Son-in-law totaled my wife's RX 300, so I found a 2005 RX 330 with 61,000 miles; perfect except for a lot of moisture inside both headlights. I know they cost $1300 each; that's one reason the 300 was a total loss. Can that moisture be indicative of a bigger problem? Any insight on this would be helpful.
(I do plan to get Carfax before making offer.)

 

Moisture is a common issue with 04~05 cars. In 06 they issued a TSB to correct it.

05 means out of warranty. You will have to deal with it.

I have posted a DIY on how to repair this issue. I think if you read through it and all subsequent comments, it could be as simple sealing of the top and you are done.

I ended up tearing the headlamp apart, means the bumper has to come off. At the end of the day, the leak was just on top and that's where I used the silicone seal. Knock on wood, it has not re-appeared.

Good luck.

 

Thanks! I didn't realize you had an Rx too. I've seen your posts in the SC forum. One of my issues with this car is that it's the same color as my 2003 SC! My wife likes a white 2005 RX with more miles (and costs less); we may get it instead of the silver one.

 

Do you have a good relationship with your local dealer? See if they will goodwill them. Or call 1-800-25-LEXUS. Maybe they can help some. It's worth a shot. The biggest thing is if they are HID and water has gotten in the computers.

 

We had this happen too when my wife bought hers. on the day of pick up we noticed one of the headlights had moisture inside and the car was just washed so i kinda thought there was a leak. Dealer said he'd look at it and sure enough they ordered us a new one because of warranty or recall.

 

Within the warranty, no problem, they will replace them. Keep in mind not all dealers are equal. They play the "it's normal" game. Or no TSB exists. There is a TSB. The 04's and 05's got hit hard.

 

The bad thing is that the seal will break loose on the 4th year, close to warranty expiration. Just like what happened to me. I was out 1.5 months. Plenty on the mileage but out of calendar warranty. Went through the whole Lexus HQ, opened up a case bit, did not win.

Luckily found the solution.

 

You indicated that you are considering the purchase of this vehicle. I would insist that the seller have the headlights replaced. If they would not do that, I would not buy. It would be a good thing to buy a CPO Lexus from a dealership, that way you have warranty coverage.

 

Thanks for all the comments. This decision is still pending, mostly on what the Carfax says.

 

In addition to Carfax you might want to check the maintenance and service record at Lexus. You would need to VIN number of the car and register at the website. It will list all warranty work, TSB or any other maintenance done by Lexus to this vehicle. (Link below):

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/

 

You have to check the Lexus service history. Will give you peace of mind.

 

It turned out the dealer had a 2007 RX 350 with same mileage and no headlamp issue, for about the same $$, so I went up two models! To be honest, other than the slightly larger engine, there's not a lot of difference in the two model years. It is nicer to have a car 20 months newer, and in Bamboo Pearl. I was getting a little freaked out at the possibility of having 2 Millenium Silver Metallic Lexuses in the same garage.

Thanks for all your comments. I guess you'll have to find me on the SC 430 or RX 350 forums now.

 

Good for you, post a pic or 2.

 

i believe this is also a RX 350 forum. lol fyi the RX hasn't changed much unless you upgrade from a gas guzzling to a hydrid RX.

 

There is a 3rd Gen RX forum.