2001 RX300 or newer Avensis ?
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From: norbotten
2001 RX300 or newer Avensis ?
Hi Everyone I am posting my first post regarding RX300.
I am looking at a 2001 RX300 with 100k miles it has maintenance schedule and overall it looks good inside and outside.
Its going to be my 2nd car so it will not be driven allot but I am still afraid of reliability of a 20 year old car ?
what do you think and what can I expect ?
I am also considering getting a newer avensis station for the same price I can get a 2005-2006 model with similar milage but it isnt as exciting as the lexus :\
also it seems used car prices has skyrocketed ? this car was sold 2 years ago for 600$ less ?
it is sold now for 5900$ (I live in Sweden prices are a bit higher then the US).
Thank you,
Ran.
I am looking at a 2001 RX300 with 100k miles it has maintenance schedule and overall it looks good inside and outside.
Its going to be my 2nd car so it will not be driven allot but I am still afraid of reliability of a 20 year old car ?
what do you think and what can I expect ?
I am also considering getting a newer avensis station for the same price I can get a 2005-2006 model with similar milage but it isnt as exciting as the lexus :\
also it seems used car prices has skyrocketed ? this car was sold 2 years ago for 600$ less ?
it is sold now for 5900$ (I live in Sweden prices are a bit higher then the US).
Thank you,
Ran.
I think if the maintenance schedule has been followed and you have a record of the services done, it should be perfectly fine. I would just check for other issues that may arise due to age and wear, like tire condition, paint issues, rust, weather seal deterioration, oxidation on plastic parts, etc.
I have an uncle who bought an 01-03 RX brand new, driven year round since day 1. He's retired now but as far as I know, the car has been very, very reliable for him for the past 20ish years, both mechanically and electronically.
I have an uncle who bought an 01-03 RX brand new, driven year round since day 1. He's retired now but as far as I know, the car has been very, very reliable for him for the past 20ish years, both mechanically and electronically.
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Welcome to CL with your first post.
I'd say the biggest potential issue on any Toyota/Lexus vehicle with the 3.0L V6 (including the RX) is to be sure you have thorough, complete records or other evidence of regular oil changes, using the required oil and filters. This engine, because of its design and the narrow oil-passageways, was NOT forgiving of laxness in oil-changes, and was notorious for sludge and gel built-up, sometimes leading to damage and/or replacement.
I'd say the biggest potential issue on any Toyota/Lexus vehicle with the 3.0L V6 (including the RX) is to be sure you have thorough, complete records or other evidence of regular oil changes, using the required oil and filters. This engine, because of its design and the narrow oil-passageways, was NOT forgiving of laxness in oil-changes, and was notorious for sludge and gel built-up, sometimes leading to damage and/or replacement.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Ohio
Welcome to CL with your first post.
I'd say the biggest potential issue on any Toyota/Lexus vehicle with the 3.0L V6 (including the RX) is to be sure you have thorough, complete records or other evidence of regular oil changes, using the required oil and filters. This engine, because of its design and the narrow oil-passageways, was NOT forgiving of laxness in oil-changes, and was notorious for sludge and gel built-up, sometimes leading to damage and/or replacement.
I'd say the biggest potential issue on any Toyota/Lexus vehicle with the 3.0L V6 (including the RX) is to be sure you have thorough, complete records or other evidence of regular oil changes, using the required oil and filters. This engine, because of its design and the narrow oil-passageways, was NOT forgiving of laxness in oil-changes, and was notorious for sludge and gel built-up, sometimes leading to damage and/or replacement.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,096
Likes: 1,740
From: Ohio
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Raner - any car driven for 20 years with 100k mi. has seen a lot of wear and tear. we all know anecdotes and some personal experiences of cars having loads of miles and years and still being 'fine', but in the end it will come down to the particular one you find, and whether you can get it to a trusted service place to have them thoroughly look it over before you buy it. worth every penny to have it looked over.
if you can find one of that vintage, great. if not, i'd look for something newer.
i remember selling my '99 rx300 in '04 which had 100k mi. on it - my ex drove it a long way several times a week, so mostly highway miles. while the car ran fine, it was much rougher sounding than when it was new and the interior was showing a lot of wear, and that was in only 5 years!
if you can find one of that vintage, great. if not, i'd look for something newer.
i remember selling my '99 rx300 in '04 which had 100k mi. on it - my ex drove it a long way several times a week, so mostly highway miles. while the car ran fine, it was much rougher sounding than when it was new and the interior was showing a lot of wear, and that was in only 5 years!
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