Got a '02, and want to get a newer body style. You guys have any opinions on what year has the least problems? A 330 or 350 are both possibilities. Wish I could afford a brand new one, but will settle for one with under 30K miles.

Any help would be appreciated, especially from service mechanics.

thanks.

1111art

 

while i own a 2004, i wouldnt buy it since it was the first model year (even though it has been relatively reliable). i woud either get a 2005-2006 or a 2008.

 

We went from a 2000 RX 300 to our 05 and it has been basically bulletproof. No major issues in almost 50k miles and it hasn't been driven all that gently. We've done several 3k to 4k plus mile road trips, up and down mountian passes, cruised at 7k altitude, and the car has been flawless. You are just going to have to see what is available out there in the CPO line and what Lexus is asking for them. I suspect now is a good time to buy, especially with Lexus promoting 3.9% on certified used vehicles. The 350 is nice and has more power, and slightly better fuel mileage, so I think it's going to be up to you to find the best deal. I would also tend to avoid the 04, unless of course you find a really good price and get the CPO warranty.

 

05~07 for the 330 and of course, 08's the 350. The 04's are too old for you now anyway. I bought an 04 2+ years ago. Relatively no issues, except for the TSB's issued which I had done. The only thing that I had to repair myself was the condensation on the head lamp, missed the warranty by 2 months! And Lexus would not budge. Also because I never spend money on the dealership, I did my own maintenance and tires....saved a bundle though, to use for the accessories that I bought for the RX....everybody happy!

 

Purchased a 2007 RX350 June '06 born 3-26-06. It has been totally bullet proof also. Taken several vacation trips. Great perfomance, good mileage. No complaints. Would recommend this as a consideration, Very satisfied.
Only con is transmission likes to hunt for a gear while accelerating from an almost stop (5mph). Certainly not a big deal just for your info. Happy hunting and good luck. Most of all enjoy whatever vehicle you purchase.

 

In general the last year before a major upgrade will be the most reliable, and the first year of a new model the least reliable. In that respect 2008 or 2009 should be what you want.

 

1111art says: Thanks guys. I found a nice '04 with only 29K miles for $22,500. All the options too. Don't know if I should test drive it, as it is a first year car. Private party, so no warranty.

 

I would check CarFax and also ask for all service papers. That's mighty low mileage on an 04. Good Luck!

 

I would jump on it right away. Bought my 04 Brand new when it came out and no problems what so ever except a dead battery once which was my own fault. I am almost at 93k miles. I would say as long as you do the schedule 5k maintenance then you have nothing to worry about.

 

Go right to a '09. Much better then our '04 was.

 

sounds fishy...that is an extremely low mileage RX. they could have replaced the gauges at one point with a new system and thereby erasing the odo

 

You might get lucky. If it is 1 ower and he's got evidence, go for it! Good luck!

 

I've also found that you can take the vin # to your Lexus dealer and they can tell you anything that a Lexus dealer has done to it.

 

Sounds like a fair deal, can u do a carfax on it?

 

this is also available online for lexus owners at the lexus website