Henry06

Hey everyone, ever since my wife purchased her 2001 is300 I have been a firm beliver in Lexus build quality and reliability. We have been looking for a rx330, since we need a bit more space. My car isnt family friendly [1995 Chevy Impala SS modified] Anywho, I have a tentitive agreement to purchase a 2005 thunderclould edition rx330. Its AWD has 107,000 on the clock. Getting it for 13,000 clean body and interior.

I'm pretty mech savy, I have looked at threads, when I go on that test drive, I plan to give it a good shake down.

Just wanted to get your thoughts on Thudercloud edition and any words of advise when I finally go see the car in person. Its a 2 owner car, its spent most of its time in our area. I live in the DC metro area AKA DMV. Whats weird is how it made its way up to NJ,

lexus114

Just make sure it doesnt have the air suspension. Too many complaints on here re; that. Ride too stiff and things like that.

mandyfig

Check the VIN and see actual Lexus Dealer history, if you have not sign up at teh Lexus Owner's website and you can see the history of your Lexus cars (dealer only service). Also will indicate if the vehicle has been up to date on recalls.

The TC edition is a sought after model. I do have a piece of the TC edition, the grille. So I am partial with TC Edition.

TC Edition if I am not mistaken had:

Special ED Rims, 5 spoke.
TC Grille
Emblems on the side
TC Mats
Unique combo on color of leather and wood.
Nothing in the rear that ID's it as TC

Go for it, good luck.

Henry06

Yes they provided me a carfax report, looks to be serviced by Lindsay Lexus in Alexandria, Va its entire life. What I dont see on the carfax report is major mech work. 90k serice 60k stuff like that. Routine stuff I see, air and cabin filter, oil filter, tire rotation and filled with nitrogen thats about it.

Carver

You might want to negotiate in a 90k service if it hasn't been done. If you don't have records of it being done I would replace all fluids in the car.

Brakes
trans and AWD transfer, etc
oil
radiator
power steering

mandyfig

Carfax is not going to show you what you really need. Go to the Lexus Owner's website and type in the VIN, it will show you full history of the car (Lexus related).

Henry06

So I talk to my credit union, give them the vin and the mileage on the car. Well they said I can't use the 60month loan term I have to use 24months is my only option due to it being over 100k

GadgetmanN

I always buy used. Better to never finance a vehicle any longer than 3 years, if you need more than 3 years, you can't afford it. Best to buy in reverse (my term). Save for several years and pay cash for a used car. Once you get a used car, save a payment every month in preparation on your next. Don't get caught up in how others live these days. Live like your grandmother/grandfather. Life becomes much better when you don't owe on everything you have. My $.02

Henry06

I def agree, with those sentaments. I dont plan on paying out the full 60months. Between mid year and end of year bonuses I should be paid off sooner.

As long as it remains reliable, that alone will pay for itself. Thats why were looking at another lexus.

I found another car, its located in North Jersey about 230mi from where I live. One problem, there is an accident on the carfax report which my wife instantly got freaked out. Its low milage car, Navigation and Rear Ent. The accident happen literally not long after the car rolled off the show room floor. Back in 2004, based on the carfax. And will maintained at the Lexus dealership up untill this point. I also checked the service reports on the main lexus site, where I did see front and rear body.


Advice, the dealership is 4hrs away. I dont mind heading up and checking it out and may be taking it someone to get it inspected. I get to cruise in the ss impala
But I want to make sure I do my best not to put myself in a situation where I do this

Carver

I'm ambivalent about accident records. I recently passed on a 2002 430SC Palm Beach with 70k miles for 15k because it had an accident in 2008. What haunts me is the last entry at Lexus service was from Sewell which stated; 'all systems operate normally'. They had checked it over for someone and found nothing wrong.

I still regret not taking a shot. My point is if you can get it cheap enough and it passes a through inspection it might be worth considering if you can get the wife on board.

Henry06

Here is the car:


Mod's I hope I didnt violate any rules by posting that link

http://www.northjerseyautomall.com/w...us-RX330-RX330

bwsteg

Ultimately, the decision needs to be made by you. However in my opinion, since the accident occurred shortly after delivery - the RX must have been repaired at a top-notch shop seeing as the car was nearly brand new...I would take a look at it. Just my 2 cents...Good Luck...