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Found another possible option to buy for an RX300. This guy has it listed for $2,200 and it's a 2002. The front end is a little rough with some Rust and bubbling which I've never seen before (see pic) he says that the interior is perfect but he doesn't have pictures of it.
says it "has an oxygen sensor issue but runs fine without it"?
Says he has never had any problems with the transmission and it's an original transmission. Do some of these 2002s actually go for 350,000 miles without transmission problems? Or will it just happen eventually? He can't give me a straight answer on how often the transmission fluid was drained and refilled or if it ever was. "It's in good condition. It's taken care of." It's all he says to my questions. he's owned it for a year and says that he just needs to sell it for a downpayment on a truck.
The vehicle is over an hour and a half away. I was thinking about offering him $1,800 cash but if he is firm at $2,200 is it a safe bet?
Okay so he'll take $1,800 but I'm wondering if it's worth the hour drive to even look at it. He says he's owned it for a year, and bought it for $3,750 but doesn't know much else about it.
If I do look at it what should I watch for?
Sigh.
I love the 1st Gen RX. But right now it's looking like a 2001 RX with 165k (a newer tranny with 55k) in excellent shape but needs new tires, for $3500
Or
2002 RX with 180k original tranny with some rust bubbling and a few scuffs but new tires for $1,800.
$2200 looks good though I would check the A/C and get an OBD done. 180K is about the miles when you replace the coils, plugs, the front O2 sensor, timing belt, control arms, sway bar links, shocks, mode and fan speed modules... this will cost $700-$900 in parts (or less, it it's been done already)... but then, you won't have to buy tires.
$2200 looks good though I would check the A/C and get an OBD done. 180K is about the miles when you replace the coils, plugs, the front O2 sensor, timing belt, control arms, sway bar links, shocks, mode and fan speed modules... this will cost $700-$900 in parts (or less, it it's been done already)... but then, you won't have to buy tires.
$700-$900??? I need to know where you've been shopping!!!!
" he says" is not a good thing to rely on. He says as he wants to rid of something that is not working out for him and he's a bit desperate as he lowers price in a snap. This points towards a problem car that he knows of and is passing it onto new buyer. Also, you did not say how many miles.... Should be around 200 000 miles.... gods, I get it, it's Lexus yet.... I'd pass.
Well I had to haggle with him quite a bit and he was very hesitant to go below $2k. I'm gonna go see it tomorrow as he's meeting me half way so it's only a 40 minute drive for me. I'll be checking for burnt/dark/smelly transmission fluid and sludge in the oil reservoir. Anything else I should check for? I'm bringing my OBDII scanner as well to see what that mysterious "check engine light" is that he mentioned. VIN checks out clean. Took awhile for him to give out the VIN but I assume he's just a busy man or sort of lamebrained. Doesn't seem like the sharpest tool in the shed.
Either way it's half the price of the other Lexus. Worst case scenario if I do buy it and it blows, I'm out $1800 which is an expensive but not devastating lesson. Best case scenario I drain and fill the tranny every 20k and keep up on maintenance and I got a good vehicle for another 120k for pocket change in comparison.
I guess we'll see how tomorrow plays out.
Here's why this appeals to me : Ever since I got my last vehicle loan paid off 5 years ago, I've kinda been done with vehicles that cost more than a few grand because I've been buying used vehicles for next to nothing and running them until they couldn't go any longer. Got a 95 Honda Accord (220k) for $300, drove it for 50k, replaced the radiator and alternator myself, and sold it for $650. Then I bought my '02 Solara (daily driver) for $600 (guy came down from $1200) at 203k and it has been nothing but reliable except for a little burnt oil here and there and an alternator/alternator belt. Currently at 225k, but I need some AWD coming up this winter. I guess I'm just hoping for the same type of situation with this Lexus. Fingers crossed. I'll keep you guys updated.
I wouldn't touch this if I were you. If you look at the outline I made, I'm pretty sure you can see that the hood and headlight housing aren't perfectly aligned, in theory means that this car has had some fair share of issues.
I agree with everyone else who said to walk away from the car. From the car's condition, it looks like the owner probably neglected the car while under his care. You're better off buying another car.
If you're in California, I have a RX300 for sale. PM me and I'll give you all the details.
I can't comment on the 2002 RX. My 2000 RX has originally tranny with about 235K miles on it, never had an issue. There was an oil sludge problem with the engine that prompted a lawsuit which was settled around 2007.
I'd consider a different one based on what described. Wish I could sell you mine(similar color) but need to keep it for my kid that will be driving soon.
Good luck on your hunt!
10-20-18, 06:32 AM
2002 RX300 purchase
