zoomob

We're looking at buying an '04 RX330 for my wife next week from a local Lexus dealer. One owner,120k miles AWD, premium package, and the trans cooler with heavy duty alternator and radiator. The car came with 18" wheels, but some reason, the original owner had the dealer swap on 17"s. All maintenance has been done at a Lexus dealer and there are no warning flags I can see.

The 90k service was completed, it mentions timing belt, but does not specifically say that the water pump was done. I'm thinking I may try to negotiate a full service including timing belt pump etc. again. The trans has been serviced every 30k which is heartening considering the problems I've read about. It needs tires, but the dealer said that if we don't want the service or tires, they could do "high 14k range" for the car.

Any thoughts on the price, or advice on what to look for and inspect would be welcome. We're both eager to have our first Lexus, thanks in advance!

RX330inFL

Welcome to Club Lexus.

In Michigan I would not think it too odd to go with the 17" wheel. Snow tires and wheels are easier to find in that size as well as giving you needed room if you decide to slap on a set of chains in bad weather conditions.

I was told by my Lexus shop, which I used while I was under warranty but have since stopped going to, that when they performed the timing belt replacement they only inspected the water pump and did not necessarily replace. Guess they feel these will last 180K miles though I am not really sold on that to be honest.

As for tires... plenty of threads on that topic here in the forums. Here is what TireRack has in the 17" to give you an idea of availability and pricing. You many do better locally but this gives you a baseline. I have the Bridgestone Alenzas and like them. Others have said good things about the Michelin Latitude.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...ting=S&tab=All

Carver

Here's a nice special edition in MI, don't know if it's close to you. This site has several in Mi.

http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars..._144924229_433

RX330inFL

Rare wood package.

zoomob

Really wondering if this mileage should be considered a major detriment etc?

Carver

I wouldn't be afraid of the miles on a well maintained 330 but high 14s is too much. Between 12.5 and where they are would be nice if the car is exactly what you are looking for. Just don't fall in love, it will just cost you money (as you've discovered being married )

RX330inFL

The only other concern I might have would be the wheel bearings being it is an AWD model. Those seem to be problematic as well.