1990SR5PU

Lurker for a while now, once the idea of having a RX300 as a DD entered my mind.

Likely going to look soon at what seems to be a clean 2003 FWD with 60,000 miles. Would like to have it for six years, use as DD with maybe 8k a year going on it (don't drive a lot). Is this reasonable? Let's just assume maintenance is spot on and done correctly. Or, will I just be spending my time chasing one little annoyance after another?

I've got a handle on checking out the vehicle; let's say it is in clean shape, no mechanical issues, all service to to date, generally in very clean shape, 60k miles...target price?

Thanks
Douglas

salimshah

Milage is low, but condition of rubber/belts/seals [things that decay with age] would be the only concern. I think you will change out all the fluids.

Just ease into it instead of shocking the machine would be the way to go.

Check the date stamp on tires too.

Salim

JAB

I paid $7,990 3 months ago for a 2003 AWD RX300 with 93K; one-owner, clean car-fax, dealer serviced, spotless, recent timing belt.

jimbug

If you could get it between $6k to $8k that's where I see low mileage RX300s in my area. Anything below $6k would be a great deal barring any issues or concerns with the vehicle. You could double the mileage at little to no cost besides gas in my experience. My used 2002 RX300 drove three years w/o an issue and then it was an O2 sensor which start going out past 120,000 miles it seems. I drove ~ 60,000 miles in those three years.

1990SR5PU

Assuming good maintenance history and good habits going forward, reasonable to expect another 50,000 miles over five years?

Douglas

maxSteel

I have over 270,000 miles on my 1990 RX300 AWD and use it as my daily driver.
Original engine and transmission.
It still starts and runs well. I tow a motorcycle trailer occasionally.
Body and interior are great, except for some tearing at left side driver seat bolster.

It has some issues: ABS is out, "system too lean, bank 1", slow leaking coolant at the water seal plate, some oil loss/consumption.

I think it's a very well made vehicle that could last quite a while longer.

1990SR5PU

Ok, looking hard at the 2002 RX300. Trying to determine fair price, sold thru a large dealer.
LexusOwners tells me one owner, maintained exclusively at lexus of austin.
19 oil changes
3 transmission drains/refills
3 cooling system drains/refills
3 brake flushes
1 power steering flush
new drive belts, water pump and front seals
2 or 3 batteries

Seems to be very well maintained, appears new perfect cosmetically, very little wear.

Target sales price?

jonas's RX

How many miles? Has the car ever been in an accident?
any paint work on the car ?

1990SR5PU

60k miles, no accidents, no body work

jonas's RX

I paid $12,000 a year ago for an 01 with 38K
1 owner with all T/B, W/P , transmission service and
battery replaced from a Lexus dealer

How much is the dealer asking ?

1990SR5PU

They sold it today, were asking 9700.

jonas's RX

Yea if you want a clean low mileage 300, you have to act quickly.
I bought my RX from a Out of state Lexus dealer and
while I was negioating with the Dealer,3 other parties
were enquiring about my RX

At a price range from $10K-12K , these RX sell within
hours of the trade in

fastnoypi

Great price for the low milage and condition description you gave. These cars sell fast due to the long reliability reputation.

1990SR5PU

Ok, found another one. Need to know how hard is it to remove the rear spoiler - it's a bit chipped and seems to be the only cosmetic blemish on the vehicle. Once removed, will it look ok in terms of paint matching?

thanks
douglas

fastnoypi

The paint will match if you buff. Are you planning permanent removal of the spoiler or just to fix and repaint? It is held on by two nuts, a few plastic clips and double sided tape. A heat gun would help loosen the tape as you pry up the spoiler. I would suggest sliding high test fishing line between the spoiler to help separate the double sided tape and use plastic trim removal levers to avoid scratching the paint. Good luck on the purchase.