Greetings everyone. I wanted to pass along some news. I sold my 2002 RX300 Coach Edition in 7 days using AutoTrader. I sold it for KBB Good Private Party pricing.

Why would you care? I thought it was interesting how quickly this car sold. My neighbor has a MB ML320 for sale over 6 months, and my other neighbor had a Montero Sport for sale almost a full year. It just goes to show that Lexus cars, even a few years old are hot items in the market.

I've still got my LS for now, but expect to get something different in the coming months.

Details of the RX300.
White/Tan 67k miles
http://www.knology.net/~gizmo/rx300

 

however that RX300 was really pretty

 

congrats! hope you had great times with the rx!

 

This car has been really good to us. No supprise. We've had several Lexus cars of the last few years. My only complaint was the oil filter location. I hated that oil change routine. It's no wonder that sludge is a problem. People don't want to change the oil cause you cannot easily get the darn filter out. Other than that, the car has been a joy to own.

My wife used the car as a daily driver for 3 years. She wanted a van, so we're going after the Sienna XLE Limited with NAV, Park Assist, Laser Cruise, Window Blinds, HID, Backup Camera, power hatch, and a lot more. I didn't know these vans could be so cool. I guess we are getting old... Maybe an SC430 would offset the "family wagon".

Cheers.

 

That Sienna is the best minivan I have ever driven. A friend of mine in my building has one that I took out once a week while we was on a trip for a month...rides beautifully. The Sienna also has a good forum like ClubLexus at http://www.siennaclub.org/forum/index.php

 

I'm only speaking for the 2004 Sienna. I have one, a XLE Limited AWD with most of the options you listed. My opinion, I wish I'd never bought it. The van has gone through 2 sets of run flats. If alignment isn't perfect the run flats wear within a 6-to-9K miles.

I just dumped the runflats and installed regular tires. Cause the front passenger tire was wore past the threads on the inside part of the tire. The regular rides 100 times better.

Still(and I know 2004 was a first year redesign), I'd rather of bought the Honda(not that Honda is perfect). Handles better and has more responsive pedal.

Our Sienna also has had a bunch of little ticky-tack sounds thats just annoy the heck out whoever is riding in it. Been back and forth to the dealer a bunch to fix these. There were some other small issues as well, like a leak we had from the instrument panel above the rear view mirror..etc.

Has Toyota fixed these issues in 2005 and later, probably. For the same money though, I'd go with the Honda.

You've probably done this already, but go here and poke around. Good luck.

http://www.siennaclub.org/forum/index.php

Wooooops.. Looks like Lexmex already pointed you in the right direction.

 

I am not surprised. I monitor the resale value of my 5yo 2002 RX300. Despite its high mileage (94K), it still retains over 50% of its original value.

No, I am not selling it.

 

My family has a 93 Toyota Previa with 230,000 miles on it! Tranny did go at about 200,000 miles.

 

As RX300 gets older, I can see lots of buyers out there who want it to buy it and modify it, because of it's looks and size. Since it is Toyota built (make the best 4x4's) the vehicle is going to last many years if one takes care of it (learn from Lexmex). Maybe a new "Herbie" Fan club out there ? Seriously I have no intentions on selling my 2001 RX300, still a great looking.

 

I think the AWD is good for snow, but its not a real 4X4 with a low gear, you aren't going to see them driving off road or in the sand dunes. I don't think they would appeal to the off road crowd, more the "I want the safest vehicle I can afford for my family crowd".

 

Actually the RX300 is quite capable offroad, even without a low range. I've taken it offroad a few times and it has done very well. Its 8.1" minimum ground clearance is better than Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer.

Though I decided not to take my RX300 offroad anymore. I had to spend two hours clean up the mud last time. Had to take each wheel off to wash off the mud stuck in the wheel spokes.

 

yeah off roading is fun, but the after effect is horrible. took me 3 car washes to completely get rid of mud and had to get steering re aligned (got stuck in the mud and friend pulled me out with my steering not straight). the only off roading i do now is driving over a curb/median to pass a stopped vehicle.

 

I blew my front driver's side shock running up a mountain once several years ago.