I am about to buy a 99 with 135,000 miles on it. I read through the faq, and other than tranny and oil, I didnt see much about other stuff to look for. I know to check the obvious stuff (electrical, accesories, HVAC), but is there anything special I should look for when I inspect the car? Thanks much for your help.

Edit: Forgot to add it is AWD.

 

Let me just comment on the engine (and this would apply to any typical Lexus/Toyota car with the 1MZ-FE engine - not singling out the RX):

With that kind of age/mileage, the car should have had spark plugs (at least done once), it's timing belt, drive belts and possibly H2O done already. Also, some O2 sensors should have been replaced as they usually don't last that long. The starter (or components within the starter) have been known to have service at around 100K intervals or could be difficult to start. There shouldn't be any leaks (rear seal, oil pan, etc).

If it were me and I was very serious about the car, I would ask for the service records and I would want to see a history of proper maintenance.
Even repairs is good to see as it shows that the owner cared enough to have problems addressed.

 

One of the simplest thing that lots of people over look is, turn the ignition on to run (before you get to start) and OBSERVE all warning lights to come on.

Just keep in mind Lexus are expensive to repair. With 137K miles and good maintenance records, you should be ok, BUT you are getting an old vehicle.

Salim

 

Honestly, at 137K any vehicle is hit or miss at this point. A multitude of things could possibly go wrong, even with regular maintenance. I mean even if you get the service record, things mentioned before like O2, starter, injectors, etc. are not regular maintenance items, they're more "replace when broken" things so you can't expect the current owner to have proactively replaced them. Thus comes Murphy's Law, the day you sign and exchange the money, those parts will start breaking on you.

 

I ended up buying the rx. It was only $3,000. It is pretty rough, but it is mainly cosmetic stuff. The engine ticks kinda loud, and the belt squeals for a couple seconds when you first start it.

 

Good luck with it. My 99 is only 98K right now.. so coming up on 100K and no major issues... knock on wood. Good thing RX has real wood, not faux wood...