Wanting to buy a 2003 RX 300
09-18-12, 12:49 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Welcome to Club Lexus!
Since you are looking at a 2003, many of the problems (sludge, transmission) that were there in earlier years are virtually non-existent so just look at things that you would normally look at in any used car purchase. IMHO, 2003 is the best year for the RX.
Take a look at all of doors and make sure they actually lock when you press the lock button on either the door or keyfob. < After many years of use the door lock actuators wear out.
Listen closely to the HVAC system and listen for any clicking sounds coming from any of the 3 servo's. < Again these sort of things wear out with age and use.
Check the antenna to make sure it's still there, I can't begin to tell you how many RX's I looked at which had broken antennas after driving through the car wash.
If you take a look at the high mileage thread a few below this one you will see that these RX's are beasts and will run a long time with just a little bit of maintenance. Many people have over 200k miles, and a few with over 300k miles.
Since you are looking at a 2003, many of the problems (sludge, transmission) that were there in earlier years are virtually non-existent so just look at things that you would normally look at in any used car purchase. IMHO, 2003 is the best year for the RX.
Take a look at all of doors and make sure they actually lock when you press the lock button on either the door or keyfob. < After many years of use the door lock actuators wear out.
Listen closely to the HVAC system and listen for any clicking sounds coming from any of the 3 servo's. < Again these sort of things wear out with age and use.
Check the antenna to make sure it's still there, I can't begin to tell you how many RX's I looked at which had broken antennas after driving through the car wash.
If you take a look at the high mileage thread a few below this one you will see that these RX's are beasts and will run a long time with just a little bit of maintenance. Many people have over 200k miles, and a few with over 300k miles.
Last edited by hypervish; 09-18-12 at 12:54 PM.
09-18-12, 05:38 PM
#3
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Get the Car Fax and see if they had the regular Lexus service.
I just purchased my 3rd RX300. ( Have a 2001 with 137,000 miles bought in 06, a 2000 bought in 2008 with 155,000 miles, and another 2001 with 66,975 miles, bought yesterday).
I struck up a conversation this morning at a restaurant with a lady who owns a 2003. She bought it new, has the regular Lexus service, and plans on selling it sometime next year. I told I will buy it.
I just purchased my 3rd RX300. ( Have a 2001 with 137,000 miles bought in 06, a 2000 bought in 2008 with 155,000 miles, and another 2001 with 66,975 miles, bought yesterday).
I struck up a conversation this morning at a restaurant with a lady who owns a 2003. She bought it new, has the regular Lexus service, and plans on selling it sometime next year. I told I will buy it.
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