Finding the best RX
Thread Starter
2nd gear
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 2
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Finding the best RX
Hello!
I’m new to the forum, long time Toyota driver. My mom has been driving a 2000 RX 300 for the last ten years and it’s been good to her but recently she had the water pump go out and we are worried she might have overheated it. She has a budget of about 10k and she is looking for a newer model. What do you guys recommend?
Thank you ☺️
I’m new to the forum, long time Toyota driver. My mom has been driving a 2000 RX 300 for the last ten years and it’s been good to her but recently she had the water pump go out and we are worried she might have overheated it. She has a budget of about 10k and she is looking for a newer model. What do you guys recommend?
Thank you ☺️
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
Welcome to club lexus.
Before throwing away a good vehicle, please determine if there is an actual problem or perceived problem.
Was the vehicle driven for a brief or short time after the coolant was lost?
Has the mechanic done pressure test on the coolant circuit.
Compression test on the chambers.
Leak down test on the valves.
In case you are set on purchasing new/used please keep in mind that there is never a best vehicle. Best is defined by the need and then based on the pool of vehicles available. Rx has a smaller version NX which might be a better alternative in the SUV style. [depending on the perspective of the owner]
Salim
Before throwing away a good vehicle, please determine if there is an actual problem or perceived problem.
Was the vehicle driven for a brief or short time after the coolant was lost?
Has the mechanic done pressure test on the coolant circuit.
Compression test on the chambers.
Leak down test on the valves.
In case you are set on purchasing new/used please keep in mind that there is never a best vehicle. Best is defined by the need and then based on the pool of vehicles available. Rx has a smaller version NX which might be a better alternative in the SUV style. [depending on the perspective of the owner]
Salim
Thread Starter
2nd gear
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Ok great! Thank you for the solid advice. I will pass on the info on the stuff to check to the mechanic. She’s mostly just looking for a commuter car to and from work (5-7 miles) and occasional day drive road trips, so nothing fancy. We are not a mechanically inclined family so we’re just honestly looking for reliability more than anything. Her Lexus now was picked out by a family friend so I thought maybe there was like a fan favorite of that model or something like that. ☺️
Our RX300 is 25 years old with 225,000 mile on it. Still super reliable. Of course stuff still breaks simply because of age (rather than known mechanical issues). Definitely have a competent mechanic pressure test the cooling system and check for other signs of excessive overheating (cylinder heads warp and gaskets leak if it was really bad) but otherwise, keep on truckin'!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
Ok great! Thank you for the solid advice. I will pass on the info on the stuff to check to the mechanic. She’s mostly just looking for a commuter car to and from work (5-7 miles) and occasional day drive road trips, so nothing fancy. We are not a mechanically inclined family so we’re just honestly looking for reliability more than anything. Her Lexus now was picked out by a family friend so I thought maybe there was like a fan favorite of that model or something like that. ☺️
I would suggest narrow down to make model yr and size. Other things to consider would be New, certified and preowned. All of these are influenced by preference [with included features], needs and money at hand.
I am going to leave the make model size features to be decided by your mom ... and how much money she intends to spend.
If the vehicle being purchased is a "keeper" [25+ years] then buy new. If the outlook is 10 yrs then by certified [through the make dealership] and if you want to risk it up buy used with a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection.
I cant speak for other makes, but I am personally satisfied with Lexus. With an intention of 10-15 years of ownership, I would steer you towards certified NX, RX, IS and ES*. You will get lower milage, safety and modern features [still may lack latest features as Lexus in never in the fore-front]. There are other models too that your mom can decide upon.
Anything else will carry some sort of a risk/unknown. To me paying extra 2-3K is worth it if you are not a DIY person.
Salim
PS: * listed in my preference order if my mom was in the market for pre-owned. Note: ES is a fine vehicle but that model never tugged at my heart.
Last edited by salimshah; Oct 4, 2024 at 08:37 AM. Reason: PS
Also, if you decide to go newer, remember that you can get a CPO Lexus with a 6 year/unlimited mileage warranty. Get a CPO "wrap" warranty extension for up to an additional 5 years (11 years in all and unlimited mileage) from Troy Deitrich. It'll cost but she'll have peace of mind in case anything should go wrong.
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