jpv7774

Hello all.....forgive me for not doing an extensive search of this site before posting this question. In my family I am the car guy.....I am trying to help my sister find a nice reliable suv. She has a full plate...husband just passed from Pancreatic cancer.....has 3 kids...and her minivan just isnt worth repairing. I am moving her away from American made Chrysler junk over to the Toyota Lexus team.
I am a member on this site but a owner of an LS430 which I absolutely love! For my sister I have it narrowed down to a few models.....Lexus 330 or newer 08 / 350 or the Acura MDX prob 08 as well. A couple of concerns.....I heard Highlander had some issues w stretched engine bolts causing catastropic engine failure...and Highlander is same as 330. Acura has had tranny issues for years and years....they finally are close to getting the tranny straight but now are having issues with torque converters. I am looking for a SUV with pretty high miles....from 80 to 100k.....estimated cost will be from approx 13k to 17k.......

What do u guys have to say about your 330's vs 350's...I read several posts and it looks like the 330's were the workhorses...but there again...Highlanders of that yr had issues

She loves that Lexus light blue.....

My goal is to get her in a real nice vehicle that will be mostly trouble free from 80k to say 150k then sell. Would be even nicer to find one with timing belt and water pump already done.

Thanks in advance
Jim

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

With three kids I'd be looking at an '08+ Highlander. They probably have potential for the same water pump failures that are popping up in the RX350s, but like you acknowledge, every car has a week spot these days....

jpv7774

Thanks for your reply......yes she likes the Highlanders but either I am missing something or the Highlanders seem to be more pricey then the RX.......I think the RX is avail in 2wd or awd ...so most likely a 2wd RX is my cheapest route. I would like my sister at age 58 to finally have a car that looks awesome........walking out of store and getting into a Lexus just makes u feel good

RX3302004

Best SUV I've had is a 2006 4Runner, much better quality than my 04 RX. I've heard the MDX is good also. I'd consider a Highlander also.

jpv7774

But you have an 04 330....they are supposed to be great SUVs.....are u not happy with it?

Carver

For every unhappy owner you can find 100 happy ones. Maintenance history is key, absolutely would not buy one that didn't have a good history on Lexus Drivers. Especially with higher miles. Don't buy one that hasn't had the timing belt replaced (330), hopefully the water pump as well.

Starting about 70k the PS rack can begin to leak (900-1500)
Plugs at 120K (350-600)
Struts around 150k (DIY300-650 dealer)
Cracked dash, moisture in headlights under current 'recall'

Be careful of factory nav cars, the screen incorporates many functions and a bad one can get expensive. FWD drive is less expensive to maintain on an older car.

I personally think current prices on 2gen RX make them one of the biggest bargains in used cars available today.

RX3302004

I like it but I also inherited it so it's easier for me to accept repairs. While the 4Runner is 2 years newer it hasn't had 1 issue that isn't normal (battery, brakes, etc). The RX has had side mirror actuators replaced and other issues I didn't expect. It was owned and serviced at the dealer by family who were the previous owners. I had a Toyota Sienna prior to the RX and it only had 1 plastic dome light cover fall out in 90k miles. I've been spoiled by Toyotas, I thought a Lexus would be at least that good. Still better than most...only 78k miles by the way, same as the 4Runner.

justin1203

Remember with the 330's you'll have a timing belt at 90k to take care of. Also, the 50+ HP difference is definitely noticeable.

jpv7774

Yes I think the RX350 is a lot of car for the money on the used market......I have seen many for 15 16 17k in spotless condition ....If the water pump is the issue for the 350 I would just start her off with having timing belt...water pump.....tranny fluid.....and plugs done and mixed in with purchase price. Thats what I did when I bought my LS430.....I got an aggressive deal on my car then set her up with 2k of prevent defense.
I also considered a GX470 for my sister .....but it seems like it might be too big......
As for Lexus vs 4Runner and Sienna.......funny u mention that...when I bought my 430 I had a list in my garage that filled an entire page of things I did to the car to make it an A+ car, things that I have never had to do with other cars. Oddly enough I enjoyed most of the DIY repairs....but there were many...my LS has 135K miles on it.....Just to mention a few items I repaired or replaced

Door lock actuators
Console lid
Head light aim...and lens resto
Mirror contacts cleaned
telescopic steering motor replaced
Reglue speaker
Hood shocks and trunk shocks

And a ton of detailing items to get her up to snuff.......but now I enjoy every second of my garage queen.....

When U have a car that is loaded with tons of buttons whistles and bells....vs more of a streamlined workhorse.......the gadget car is gunna need some special attention

jpv7774

I have been doing some more reading as I close in on a RX.......did I read correct....the 350 doesnt have a timing belt????? How ironic that a car with no belt is having water pump issues....its like u save on a big expense.....woooops no u dont.

So the RX350

Steering rack
Water pump
Possible dash cracking
Possible moisture in headlights
Possible oil line damage

Just doing my homework

Carver

The 350 has a chain rather than a belt, replacement not required.

thomas1

The highlander also has potential third row seat, however so does the MDX. Have you considered the Hybrid Highlander?

RX3302004

There is a recall just starting for cracked dashboards. Not sure of the exact parameters but maybe that would be 1 less thing to worry about if it happens.

jakenbake

I would go with the highlander or MDX for the third row. They will both be reliable...But with the high mileage you are looking at more maintenance as you would be with any high mileage car. When it comes to reliability I always consult Consumer Reports to make my decision.