it out last night and the exterior was super clean. The inside was very good also. We both drove the car and did not notice anything abnormal. It was exactly what you would expect from driving a Lexus. The car was advertised as being fully inspected by Toyota ASE mechanics etc. and came back with a clean bill of health. Carfax was clean also. It appears that someone took very good care of this Lexus. When it came time to talk dollars and cents we were able to get the car for what kbb says is private party value in VG condition. The more time I have had to think about it makes me wonder if this is too good to be true. I was wondering if there was anything that I should request be checked out specifically in this vehicle with this mileage??? I was fairly certain this Lexus had a timing chain, so that shouldn't be of a concern but I'm just apprehensive and want to cover all our bases. Also should I request in writing that the car has been inspected and came back with zero issues? Both the listing and the used car sales manager made it a point to communicate that to us. Just wondered this would be a way to hold them to their assessment and give a possible avenue of recourse if necessary. I appreciate any reaponses.
Last edited by plainview; 11-12-15 at 07:02 AM. Reason: Sp
#2
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The Lexus is mechanically the same as the Toyota highlander so having a Toyota ASE mechanic check it out is a good thing. You should also register at the Lexus owner's/drivers website. The complete Lexus service history of your vehicle will be there as well as any warranty work or recalls. You will need the VIN to complete the registration.
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home
#4
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The Lexus is mechanically the same as the Toyota highlander so having a Toyota ASE mechanic check it out is a good thing. You should also register at the Lexus owner's/drivers website. The complete Lexus service history of your vehicle will be there as well as any warranty work or recalls. You will need the VIN to complete the registration.
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home
#5
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Thank you. I will put it out there and see what kind of response I get.
#7
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Yes it's free and will show all service done at Lexus dealerships. As a note many Toyota dealerships will also post service work done at their shop on the Lexus drivers website. My Toyota dealership does this. I have all work done at Toyota since the closest Lexus dealership is 60 miles away.
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#8
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I am going through the service hx as we speak. Thank you. I believe this one was post vvt oil hose that I see frequently because I don't see that. Seems it's had a lot of complaints about the battery going dead and has had a couple of batteries in its life. Most concerning is it appears that it was towed in because of an oil line rupture that has been repaired. Seems someone else in these forums had a similar issue. Wonder how concerned I should be about that. This was a 2 owner vehicle and after it was turned in the 1st time it was sold as a Lexus certified vehicle. Disappointing that these types of things go wrong on these cars. I really do believe they are the best cars on the road. My 2004 es330 was rock solid.
#9
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Yes it's free and will show all service done at Lexus dealerships. As a note many Toyota dealerships will also post service work done at their shop on the Lexus drivers website. My Toyota dealership does this. I have all work done at Toyota since the closest Lexus dealership is 60 miles away.
Last edited by plainview; 11-12-15 at 10:51 AM. Reason: Error
#10
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So it looks like the two biggies are a power steering leak and the vehicle was towed in for a severe oil leak that turned out I be an oil cooler line rupture that has been repaired. Is it possible to get one of these vehicles where things like this don't happen? Don't know whether my perception is skewed because people are more likely to post about their problems. Based on my experience with my old ES I would have never thought these vehicles would have these types of issues. It had 101,000 on it and was trouble free.
#11
They're not uncommon issues. Don't make assumptions based solely on brand or for an entire brand based on one experience with a specific model. Vehicles within a brand and even specific trims can vary in terms of issues. We had the rack replaced on our 400h and it hasn't reached 60K.
To go back to your OP, if you don't trust the inspection that was done then get your own inspection from a trustworthy service/mechanic. We always have used vehicles inspected by a service or shop that we select before we purchase.
To go back to your OP, if you don't trust the inspection that was done then get your own inspection from a trustworthy service/mechanic. We always have used vehicles inspected by a service or shop that we select before we purchase.
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