LandoRojo

Looking at buying a 2005 RX330 with 167000 for 8k.
Any advice on things I should be looking for or warnings before purchase would be great
thanks

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

A few things that come to my mind as I just got a RX330 myself:

Does it have air suspension? If so, consider avoiding it. Ride is smoother but maintenance just sky rocketed.

Does it have service records? Especially regarding timing belt. At 167K, that should be close to its second replacement. Tires? Brakes? Fluids?

Does it have AFS HID lights? If so, do the light adjust properly or is it all over the place?

LandoRojo

Unsure of timing belt condition. Tires have a little over 50% left. Not sure about what fluids to check.
Not sure how to check breaks. I test drove it and it drove surprisingly smooth and with smooth shifting. It has xenon lights

LandoRojo

Only 2 service records listed on carfax.

LandoRojo

Only 2 service records listed on carfax.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Assume worst case that that timing belt was never changed. Easily a $600-1200 job depending on where and who does it for you. Get that done and use it as a bargaining point. You're on a ticking time bomb if it was never replaced.

Tires at 50% is a hit/miss with bargaining. Mine were shot on all 4 corners so I was able to knock a bit on the price.

You really don't check fluids but if there's no records of fluid changes/flushes, get them all refreshed once you take ownership. Oil, trans, brake, differential, power steering, coolant, etc. Again, another point of bargaining.

If it has Xenon lights, check to see if it has AFS which is the "moving" lights that turn the projectors to follow the car turning. If any of the sensors are messed up, either you get an AFS check light or your lights will be pointed in weird directions. AFS is nice to have but another point of maintenance.

05RX330AWD

Agree with Lexuswiz Timing Belt priority one, I'm in the same boat as you are with a newly acquired 2005 RX330 AWD as there are no records available, I have 137,000 miles on the clock.The timing Belt & Water Pump will be changed tomorrow.
Also have a look at the undercarriage make sure it is not rotted out.
Your best bet is your ears when testing the vehicle, listen for grinding, squealing, thumps or any other unusual sounds. I also let go the steering on a straight even road, the vehicle should not pull, same when applying the brakes, of course at a VERY SLOW SPEED.
Now I really appreciate the deal I received for my Lexus, $2,800.00 US with all taxes in, with only some normal maintenance & minor repairs needed, when considering a asking price $8,000 US seems normal.
Posted some photos, definitely due for a Car Wash as soon as the weather permits, salt & red sand already accumulated on the not long ago clean undercarriage.
Lexuswiz this RX330 look familiar? Same options, Nav, 6- CD Player, Premium Package Plus, 18" Wheels.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Same car, same rust. My weathertechs are black to match the black Lexus trunk mat but otherwise, twins. You got quite a deal for it.

05RX330AWD

The weathertechs were on the house, actually there is very little rust at all when washed, the RX330 lived most of it's life in California. what your are seeing mostly is red PEI sand, they actually sell the stuff in bottles to tourists.
Tourists can have mine for free, bring a hose. I lucked out, the SUV was traded in at a local Hyundai Dealer, I took a worthwhile chance on an "as is" deal. No Lexus dealer here, therefore most consumers here will look the other way.
I did shop around before committing on the RX330, looked as various SUV AWD models, "as is" translated to they were way passed the expiry date.