kurbs62

Looked at the search and could not find this exact issue. I was test driving a 2003 RX300. The thing is gorgeous inside and out. The only thing that bothered me mechanical wise is 1st gear. When coming from a stop or under 20 MPH the trans has a light vibration / buzzing up to about 20-23 MPH. Fully heated up. Consistent. It has 57K on it. I am looking at it for my daughter as kid carrying soccer SUV.

The price was right, got them to drop it to 5200.00. Maint. history was excellent up to 138K. It was serviced for 15 years very well, last trans fluid, etc. flushes done at 67K. All other scheduled maint done.

But the trans issue bugs me a bit. Its an older higher mileage car. The trans vibration is there whether you start off slow or jump on it. Downshifts seem smooth enough and the rest of the gears feel like a Lexus should. I need to have them give me the keys when its stone cold and see how it shifts. But the 1st gear thing bugs me. Never felt that on any other Lexus I had.

As a side, tested a 2004 RX330. I liked the layout and dash better on the 330. And am looking at other ones soon.

Are those any better reliability wise than the 300 models? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

kurbs62

Well, after trying ( 4 300 and 2 330's ) its hard to believe they were all not so solid. 2 were from dealers, 4 private sellers. All had solid history of maintenance from Lexus. 4 had some type of trans issues, mileage ranged from 97k to 157K. Average was about 120k across the board.

4 had transmission shudder or slipping, 1 was fine until you selected reverse. 1 had coolant issues somewhere, no leaks but smelled everywhere inside the truck, and had no heat. ALL of them had some plastic broken or hanging somewhere, or small doors stuck closed. All in the ranges of 2003-2005. The 300's were not as easy to turn around city streets as the 330's were.

Striking the RX off the list for my kid. Unless I can find one with a recently Lexus rebuilt transmission and solid cooling system I don't want to chance it. I had had 3 Lexus cars from 1995 on and never had issues like these ones seem to. Bummer, they are nice looking cars, my daughter really likes the looks and finish of them.

salimshah

Sorry you were unable to find a suitable RX.

My 2c .... when you are looking for a vehicle with 90+k miles on it, you will have a hard time finding one good condition. 30-60K miles is the range you will get plenty good condition vehicles. Mine with 250k miles was way superior than what I saw at used lots with 110K+ miles.

I attribute to owners not taking care of the vehicles.

Salim