I have an opportunity to purchase a 2002 RX300 with 93,000 miles for $8,500.

Buying from owner, they have all the maintenance records. Well maintained. I talked to the mechanic who worked on it and he says it's good.

The timing belt was just replaced. At around 45,000 miles, it had the block replaced because of sludge. no issues.

What do you think, what should I check for?

Steve

 

I would be tempted to take it to a Lexus dealer and pay to have it checked out if it's ok with the seller. If all is good, I would buy it at that price in a minute! You'll love it!

 

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Sounds good to me! Hard to find a low mileage RX.

How was the transmission maintained? Did they regularly service it?
Although being an 02', transmission should not be an issue.

Common issues:
Check door lock actuators, make sure all doors lock when you press the button to lock them.
Check the antenna, make sure it goes up and down.
Listen for any noises with the HVAC.

Overall, these are very, very solid cars! I wouldn't hesitate buying another.

 

Make sure you get at least one master key. It can be a pretty expensive proposition to get one if you only have a valety key.

 

Congrats if you buy it! My 02 has 135k and we just got bak from a 4000 mile trip. So nice to not have a sore back!
Most comfortable road trip car ever!

 

I can attest to that. This is the ultimate road trip CUV. I can drive straight thru' the night and still be fresh the next day, like I've done many times.

 

Make sure the CEL/MIL light is working and have someone pull any DTC's and freeze frame data for you if you don't have the equipment to do it yourself. Having an engine rebuilt at that low milage would raise a caution flag for me.

 

Well I bought it and is better than expected. I looked over the maintenance records and very well kept up. No engine or transmission issues, that I can feel. Now to learn all about it hope that it gives me miles and years of pleasure. Most all preventive maintenance was done within the last 5,000 miles. Previous owner only put on like 5,000/year.

 

Congratulations on the purchase! Be sure to post pictures!

 

Good for you, Steve! Congrats!

 

Wonderful to hear about your purchase.

 

The main thing is how well was the transmission is serviced and do you suspect any of the belts or gears are worn. Is there any delay in shifting and does it go into 4th smoothly (when warm). If sticking in 3rd it is on way out.
Is any delay when shifting from park to drive? Should be quick if slow then could be a sludge build up sometimes easy as a clean other times clean can dislodge more but best keeping it as clean as can. This is an expensive fix so should be of concern since it is the primary discussion on here.

 

Well the first cosmetic repair is the right front window tint has become unglued. It's a 1 inch by 6 inch strip.
Does anyone know if it came be repaired or will it need to be replaced?
If they replace it, willit match?

Does anyone have a recommendation of a place that can do it in NJ?

 

That's an aftermarket add on.

Visit couple of window tint vendors and see if they know the manufacturer of the film. Once that is established, they can try matching tint.

Salim