LexRX300h

Hey CL members, I'm looking for my first car, and I went to look at an immaculate 1999 Lexus RX 300. They are asking $5,999 for it. But, in terms of reliability and maintenance costs, would this be a good vehicle for a first car? What are some common problems with this gen RX? The RX I'm looking at has about 114,000 miles, but from the looks of it, it literally looks brand new. Seats have NO sign of wear and tear. No cracks or rips. The body is near perfect. Barely any scratches anywhere. The RX does have full maintenance records and seems to have been maintained regularly. This car was also a one owner. It's almost too good to be true. Should I go ahead and purchase it?

Also forgot to mention, all fluids have been changed fairly recently. Oil, Tranny Fluid, Brake fluid, Coolant.

trhs75

I would buy it in a heartbeat if it checks out like it seems to. I've bought two '99's that my daughters drive. Excellent visibility, safe size, excellent traction, "modern" features like airbags and antilock brakes, adequate power, reliability, easy and cheap to put in an iPod adapter (very important to them!). I have had no transmission issues, and the '99 year doesn't discourage me at all. In fact, I'm tempted to try and buy it if you don't take it! I hope I don't sound too indecisive here....

Z07

Consider:

IMO multiply mileage by 2/3 when comparing Toyota to other makes.

You have no idea what a ballache keys are so be sure you get a functioning wireless remote master key with the car.

fastnoypi

rx300 is a great first car, however the '99 is susceptible to the known issue of oil consumption due to the design of rear valve cover. It can be remedied by using the newer style cover found in 02+

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like a nice looking car that's worth taking a chance on. If it drives as nice as it looks, I'd go for it.

orion603

it's definitely a nice car but not sure if you would want to buy a car more than 10 years old tho. The parts are not cheap; after all it's a lexus. you are going to hit major maintenance pretty soon at 120K miles and life time of accessories such as power windows, locks and such will cost quite a lot. I do have a 2002 RX300 and I love the car but I had it since when it was about 18K. It has been very reliable without any unexpected issues but now it's demanding maintenance and repairs. So for your first car? I would suggest considering those expenses and your budget before buying it.

jimbug

This article "1999-2003 Lexus RX300 - The Perfect First Car" says it all. Good read and info

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...ect-first-car/

trhs75

Jimbug, that article is great! I had to send it to my daughters! Thanks for posting it!

jimbug

You are welcome!! Yes, it was one of my favorites when I was trying to figure out what to buy for myself six months ago. It also confirmed what I had learned after buying a 2001 RX300 for my daughter back in 2008.

AnthonyMtz

Are you serious the rx300 is not a good car!!!! How could you say that!





The rx300 is the most amazing and reliable piece of machinery I have ever owned, it might have a few problems with age but nothing compared to the newer vehicle's I would never get rid of it 170k and still drives better than a 2014 caddy I test drove! The quality and reliability is amazing it took 12 years for my navigation map button to start to fade , it only took my aunts 2013 Chevrolet traverse ac buttons to completely fade and just left a red and blue smuge for hot and cold and also alot of hard touch plastic wile the Rx has soft touch on 95% of the car when it came out in 2002 fully loaded with all the goodies it was 42k my aunts car was 45k no nav or leather seats I wouldn't have it any other way I will own a lexus for the rest of my life best car hand's down so good luck!

jimbug

Yes, and how many of us have experienced this? What year is your Lexus? 2001. Oh wow! It looks brand new. I never would have guessed it was 13 years old. Still drives like new too. So quiet and that stereo with Bob Seeger's greatest hits CD. Wow!! Love these cars/trucks!

hypervish

I think the RX300 is a solid choice as a first car. It's got enough power to keep you safe but not enough to get you in trouble all the time, it's got a great sound system, and it's safe. Only negative is fuel economy.