Hi guys and gals, I'm already a Lexus fanboy so no need to convince me there. I am however considering a RX330 for my daughters first car and was hoping somebody may help me decide if that's a good move. Are there any things I should look for, or certain years to stay away from?

 

All RX330's are great they have few weaknesses, transmission will die eventually if not serviced. Of course you know this engine has a timing belt so make sure it has been replaced, due every 100,000 miles. Biggest enemy is rust.

 

Nothing intrinsicly bad about them they are robust, At the mileage and age though there wil be suspension bits to address as the rubber degrades/wears and gas mileage sucks. It looks like you might be in Michigan? If so do not buy any car from that area buy one from the west coast as rust is a huge problem as Lex mentioned above.

 

If your in a cold climate can I please suggest you have someone put the car on a lift and inspect for excessive rust.

I'd go as rust free as possible on our old aging cars.

 

I am original owner of 2004 RX330 with 103,400 miles on it. Only problems are cassette player and cd player no longer work. A crack in the dash board recently started. Other than these problems the car runs great, no rust. For the last 20 years I have spent 3 months each winter in Sarasota so the car was not exposed to snow and salt very much in Ohio.

 

Original owner, purchased our 2004 RX330 in November 2003. As of this week, it has logged almost 315,000 miles. Probably need to look at:
-Valve cover gaskets (seeping a bit)
-Steering rack leaking (pricey)
-If built in Canada, radiator leaking
-(in my opinion) The brakes are undersized, look to see if the front end shakes a bit at higher speeds

Pretty common stuff, but good to look over. The RX is a solid vehicle that will last a very long time if maintained.

 

Good solid car for all years, a direct sister to the 2004-2007 Highlander with the 3.3 3MZ-FE engine. If it burns oil or needs VC gaskets, I'd consider doing the 06-09 revised rear valve cover which solves the sludge buildup and oil burning issues from a clogged PCV port. Make sure timing belt and water pump were done, if there is no record of it, I would factor that into the cost of the car because the 3MZ-FE is an interference engine so it may be damaged from a belt failing. Check oil cap for sludge, check all fluids (has a trans fluid dipstick too).

I would make sure the diff and transfer case aren't leaking, the diff is not a big deal - but the transfer case requires pulling the tranny to reseal. Like Cdnewton mentioned rack is common to go out on these at their age, sometimes the CV axle boots too. Also would check for rear main seal as well as crank and cam seals (If these are leaking and owner claimed t-belt was changed, they may be lying).

 

Also the radiator likely needs a good look at... check out both side ends as well as the bottom if you see any pink or anything that looks like silly string it needs replacing (use only Koyorad or OEM) labor is pretty easy and quick.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm a big believer in preventive maintenance. I have an open checkbook for my 03 LS430, biggest issue is blowing the dust of my checkbook since nothing ever breaks!

 

 

1977 mg-b, 41k= very nice !!!