Hi Guys,

I'm hoping someone might be able to offer some sound advice on a purchase of a 2005 loaded rx330. It has Premium plus, NAV, Rear DVD, Mark Lev, it basically has everything EXCEPT Multipanel sun roof and performance package. It's in show room condition. It has 23,000 miles. The price is $33,000 from a private owner and there will be no sales tax in my state. I checked the VIN there are no accidents just a person trying to sell because they need a truck to pull a boat and this will not do it obviously. What are your thoughts on the price. Thanks

 

First, is it AWD or FWD?

Second check kbb.com or edmunds.com to get a private owner price. Good luck.

 

If it's an AWD, then I think it's an ok price. I would offer them 30 and settle on 31 or so.

 

That sounds pretty good to me. I paid about that for an '04 with more miles on it.

Be sure it's AWD. If it's a Georgia car, be sure to check because a lot of the Front WD cars are sold in the south and west where there is no snow. (In the NE, almost all are AWD.) And if you are buying from an owner, be sure to see some documentation, like the original window sticker, on the AWD because there is no markings on or in the car itself. If you aren't sure, look under the back end to see if there's a drive shaft there. AWD adds $1,500 or $2,000 to the price of the car (as does that RSES -- I hope you have some use for that).

Performance packages are very rare, and the multipanel roof is one in a million.

Subtract $500 if it's an ugly color.

 

The VIN will also indicate if it's FWD or AWD.
On RX 300 and 330, the 4th digit of the VIN is "G" for FWD or "H" for AWD.

Price sounds good to me, too, for an AWD.

 

That's good to know about the VIN code. It corresponds with my VIN.

The 4th spot in the VIN for my SC430 is "F" -- does that indicate rear wheel drive?

Also, I am pretty sure that if the first letter is J, then the car was built in Japan; if not, then it is a Canada car.

 

Thanks for all the information. The car is FWD does that make a difference since I am in GA? Also, What is RSES?? Thanks

 

Rear Seat Entertainment System

 

The "F" indicates 2-door convertible 2WD.
And yes, Japan-made units start with "J", and Canada starts with "2".

 

The FWD is important to know because it's a major price factor and a major performance factor.

In the south, many RXs are FWD because of the conspicuous lack of snow. If that's all you want AWD for, then you can get by with FWD pretty well, as it's not all that bad in the snow anyway, should you findyourself there.

The FWD models weigh several hundred pounds less and get better gas mileage and cost less, so you have that going for you, but when comparing prices of used RXs, be sure to allow for the cost differential between the two, which I recall is about $1,500.00.

I think that's one reason why the initial reactions to your first post were pretty favorable, since most RXs, I think, are AWD.

 

Max out at $28K.... Front wheel drive. No maintenance documentation. Original Parts
There are many things that can go wrong, and from a private party, there is no warranty...
Strictly as is.... without the 30K service, for an auto that may be running all the original fluids, filters, tires and brakes.

This individual got a deal when it was purchased and again expects a deal when flipping it with little or no maintenance.
Be sure to check for water damage...

 

I got mine for the same price but mine is CPO about 10k more miles. Take the car to a Lexus dealer and have it inspected by their Technician using the CPO checklist. It should help you in your decision. Most dealership will do it. I remember seeing a post of someone paying about $150.00 for the inspection. Good Luck!!