RockfordRX

Kendunk,
I own an 06 CRV LX AWD (same engine and mechanicals as 08, but "older" body style - with a spare tire on the tail gate).
Pros - very dependable, almost bullet proof reliability and resale value, great gas mileage (22city, 27 highway), good in snow, sporty handling, heavy responsive steering . Great all around car for short trips. Great standard safety features and equipment (6 air bags). Cheap to insure.
Cons - noisy, spartan (as of not refines as compared to the RX), choppy ride, uncomfortable seats (on rides longer than 2 hrs), small fuel tank (15.5 gal) gives range of 400 miles on highway and 250-300 in city.
Now if you buy both - that's best of both worlds. Keep CRV as a daily driver and put more miles on it. Drive RX on weekends and special occasions (so what that it has more miles?).
I'm very happy with both cars.
Realistically though, if you don't mind CR-V's ride, I'd look for an EX-L model ( heated leather, alloy wheels, 6 disk CD changer, automatic climate control, sunroof, etc - all come standard on CR-V EX-L. I'd avoid 2007, but 08-09 are great! You might get lucky and get one with NAV/back up camera, but those are rare. Great value, great fuel economy and awesome options!

kendunk21

Thanks RockfordRX for the reply, unfortunately I can only get car. The 2006 RX330 I am looking at is a 1-owner vehicle and with 100k miles and the timing belt has been replaced already. The seller is asking for $15k.

So for about the same price, I can also get a pre-certified 2007 or 2008 CRV LX only with about 50k miles. On average the car will be doing about 30 miles per day.

Any additional thoughts? What do you think about the price?

kendunk21

Thanks RX330inFL,
Unfortunately I cant quite reach the price range of a RX350. But definitely thanks for the suggestion!

RX330inFL

That was just a warning on my part as to why owners get rid of their ride at that point in time. You need to be aware that the timing belt may not have been changed.

pjb330

A quick question, also just bought 2004 330 with 117K. I had concerns about the timing belt (no mention of change in the maint records. So they changed it, and the water pump. They noted that the previous t belt was put on backwards. My thought is: how could they get the timing right (marks on belt if properly installed) if it was really backwards? It ran great before the belt was changed; still does.
Apparently a non-Lexus person did the work...? and got lucky?
There were alot of maint records signed off by Lexus dealers.
Appreciate your insight.

RockfordRX

Kendunk,
I think $15k is a fair price depending on condition for a 06 RX. Does is have the options I discussed?
For your wife's (and yours) piece of mind, I'd go with the CRV - cheaper to maintain and do not have to worry about timing belt change - it's got a chain. As long as you're ok with a rather loud 2.4 liter 4-banger producing 160hp (there is literally no sound proofing between and engine compartment and cabin, you can actually peek down the driver side front fender and see out of the passenger side and visualize the steering mechanism. It's quite utilitarian. Practicality-wise - it's a winner!
I have the best of both worlds, so I can't sway you one way or the other. I love the RX as well for all the things the CRV is lacking. Like I said, you would be disappointed getting an LX, I would get at least an EX, or ultimately EX-L trim so you still have all the luxury options with an economical and reliable ride! (the tires are cheaper too!)

GS_wannabe

Hi Guys. I wanted to chime in with my 2 cents. I am also the proud owner of a second gen rx: a 2004 RX330 with 59k miles! Got it for a great price(less than the price of the 08 mentioned above), one owner, no accidents, clean record, although I don't have access to the previous maintanance records. regardless, I am very pleased with my purchase.

Now if only I could find out what that warning beep is for??? (no lights on the dash)

aztr0

Take it to a mech. Lol.