Devils advocate. Why shouldn't I buy?
 

Hello -

Looks like I may be picking up a 99 Rx300 this Saturday. I am playing devils advocate as to why I shouldn't buy.

- He wants 4k.. too much???
- 139k miles. too high of miles? I figure I will put 12k miles a year.
- 1 owner
- the lexus dealer wouldn't share the records. But did allude to the fact that this car had all minor and major service done as scheduled
- It was a couple of doctors.. and this was their kids during highschool/college.
- Bumper has a scrape as seen in picture..
- Interior was dirty spilled pop on carpet
- squeeky wheel
- will need a couple of new tires
- I thought I saw a couple of drops of oil.. not sure

https://drive.google.com/folderview?...Wc&usp=sharing

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Look's solid for $4k based on the pictures. But, they don't show the interior at all, hiding something?

139k miles is fairly low, I'm concerned about the "couple of drops of oil" you saw.

The interior could use some cleaning. There was a pop spilled and still hadn't been cleaned up.

I did just find out that I can take the car on Saturday and pay when they get the title next Tuesday (they are out of town)... I am inclined to take it to the lexus dealer to have it checked out.. I know it isn't cool but If something pops up, I can drop the car off with a benji for the troubles.

I am going to try to get the lexus dealer to provide more info. They assured me that this car has been "very well maintained" From the few receipts I see.. I think the dealer said you needed X,Y,X.. they just did it. One doctor was a cardiologist the other was a obgyn.

I on the other hand am not a doctor :)

The only two things are engine sludge and transmission failures...Pulling front valve cover to check for sludge and check the transmission fluid to see if it is bright red and not burnt smelling. Rest of car looks great other than the radio antenna is bent or broken (can tell from picture) Very fixable and easy.

Nothing wrong with getting the car inspected before purchasing.

OK... I called the lexus dealer..... I am feeling a little better at 4k.

They did every single maintenance interval as should except for replace the plugs at 120k.. no biggy, I can do that.

- They changed the oil every 5k
- Flushed the transmission as they should
- last service (not counting oil changes) at 120k they did everything including rear differential oil flush.

Sounds like the only problems were.. a. they were slobs on the inside.. which I am afraid I will have to see if I can replace the carpet and tires.

I have been trying to hunt down what the maintenance schedule is for this vehicle... Should I be calling it something else when I am searching on this site?

Thanks for the help everyone.

Mark

looks solid for only $4K... if she runs and shifts good and just needs some minor maintenance, I would buy it. there are no guarantees in life or cars.

Yes -- I would get it in a minute. Should be a solid car leaving you money for the occasional repair if needed. good for you!

Mark - Go to this website, sign up, then enter the vehicles VIN#. It will give you the vehicle maintenance history report from the Lexus dealer.

Peace

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...serviceHistory

Perfect. This is what I was looking for. Thank you VERY much. I am going to almost feel guilty changing the oil myself.

Don't assume that you can change the oil and plugs yourself. The rear bank spark plugs are very difficult to get to without a lift, as is the oil filter.

Thanks for the heads up... I am blessed to have a dad who collects old cars and has a two post lift in his building :).