just welcoming myself to the RX section. I currently own a 98 GS400, and my wife drives a 2002 Audi A4.

we have had many problems with the Audi, and with the last trip to the service department at the (only) local Audi dealership, we are both disgusted with the service, and she is on a "im selling this POS" rant.


I work for the local Cadillac dealership (we also own the only Lexus dealership in town... fortunately) and when shopping the lot today, the only vehicle out of nearly 150 used cars she liked was the 2001 RX300 with just over 130,000 miles.

I cant figure out why she would want to go from a 2002 Audi, with 50,000 miles to a year older car with more than twice the miles... but she is in love with my GS400, and wants a SUV, so it seems like the logical choice for her.

these pics are exactly how it was traded in. the owners took VERY good care of it. not sure if the 90k service with TB/WP was done, but i will find out.












now... this truck, even with the massive hit in value for the excessive mileage has a NADA retail book value of over $15,000 (its a sunroof/AWD model) and i can purchase it for about 50% of that (it was a trade in) and all it really needs is a set of tires. the brakes are new, and its condition inside and out is immaculate. (looks more like 30,000 miles).


to shorten the story:


problems -

#1 passenger side window when auto up feature is used, it goes back down when it gets to the top. (very annoying) but if you hold the switch, it works fine.

#2 both outside taillights are out (should be an easy fix) but its just odd for me to see both lights out... hopefully not an electrical problem

#3 the wiper blades seem to be shot. spraying water with the sprayers, and attempting to clean off the windshield, it just makes it worse (again, easy fix)

#4 button for the cupholder is busted. (dont know if its fixeable) its still useable, but it looks terrible





#5 on cold startup, the belt makes a NASTY squealing noise... but goes away when warm. i suspect a new belt fixes the problem (duh, lol)




other than those minor issues... it seems like a VERY sturdy vehicle. after reading the forum on sludge/gelling problems, and multiple tranny issues... im starting to get a little leary of it. She is currently just driving the RX to see if she likes it, and we are going to take it to our sister store later this week to pull the service history, and check it over.

Also, service will be done at the Lexus store, and lucky for me, i get employee pricing on parts, and labor. (example: oil change/lube filter on my GS400 V8, and cabin filter change was $49 parts and labor, with tax) so it wont be nearly as expensive as some of you pay.


what is your take on these issues/problems, and should we, or should we not buy it?

any other issues/problems i should look for/have them check before buying it?

 

None of the problems you mention sounds particularly serious. You can pull off a valve cover to check for sludge, by 2001 the transmission problem in the AWD models was reportedly solved but dropping the pan off the transmission and checking for metal filings in the fluid as well as a review of the service records to ensure the tranny was properly maintained will go a long way to putting those concerns behind you. If you can buy the vehicle for $7,500 it sounds like a great deal.

 

Thanks Det. I was thinking the same thing, and its actually $7200 plus our $49 doc fee, so I think im gonna ****** it up, and worse case scenario, I could always re-sell it later and make a few bucks (unless it falls apart, lol)

 

I can understand the apprehension ... normal wear-tear typically is brake pads, tires and battery but at 150K miles you will be getting into other items like starter, alternator, water-pump, shocks, boots, hoses-pipes. In reality you are in "bonus" miles.

Sweet spot of ownership is 30-70k. So my reccomendation would be to pass and keep looking. But if you have a source of repair which will be 1/4 standard then you will be ok. But dont be surprized if the RX needs to be in the repair bay. ie keep things in perspective (milage).

I noticed a baby-car seat in the back. Although it looks tacky, but I would reccomend thick towel underneath to protect direct contant with leather.

Salim

 

my girl has an 02 coach edition RX300 and she loves it!
its very practical and versatile. as mentioned, those problems do not sound very serious and for that price its a deal.

 

thanks guys.


and Salim.. good lookin out on the towel. we always use one, that booster seat was thrown in there to get her home last night. if it stays in the family, it will actually have a small thick pad underneath it.


i am beginning to think that with the price, and overall condition, that i cant lose with this RX.


i appreciate the insight.

 

Hey there just wanted to say that this vehilcle sounds like a good deal for you, so if I was in your shoes, I would pick it up. Also regarding problem issue #4, I too had this button missing when I bought my Rx and it bothered me enough to ask the parts guy @ the local Lexus dealership for a price, figuring it would cost a few bucks to buy this small part. Well to my surprise Lexus doesn't stock this part alone and your MUST buy the WHOLE console @ at stiff $180 or so. So of course I said no, and just moved on. It's your call if really want to "fix" this issue.


As a side note, not long after getting this price quote, I was vacumming the interior, underneath the driver's seat and what do I happen to find? That darn button. So I joyfully snapped it in place and rejoiced on my very lucky find.: So do yourself a favor and check under your seats, you might just save some $$$$.

 

wow! thanks for the tip acerx!

thats a little on the expensive side, so im sure she can live with it if i cant find the button under the seat... at least it still works. lol