Basic Reliability and Buying Question
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Basic Reliability and Buying Question
Hey all,
First, I think this forum is great. I'm considering purchasing a first generation RX, and I've been trolling around learning about the vehicles for a couple of weeks now.
I've done a fair amount of research on mid-sized SUV's in my price range and features category, and I'm pretty set on the RX. Here's my question:
Understanding that there are many variables to consider (maintenance history, type of mileage, general care for the vehicle), which vehicle seems like the best buy in terms of reliability and future maintenance: a 2000 RX AWD with 100k miles for $7,900; or a 2003 RX AWD with 110k miles for $11,000?
Again, I know there are other things to consider, and I know enough about cars to look into the service history and perhaps get an independent inspection. I'm just wondering if there is a clear difference or benefit between the '00 RX AWD and the '03 RX AWD that makes this a no-brainer.
Thanks!
First, I think this forum is great. I'm considering purchasing a first generation RX, and I've been trolling around learning about the vehicles for a couple of weeks now.
I've done a fair amount of research on mid-sized SUV's in my price range and features category, and I'm pretty set on the RX. Here's my question:
Understanding that there are many variables to consider (maintenance history, type of mileage, general care for the vehicle), which vehicle seems like the best buy in terms of reliability and future maintenance: a 2000 RX AWD with 100k miles for $7,900; or a 2003 RX AWD with 110k miles for $11,000?
Again, I know there are other things to consider, and I know enough about cars to look into the service history and perhaps get an independent inspection. I'm just wondering if there is a clear difference or benefit between the '00 RX AWD and the '03 RX AWD that makes this a no-brainer.
Thanks!
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 103
From: Sacramento, California
Hands down the 2003 RX, The 99,2000 had the most prevalent rate of transmission failure....Also to me the 2003 with only 10k miles is inherently a better choice in that it was the last year of that generation, most bugs were worked out...Also a possibility of Navigation on that year....The key is the timing belt should have been done on either vehicle...Spark plugs also, but many change them at 125k miles..The AWD on both vehicles was very different in the concept of Vicous coupling on the earlier models 99 and 2000 I believe. Good luck....
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,723
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Get the 2003. Much newer, it has VSC (01+) and a few other goodies. There's a full list on here somewhere.
Mid-year 2000 is when the transmission upgrades began. I'm sure you've read of the transmission issues. I don't think the chances of transmission failure are higher than other cars, as long as you do take care of the transmission. (i.e. fluid drain and fill).
Mid-year 2000 is when the transmission upgrades began. I'm sure you've read of the transmission issues. I don't think the chances of transmission failure are higher than other cars, as long as you do take care of the transmission. (i.e. fluid drain and fill).
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
We are talking about 11yrs old vs 8yrs old vehicles and still discussing reliability 
Simple rule of thumb
Once you go past 6yrs and 100K miles you are in bonus years and at that time if the vehicle is still road worthy then opt for a younger horse.
With that much time and miles, maintenance history becomes important and remember each vehicle is different [all '03s are not the same]. Be prepared for various repairs [lucky if they are just the sensors that go bad on you]. Lexus parts and repair are not cheap.
Salim
Simple rule of thumb
Once you go past 6yrs and 100K miles you are in bonus years and at that time if the vehicle is still road worthy then opt for a younger horse.
With that much time and miles, maintenance history becomes important and remember each vehicle is different [all '03s are not the same]. Be prepared for various repairs [lucky if they are just the sensors that go bad on you]. Lexus parts and repair are not cheap.
Salim
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 2
From: PA
My 2001 Rx300 has 140k and drives like it has 50k. Extremely well built! I can easily imagine 200k. If I were looking for another one I would stick with a 2001 or later and then buy based on condition and service rather than mileage.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,723
Likes: 114
From: NJ
My uncle's RX300 is a 99 and it has 350k + miles. And, it still runs great. He's had no problems, and he's still on the original transmission. I myself have 165k (original trans as well), and my RX still runs great as well. No problems. Both RX's are AWD.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
No, I am not putting the vehicles down ... in fact the vehicles being roadworthy after all the years and milage is a testament about their reliability. That is why I had the big grin smiley.
I just want to make folks aware that when they buy even the well maintained vehicles, they should expect to get sensor failure as the miles accumulate. Knock sensor fix bill at the dealership is going to put serious dent in the wallet and I would hate to see that as reason to knock RX down.
Salim
I just want to make folks aware that when they buy even the well maintained vehicles, they should expect to get sensor failure as the miles accumulate. Knock sensor fix bill at the dealership is going to put serious dent in the wallet and I would hate to see that as reason to knock RX down.
Salim
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,723
Likes: 114
From: NJ
No, I am not putting the vehicles down ... in fact the vehicles being roadworthy after all the years and milage is a testament about their reliability. That is why I had the big grin smiley.
I just want to make folks aware that when they buy even the well maintained vehicles, they should expect to get sensor failure as the miles accumulate. Knock sensor fix bill at the dealership is going to put serious dent in the wallet and I would hate to see that as reason to knock RX down.
Salim
I just want to make folks aware that when they buy even the well maintained vehicles, they should expect to get sensor failure as the miles accumulate. Knock sensor fix bill at the dealership is going to put serious dent in the wallet and I would hate to see that as reason to knock RX down.
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
The trigger has been pulled.
Thanks for the input, everyone. I looked at a couple other vehicles and found a 2003 RX (different than the one referenced in my first query), in better condition and with better service records.
Here are the stats of the purchase:
2003 RX AWD (no navigation)
114,700 miles
One-owner, no accidents
Regular service records, timing belt done at 108,000
Drives well, no slippage from 1st to 2nd gear
$11,700
As with any purchase, I have a bit of buyer's remorse: "Maybe I could have worked the price a little lower." "Maybe there's one with fewer miles out there." Still, I'm excited about getting to know a new vehicle. My other ride is a '93 325i, and I've had fun doing the work on it for the past 8 years. I'll hang on to it for fast cornering and 5-speed fun, but I needed the RX and all-wheel drive for Colorado winters.
Again, thanks for the input, and I look forward to getting involved with this forum as issues arise and DIY fixes present themselves.
Here are the stats of the purchase:
2003 RX AWD (no navigation)
114,700 miles
One-owner, no accidents
Regular service records, timing belt done at 108,000
Drives well, no slippage from 1st to 2nd gear
$11,700
As with any purchase, I have a bit of buyer's remorse: "Maybe I could have worked the price a little lower." "Maybe there's one with fewer miles out there." Still, I'm excited about getting to know a new vehicle. My other ride is a '93 325i, and I've had fun doing the work on it for the past 8 years. I'll hang on to it for fast cornering and 5-speed fun, but I needed the RX and all-wheel drive for Colorado winters.
Again, thanks for the input, and I look forward to getting involved with this forum as issues arise and DIY fixes present themselves.
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Stage3
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
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Oct 24, 2004 08:46 PM
