Gatormom

Hello everyone. We have narrowed down car hunt. The first car is a 2008 Rx 350 with 138k miles. All mintenace was done at the dealer. At 114k miles the car was taken to dealer for noise issues. From dealers notes, a borroscope was used on cylinders 2 and 6 (listed the error codes as well) . Cylinder 6 had a valve stuck open. Dealer wanted 10k to replace. Owner took the car to another mechanic and paid 8700 "for a new engine". I have that in quotes because I need to figure out if that was refurbished or brand new.

The car has less then 30k on this engine. Would you run away from this car? Our other option is a 2010 highlander. We are looking for a safe reliable third car.

RedGemini

Welcome Gatormom.

Is it possible for you to contact the previous owner, or the mechanic who installed the engine, to dig a little deeper? Honestly, I haven't seen much discussion of major engine problems with the 3.5, outside of an oil supply line issue, and possible water pumps. Will the dealership offer a warranty with it?

I recently purchased my '05 RX330 with 131,000 miles, and it seems pretty solid so far. I'm still working on replacing some suspension parts that are making some noise in the rear, but I guess that's expected for the miles. I had the headlights out last night to seal and polish them... that was a PITA. If they don't stop leaking after the amount of silicone I put around them, then I'll have to start looking for replacements... or hope a deer jumps out in front of me and at least hits both headlights... LOL. The AFS headlights are quite pricy, even for used ones. I'd much rather pay the $100 comprehensive deductible with my insurance. Haha

Gatormom

Check engine light was on and car rattled. Codes 300, 302 and 306 were present. I will def get more info from mechanic that replaced the engine. Owner is one selling car. So he can provide that info. Thank you for any help

numbafree

I would run. The question, beyond whether the 'new' engine is 'new' or used or rebuilt, is WHY anything went wrong in the first place.

Plenty of other RX330s and RX350s to be had. My sis has the hybrid highlander, and she said the interior of my RX330 is MUCH nicer and so is the ride. She bought hers new, I paid $7400 with 164k miles on the car. I do my own maintenance (fluids, tires, spark plugs and sensors). It need a little TLC, but nothing major, the previous owner had just changed the water pump and t stat. Runs like a top.

matts6887

I too would steer way way clear of that one because obviously something happened that should not have.

thomas1

I too would run....look for another hot deal,

numbafree

Here are things I avoid when buying a used car. First thing I do, if I have it narrowed down to a couple of different models, I google, "known issues with bmw X5 or RX350, whatever car you want to buy. Then:

1) Never buy a car that has overheated, it can warp metal, aka the engine = very bad. If it has a new radiator, ask why, even if they lie about it, you will be able to tell.

2) If the car has over 100k miles (up to 140k), ask what has been replaced and whether it's routine maintenance or the part had a problem.

3) maintenance records, and where they took the car for maintenance or repairs. Not all independent mechanics are created equal, and often do not put the correct fluids into the car.

4) accidents - carfax is a good start, but many folks have fender benders and don't go thru insurance. Hopefully you have a buddy that know cars that can help inspect it for you. Paying an independent shop, in my experience, not the best.

5) Fluids - pop the hood and check the fluids. brake fluid should be a pale yellow, over time it change from a light ale, so a brown. check the engine oil, note the color, check the ATF fluid. Generally, if 1 fluid is lacking, others are too.

6) multiple owners, I don't buy cars that have more than 2 owners. My personal rule.

good luck.

SkiMe

Agreed with others, probably find another one. If the engine was replaced, I would pause and ask why and if it could happen again to a newer engine. If it was a rock solid replacement and purrs like a kitten, that's one thing. The fact that there are multiple check engine codes leads me to believe this is going to be a headache. It's obvious there are other problems (related or unrelated to the engine replacement).

Step away and find another one. Also look at the 400h hybrid.....much quicker and more fun to drive!