Hello All!

I'm looking to get a second gen RX. Are there models I should stay away from? Has there been a particular year that has been pretty reliable?

I'm looking to spend between $15-20k.

Thanks for any help!

 

That's a loaded question. Lol. Every model year has issues and seems to be magnified with every forum be it Maserati, Jaguar, Mercedes etc. However, with research you can find ways to be proactive and mitigate them.
I have a 2009 and can only speak from this perspective. The "Majors" are the oil pump lines that were made of rubber and needed to be replaced with the all metal ones. $90 out of pocket.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-pictures.html
The Vvt-i lines also. (But in my case my family/mechanic friend of over a decade said they looked new so no replacement needed)
Rack & pinion is another major and seems to be an issue for every year. Lucky for me this was replaced free of charge.
Other than that, every car manufacture has issues and one only needs to come into it knowing you will not get a 100% trouble free model.( Although I'm one lucky guy. My 2006 Toyota Sienna made it 329k without a single light bulb going out. Tranny needed to be replaced @330k. So it's possible to find them)

Anyway good luck and don't let the search function scare you off. These are really good SUV's.

 

Thanks for the info. This is the kind of thing I'm looking for. I just want enough information so when I do buy one, i know what to look for.

 

Please note the 2009 though second generation had a different engine (3.5l) earlier versions had 3.3l. I am not sure when the cut in to the 3.5l engine was done whether it was 2007 or later. That price range gives you a great selection for newer vehicle with many upgrades. The second gen started with the RX330 and went thru to a RX350 with sec gen body. In 2010 the third gen started which came with the 3.5l engine. In that price range many have even bought the RX400h which has the 3.3l engine. The 3.5 I believe has the advantage of no timing belt. hopefully somebody else supports this for me.

 

I have a 2005 RX330 made in japan (no sunroof). 152,000 miles. Purchased new. Other than premature front brake wear at 42,000 miles (warped discs), general wear and tear (brakes, tires, batteries, wipers, bulbs), changing spark plugs (at 140,000 miles, could have carried on a while longer), 2-3 recalls, and the proverbial timing belt/water pump, nothing has broken down. No engine codes, not consuming any oil. At this point, suspension needs an overhaul due to wear and tear (I'd classify my usage as heavy duty) - nothing replaced to date. Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned - probably helped that I don't have a sunroof, electric tailgate, nav or air suspension. I cannot tell you if the Canadian made 330 or the 350 are as reliable (its fair to say, they couldn't possibly be more reliable).

In my opinion, the key to a successful purchase is low mileage, not the year. As well, you'll want to inspect the suspension thoroughly. Not only to get a sense of the vehicle's travels but also to give you an idea of future maintenance. Hope this helps.

 

With a price range of $15 - 20k you should be able to buy a nice second generation RX350. (2007 - 2009). As posted above it has the more powerful 3.5L engine and uses a timing chain.

 

We just purchased our 09 RX 350. Looking at your price range, I'd say your going to find out that you can get some cars well under 100K on the clock at the $20K but at $15K it's going be hard to find a low mileage beauty. IMHO, I'd spend your max and look for a clean carfax, lower mileage car. I can tell from my wife's reaction, we're going to hang onto ours for a while.