Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a used RX300 - 99-02. Is there anything I should look out for? Questions to ask the owner?

Also, any years I should avoid or desire?

 

With that many years, the condition of the individual vehicle becomes very important.

Appearance and condition [old model, worn seats/carpets, ties, brakes, battery etc] and needed repairs should be determined.

Tbelt 90k miles multiple. If previous owner has not done it, it should be a warning bell (not well maintained)

Get service records. At dealer is better.

Turn ignition to ON and see all warning lights come on (self test)

Connect OBDII reader and check codes ... make sure all channels are ready (no recent reset)

2 master keys and 1 valet key. Do not buy if there is no master key. Duplicates may cost you $100++, but you need master key to duplicate.

Some items need extra attention:
Transmission, engine oil gelling, door-lock-actuators, ticking noise near glove compartment (servos).

Salim

 

Thanks for the tips. Are there major problems with this model? I was also looking at the Acura MDX until I found out it had major transmission problems. Given I don't want to gamble on a bad tranny, I decided against it. And consumerreports only reports back to 03.

Also, were there any minor/major benefits in getting a 99 vs. 00 vs. 01 vs. 02 other than newness? For example, the 99 vs. 98 4Runner got better cup holders, etc.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus.

I'd go with 01' and newer. They had many minor improvements, and the transmission was upgraded.

Salim covered pretty much everything, if you want more information please do a search. We've had quite a few of these threads recently, so you should be able to find plenty information.

 

Per Salim, the condition of the individual car at that age trumps the "average" historical data. Having said that, things to look out for are: the condition of the leather upholstery, the brightness of the LCD display, power door locks, power window mechanisms, spring and strut mount cracked/loose, water pump leaks, belt pulley squeals, cam seal leaks, rear main seal leaks, flex pipe leaks, transmission problems (although the last appear to be sudded and unpredictable). A good service history (oil changes, tranny fluid changes) may mitigate engine sludge and transmission problems.