Hi there, I’m looking at buying a 2010 rx450h AWD with 90,000kms on the clock. The car drives well and is in good condition. However, it hasn’t been serviced since 2021, and that was a basic service by Lexus. It has done 15,000km since it was last serviced. I had a pre purchase inspection done by Lexus and $3000nzd of maintenance needs to be done; standard service plus spark plugs, trans oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, rear engine oil, diff oil, engine air filter, cabin air filter. Plus a knock in steering column (suggested tighten pinch bolts). Would the lack of servicing cause damage to the engine/running gear? Should I run a mile???!!! The battery health is ok at 65%

 

Keep in mind that any dealership will attempt to sell you as much service as they possibly can. An independent inspection is always best if you cannot do it yourself.

 

How big is the inventory of these in your country? I would keep looking if there are.
Will the seller negotiate lower based on these recommended maintenance items? Especially the steering column, 12v battery and tires as they are very expensive.
The oil change is close to the 10,000 mile recommendation although the time is way overdue, but it probably did not do much harm.
I would skip the spark plug change as they are not recommended to be changed until 120,000 miles (193,000km) and many go much longer only to find the spark plugs are just fine at over 150,000 miles (241,000km).
Changing all the recommended fluids and filters is a good idea for longevity. I would also service the brake caliper slide bolts - clean and lubricate them. How are the brake pads?

I would be more worried about the steering column issue as it may need replacement. There are many threads here regarding issues with steering column creaks etc requiring replacement of either the mid shaft or entire unit which is very expensive.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...tling-diy.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...umn-noise.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ng-a-bump.html

 

The key question is "is it neglect or not being proactive"? A friend of mine who is not savvy about vehicles would insist on seeing the perspective vehicle in the owners garage. He used to pick on clues from the condition of the garage and judge if the owner in general takes care of things.

Is it the right vehicle available in/around your location for you? RX is very popular model in USA and sooner or later another unit will be available. So do not be forced into a purchase. [Need not purchase or pay for things that you do not need. Those extras cost more and increases the probability of needing repairs]. Please spend an evening going over Club Lexus posts.

I just performed 120K miles service and many items that have been identified are part of that service. Air filter, spark-plugs, brake fluid flush. I did the extra trans fluid change. Cost to me was about $250 us for parts and material. I think I saved about $1000 (conservative estimate).

If you do end purchasing, you will be needing tires and don't forget to replace the TPMS senders in each tire.

Knock in the steering can be an expensive fix. A member just posted about noise fix needing about $2500 to replace.

Best of luck.

Salim

 

Thank you all. There aren’t many of these vehicles around in NZ, perhaps 500 for that model/spec, and much less of those in the South Island. My Dad drive the car for me and he didn’t note the steering noise (he’s experienced with cars) so I think Lexus was being picky. It’s had 1 owner since new from the dealer which is rare since many are imported from Japan. The owner is an older Korean guy who just uses it to get to golf clubs, so it’s had an easy life and not been thrashed or driving on rough roads. They need a bigger car for more family members. I think they serviced it based on km rather than time because it has been used so little.

 

IMO the spark plugs can wait for at least double the KMs. The ones on my '14 with 160 km still look and operate very well and will be staying in there until I need to do valve cover gaskets or am well past 200k. I did some overdue ones in a 2019 RX350 and they also looked great as well and could have stayed in there for many more KMs (tips / gap were in order).

I'd be more worried about the typical 10-12 steering column noise (Not a safety issue, just annoying) and the fact that it's an older hybrid vehicle which may need a battery one day. The oils should be done, but it can wait. I'd be inclined to do them based on age alone and the fact that they are factory fills

 

I recently purchased a 2010 rx450h with 150k miles, excellent maintenance records, and in impeccable condition. Having said that I have since had to replace all four tires because one tire had a bulge. You must replace all four tires because it is a 4 whl drive. You said your battery was at 65%, I assume you mean the traction battery, The vehicle will drive fine but your gas mileage will suffer due to the degraded traction battery. my battery checked out @ 80% and my milage has suffered some. GREAT cars though.