mark0623

Hi all,
I am considering buying a 1999 Lexus RX300 with 160,000 miles on it, but is in good condition. It is selling for 3,000 and the transmission has recently been replaced. My reliable 2000 Ford Taurus finally has given out and I am in need of something with equal reliability. 4 wheel drive is a must as I live in a place where the winters can be brutal, I learned that lesson with the Ford Taurus. I am about to head to law school, so I don't want to spend over 5,000. I need this car to last me about four or five years, but I would be very happy if it lasted longer. Is this a good deal? Any input is welcome, as I have always been a huge fan of Lexus but have not had experience with one.

Thank you!

salimshah

Welcome to Club Lexus.

Once you are in used market, a lot depends upon how the vehicle was taken care of/maintained.

Get the history.

The weakest point is the transmission. See if the replacement warranty will be honored/transferred.

Last of all, Lexus RX does not break down frequently, but it can be expensive to repair, specially if you have to go to the dealership.

Salim

mark0623

Salim,
Thank you so much for your input, I will get the information on the transmission. If the seller allows, I will also take it to a mechanic before purchasing, and if he doesn't I probably won't take the risk of buying.

Thanks again,
Lauren

mark0623

The seller said the transmission was replaced in 2015 at 135,000 miles, the car is currently at 160,000. Does this lower my risk at all? (the transmission is no longer under warranty however, but seller has receipt)

trhs75

Welcome, Mark!

I'm no expert, but for that kind of money I would buy it in a minute for reliability. Good luck!

Puttster

Does it have a recent inspection sticker? I(f not, get a OBD and see it there are any sensors failing but not showing up because the Check Engine Light was reset. Still, that might not be a deal-killer. This board will be a great help fixing those kinds of things for $100 instead of $400+ at a mechanic's.

mark0623

I am test driving on Sunday so I will ask about inspection sticker! Thank you for all the advice, I've already found so many helpful things on here. It seems like a good deal if everything checks out, hoping to get a good four years out of this car! I logged VIN number on Lexus app and the car has been serviced every year at a Lexus dealership since 2000. Seems promising.

Thank you all!

Lauren

Lexmus

Lauren,

Some RX300s, like mine, are oil burners due to the rear valve cover baffles becoming clogged. Ways to check if yours might have the issue: 1) Ask the owner if he/she adds oil between changes and if so, how much. 2) They may not be honest, so look at the end of the tail pipe and see if if is darker than expected. 3) Also look at the PCV valve and see if there is major oil residue around it on the valve cover. This is not to say don't buy the RX, but if you do, you need to monitor your oil level carefully at the beginning, especially if you are doing lots of high speed (interstate) driving. It can get really bad, like 1 qt every 300 miles or even worse, depending how fast you drive.

Video showing a severely clogged baffle on the rear valve cover. Same engine as in the RX300, but from a Toyota Avalon

Lexmus

I recently installed an oil catch can and conclusively proved to myself that my oil burning is from the PCV valve, so I am going to replace the old valve cover with the RX330 version like I have been meaning to do for over a year. I have the parts, just have to set aside a weekend to do it.

SVRX300

I have had total nine cars/SUVs, five of them are bought new including 2000 RX300. My RX is the only one with transmission failure. After the refurbished transmission was put in, I believe it will last me a good few years. Besides the transmission failure, all four door locks took turns to fail, and I fixed three of them relatively easily with no cost. The AC airflow servo module made a quite loud noise; fixed with no cost. Antenna stopped retracting; fixed it myself and cost is like $20.

Maybe it just happened to me that my RX300 is the least reliable car compared to my other cars, but is most comfortable to drive.

mark0623

SVRX300,
Okay, I will keep that in mind, still need to ask the seller if a new transmission was put in or a refurbished one. I am hoping if other smaller problems arise, like the ones you mentioned, I will be able to fix them myself or at a relatively low cost. This car is pretty inexpensive so that leaves me some money for repairs if needed. Thank you!!

Lauren

mark0623

Lexmus,
I will ask seller about oil, and check tail pipe. I am not planning on doing a ton of interstate driving, just the short trip from my apartment to school, but thats a good thing to know so I can watch for it.

Thank you!
Lauren

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

If the oil was changed every 5000 miles you shouldn't have any problem with sludge buildup.

fastnoypi

there are too many variables especially with the 1st version rear valve cover. Short daily drives and cold weather locations can contribute to sludge buildup regardless of a 5k OCI. Good thing, the fix is relatively cheap and can be done with minimal tools for the DIY'r and should be a relatively inexpensive job for a garage to swap to the 3rd revision valve cover (aka rx330 style)

JosephP

Hi Svrx300

I just bought a RX300 for my daughter and I have the door lock issue, I don't know where to look. I posted on my 1st post and waiting for a reply, but unfortunately I don't get any help yet. The lock, unlock, panic not respond when buttons pressed. The rear passenger door can not lock manually, unlock the passenger by the key, alarm goes off. but the driver door ok. Since you have lot of experience on this car. I hope you can help me where to look. I have electrical and some mechanical back ground

Thanks in advance
Joseph