Hi everyone! This is my first post on this forum, I literally just signed up. I come to this forum today to see the thoughts of the members on purchasing a 2003 RX300. I am quite jaded currently due to buying a used e46 BMW and it has been nothing but a nightmare. I luckily just sold it and it's time to go back to what has treated me well over the years, and that is Toyota/Lexus. I however no zilch about Lexus. A few days ago I found a one owner 2003 RX with 96,000 miles. They gave me every single service record they had performed at their local Lexus dealer. The car has been superbly maintained. The downfall is the CEL is on (o2 sensor) and the tires are shot. I can tell for sure it needs an alignment. The good news is over the last few days I have gotten the owner down from $7999 to $6700. What does everyone think of the car and the price I got them down to? With the car being treated so well can I get a lot of miles out of this good looking girl? What really has me torn is the 2004 (gen 2) has just a little bit sexier of a look than then the gen 1. Also the motor is a tad bigger. Also, gen 2 seems to come with more bells and whistles like navigation and controls on the steering wheel. Is there anything about the gen 2 that would steer me more towards this 2003 gen 1?

Sorry everyone, I am rambling and will stop. I am really looking forward to hearing feedback from everyone. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Here is the car I am looking at...

https://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/6387051921.html

 

I'm biased, but I vote for the gen 1. I think the meticulous maintenance is a real plus. Gas mileage isn't the best, but you're past the year(s?) with the transmission issues.

 

I did see the mileage is eh, but my 03 Rav4 wins no awards for mileage, that's for sure. The meticulous maintenance is a massive perk, but the gen 2 is a little bit sexier.

 

My biggest qualm with the car is they have 2 different tires on the car. The driver side tires are nice and meaty, however passenger tires are significantly more worn. That tells me she needs aligned. I was also under the impression in an awd car, all tires should be equal. That is a big reason I got the seller down from $7999 to $6700. What's everyone think of $6700?

 

There could be more than an alignment. If seller says OK, have it inspected by your mechanic. After all it is ~15 yo vehicle.

 

Well they had an inspection done at Lexus this past week and the report said the suspension was OK. Control arm bushings checked out and nothing alarming was noted. Is it true its bad for the awd to drive with different tread depth tires?

 

If you have car that eats tires on one side, that car has structural damage. I figure you already set on buying it but, at least, run a paint thickness meter on it. Last thing I'd trust is "dealer checked".
What you can also do is take car to any decent body shop. They just look at car and know what was fixed or replaced.

Btw, see that 2mm on the display? Normally, car paint is around 0.5.Especially on Japanese. Mercedes is known to cross over 1mm, around 1.2, as they do very thick coating.

I'd have been very very suspicious of that car.

I know you don't speak Russian but, at least, watch though the video.


It's very insightful.
That car was bought from official dealer as brand new. Pay attention how he checks out car. You may learn something. He is one of the best "pre-selectors" - pros that select a car for a buyer by scoping it for hidden damages.

 

Are you insane this car will cost you the earth. That all said i love my car and even though I am on 3rd transmission i still love my car. Added cooler these days but have replaced everything few times over and will still keep it every car i own is a money pit so who cares anymore.