'04 RX330 reliability, persuade or stay away?
#1
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'04 RX330 reliability, persuade or stay away?
Hi RX owners, I'm a newb, and sorry to state a general reliability question here but after some basic searches, I'm debating on the reliability of a 2004 AWD with 90k miles (155k km). We're in need of a car-like SUV and came close to deciding on a Highlander. But for nearly the same money, we can get ourselves into a pre-owned Lexus and enjoy the ride and our trips that much more...
Am I buying trouble? Must I check to ensure timing belt/w.pump and any tranny ECM updates have been done? I can get a hold of the service records.
I'm new to Toyota/Lexus and we're looking for a reliable but nice ride to last us another 100k if possible ??
Cheers, From Toronto, Canada (not Cali, the profile wouldn't let me choose otherwise)
Am I buying trouble? Must I check to ensure timing belt/w.pump and any tranny ECM updates have been done? I can get a hold of the service records.
I'm new to Toyota/Lexus and we're looking for a reliable but nice ride to last us another 100k if possible ??
Cheers, From Toronto, Canada (not Cali, the profile wouldn't let me choose otherwise)
#2
You can put the VIN into the My Lexus website and see the dealer service history. Buying with this many miles is rolling the dice. You may get many miles of trouble-free service or could need to replace parts. You can use the Toyota dealer and save $$$ on maintenance and service. Personally, I would go for less mileage if planning on keeping the car long-term and possibly get a warranty if the deal was good.
#3
im not sure if canadian cars work on the lexus.com service history. I put mine in and it showed up nothing. If you plan on getting that car with that many miles (actually any 2nd hand car for the matter) i would recommend spending some money for an hour's labor at your trusted indie mechanic to have him thuroughly inspect the car. $100 is peanuts to pay when you're purchasing a car which can save you thousands in the long run. Oh and dont use those AAA inspectors either, they're expensive and a joke. You'll need a mechanic with a hoist to lift the car up and check in, out, up and below.
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im not sure if canadian cars work on the lexus.com service history. I put mine in and it showed up nothing. If you plan on getting that car with that many miles (actually any 2nd hand car for the matter) i would recommend spending some money for an hour's labor at your trusted indie mechanic to have him thuroughly inspect the car. $100 is peanuts to pay when you're purchasing a car which can save you thousands in the long run. Oh and dont use those AAA inspectors either, they're expensive and a joke. You'll need a mechanic with a hoist to lift the car up and check in, out, up and below.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
These cars are extremely reliable, both are the RX330 and the Highlander. It all depends on your budget, and how you like the looks of the cars. Like mentioned, before have them i inspected/checked before purchase. If you find anything wrong, and want it fixed before buying, MAKE SURE to have it WRITTEN IN THE CONTRACT, don't take there word for it have them write it on the sale of contract. Be sure to get the timing belt included in the contract, because it looks like the RX your looking is at 90k, if they don't want to do the timing belt and water pump then have them take off the money that it would take to replace both tb and water pump.
Last edited by hypervish; 08-23-10 at 01:21 PM.
#7
I think if you have the scheduled service done they're very reliable. It's the pay me now or pay me later syndrome. That said, there's a hefty 90K service that includes the timing belt. You may want to see if that was already done, but my guess is no.
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I'm looking at a different (nicer) but similar vehicle with 88k miles. I got a copy of the service records..the previous owner was meticulous on the timing of regular service, doing all the fluids (differential, coolant) on time and at exactly 60k (100k km) they did the tranny and other fluid changes. Brakes at 75k miles and now the car is up for sale.
So no, the timing belt was not done. I plan to perform the timing belt at my dealer just to be safe and inspect the w/p at the same time.
Thanks for the replies.
So no, the timing belt was not done. I plan to perform the timing belt at my dealer just to be safe and inspect the w/p at the same time.
Thanks for the replies.
#9
We have nearly 105,000 miles on our 04, it had 12000 when we bought it dealer lease return. Just now changed the front brake pads, and the rears have 65% left. Only issue was the air ride check switch got damage under the car, had that replace at the dealer, they said it was odd that it got hit and broken. Oh and a driver side wheel bearing at about 85,000 miles. Only think I dread is the timing belt/chain replacement at 120,000 miles. We are considering keeping it just to see how many miles we can rack up on it.
#10
We have nearly 105,000 miles on our 04, it had 12000 when we bought it dealer lease return. Just now changed the front brake pads, and the rears have 65% left. Only issue was the air ride check switch got damage under the car, had that replace at the dealer, they said it was odd that it got hit and broken. Oh and a driver side wheel bearing at about 85,000 miles. Only think I dread is the timing belt/chain replacement at 120,000 miles. We are considering keeping it just to see how many miles we can rack up on it.
#11
I'm looking at a different (nicer) but similar vehicle with 88k miles. I got a copy of the service records..the previous owner was meticulous on the timing of regular service, doing all the fluids (differential, coolant) on time and at exactly 60k (100k km) they did the tranny and other fluid changes. Brakes at 75k miles and now the car is up for sale.
So no, the timing belt was not done. I plan to perform the timing belt at my dealer just to be safe and inspect the w/p at the same time.
Thanks for the replies.
So no, the timing belt was not done. I plan to perform the timing belt at my dealer just to be safe and inspect the w/p at the same time.
Thanks for the replies.
#12
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We have nearly 105,000 miles on our 04, it had 12000 when we bought it dealer lease return. Just now changed the front brake pads, and the rears have 65% left. Only issue was the air ride check switch got damage under the car, had that replace at the dealer, they said it was odd that it got hit and broken. Oh and a driver side wheel bearing at about 85,000 miles. Only think I dread is the timing belt/chain replacement at 120,000 miles. We are considering keeping it just to see how many miles we can rack up on it.
I went to a shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus (OEM parts) and the timing belt was $189. As with the other poster, I went ahead and had the water pump replaced for an additional $175. Overall, I thought the price was reasonable. Of course, Lexus wanted just over $1000.
#13
timing belt is no biggy, you can DIY it if you like to get your hands dirty. I dont think that should keep you from buying the car though...
the only thing i can think of that can push you away is the poor gas mileage on a SUV that cant do much offroading.
the only thing i can think of that can push you away is the poor gas mileage on a SUV that cant do much offroading.
#14
Lexus Champion
People,will you stop worrying about the friggin timing belt!! their good to at least 120k. Do some searches on here,many that had them done before 120k said they still looked new!
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