Buff RX330

Hello guys,

I'm looking to buy RX and I got 2 deals that I could not decide between them. so I need your help

First deal
2004 RX 330 AWD Black on black Premium plus package with every option including Navigation .
Mileage: 59000
price: $19900

or
Second deal
2007 RX 350 AWD WHITE with Tan interior and has every option including Navigation
Mileage :54800
price: 23000

Which one do you guys think is the best deal?

MrBruin09

Go with the second one. Better Navigation and a quick car too; plus better resale value on the 2007 model.

visual

Assuming the two maintenance are the same. I would pick the 07, because it has more power. The 04 is really under power and it is the first year model. If you ever want to sell the car later, the 07 would worth more than the 04.

kitlz

As long as the 07 is in good shape, I'd go for it. It has a few more horses than the 04, bluetooth, and the better nav. BTW, when I was figuring out the value of my 04 recently, black exterior actually brought the value down a smidge. Fortunately I have millenium silver.

tomit

The 350 has a timing chain, instead of a belt - save on maintenance.

tfischer

Actually, we can't pick the "best deal" because you only gave us two options. Of those two, the better deal appears to be the 350 in white. I have an '04 and would love to have the upgrades in NAV and engine (and transmission, also, I think) that are in the '07. Although the '04 has few miles for its age, the relatively small higher price for a car that is three years newer (only $1,000.00 per year) seems to me to be well justified, especially for an RX that is "fully loaded," as they used to say in Detroit.
Maybe they still do.

visual

I didn't know that. Learn something everyday here.

mandyfig

Both have expired warranty. Assuming overall comparison's same for both, 07 beats 04. 2007 to have a high mileage, needs some digging up.

Normally 10~15K per year would be normal-good.

diverchris

I have a 2005 RX330. Great vehicle yet underpowered. I'd go for the 2007 with 276 HP from factory versus 215 for the RX330.

mandyfig

220 HP you mean? Our RX330 has 220.

kitlz

The 04 has 230 HP according to my window sticker and the RX brochure.

Yes, there is a noticeable difference between the 04 and 07 but the extra horses won't do you any good in the snow

yngexc

I'm with this guy... There are known problems with the Toyota/Lexus 3.5 motors, including oil leaks due to timing chain. Also, with both models AWD system there is a specific seal that CAN go bad that requires dropping the transmission for installing a $1.50 seal = thousands of dollars in shop labor. Before I recently picked up my hybrid I was searching for a FWD 330 to save on long term maintenance. People may say the 330 is under powered, now keep me honest as I say this, but I don't think anyone buys a RX to win stop light street battles.

tromly

+1 great answer, it's the depreciation that really costs you dollars, to go three years newer for 3,000 dollars is a no brainer

mandyfig

You are right! The RX300 has 220 HP right? We had a 10 Hp upgrade!

Thanks for clearing that up, I feel better.

Still would like the extra 40 HP, though...but have to pay extra for the premium gas....

I like the RX330!

kitlz

Yup, the RX300 had 220 HP. Still have the window sticker and brochure for that too. I keep everything

I agree about the gas. The extra horses are not worth paying for premium gas. I took a look at the gas mileage, RX300 19/22, RX330 18/24. I'm lucky if I get near the lowest number That's why I'm going hybrid this time.