Sugar3d

Hey

I have been looking at leasing the 2008 RX 350 (I love it). But I think it is a bit too expensive.

So I have started looking at used RXs. So I have a few questions that I hope some of you can answer for me.

1. What are the main differences between the 2006 RX330 and the 2008 RX350?
2. Is there a site that I can go to that will list the RX features/changes over the last few years (2004 to 2008)

Thanks in advance.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

the biggest change is more power in the 350. plus the 350 has the updated navigation, can play mp3 cds, plus i think some new exterior colors......anyone else want to add more.

jednav

I've always adviced against buy pre-owned vehicles, unless they have complete records and have been PPI. Nonetheless, you may also be buying someone's problem.

The most expensive cars and those bought cheaply.

Just my opinion.

salimshah

Car buying is not a simple issue any more. There are different angles to consider.

If you plan to keep the vehicle for 10yrs 150K miles plus, I would say buy a new one.

If you cycle your vehicles and want to drive the newest one, every 2 to 3 years lease may be better option (tax implication may make it even better)

If you look at financial angle only, buy a 2 yr old vehicle (with warranty and maybe extended warranty).


Minor nits may be there in new vehciles as well (the expectations go way up).

The part I totally agree in the last post is about maintenance. You can increase your odds of favorable experience if the maintenance has been done on regular basis. Abuse is hard to confirm.

Salim
[7,6,5,4,3]

Husker4the

If you are looking from a financial standpoint buying used almost always makes more sense.

As far as the difference b/t the two you are talking about ... I would imagine the transmission is smoother in the RX 350 ... the RX 330 was known for having a little bit of a rough tranny as far as shifting goes. If I were you I would probably buy the used '06 as long as the most recent Nav graphics and the like isn't a big deal to you. Both will feel a little outdated after the new RX goes on sale for the '09 model year in about 1 years time. If it were me I'd just go with the used '06 as I felt the power in the RX 330 was just fine.

notme

I own a used RX330, purchased at Carmax. I really didn't need a new car, but wanted an Rx for lugging my two little Cavaliers in crates in the back. I purchased an 04 with 49,000 miles with Navigation, heated seats and ML stereo system. The car cost me $26,500.00 (a good deal in my opinion). I purchased the extended warranty so the car is under warranty until 100,000 miles. I drove a 07 Rx350 for two weeks while my bumper was painted (bumped two weeks after I purchased my car by the son of the Lexus service manager). The Rx350 does have a bit smoother tranny and it does have a bit more power. However, I would not trade that for $15,000.00. Financially, I will probably do much better than purchasing a new one. Cars are a losing battle financially.

Personally, I would go used so long as you are certain that you buy it from a trusted source. I liked the 350, but will decide when the warranty is up in about three years what to do. For now, I will enjoy my 04.

Sugar3d

I am not too worried about the potential problems with a pre-owned RX I have done a fair amount of research and I feel pretty comfortable that the RX is a reliable car.

I also think that what I save by going used will more than make up for any surprise repair bills. Of course I could be wrong.

Anyway I have driven a Volvo S70 for the past 4 years, so I am pretty immune to the specter of surprise repairs (volvo parts are very expensive, every time I took my car in, my mechanic would tell me to get a BMW or Lexus for cheaper parts).

Anyway after some searching I found this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_RX330

Not as detailed as I wanted it but it helps.

Also a tidbit. The lexus dealer that we have been dealing with said that the RX model would not be changing until the 2010 model year, is she just wrong?

Anyway, I will not be getting it until March of 08 (finally got my wife to agree to a date) so by then my preferences my change.

Husker4the

The belief as of now is that the '09 model with be a complete re-design and be hitting showrooms sometime around Spring of 2008. Lexus brought out the slightly refreshed '08 model in April and the thought is a lot of the reason is so they'd have a full year of selling '08s before the '09s hit.

The '09s sound like they'll be a little more aggressive looking and stretched a slight bit to accomodate a 3rd seat. There are some artists renderings on edmunds.com's INSIDE LINE.

losfeliz

A used deal can be a good one...

I am considering selling my 2006 RX330 with 16K miles and it's in show room condition.

My advice is to look for the NEWEST, LOADED unit with the LOWEST MILES and make the LOW bid that you can live with.