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Hi everyone!

New member here, just beginning my search for a rx330.

Backstory: Wife has a 2000 rx300 for the last 13 years, loves it. It's been largely problem free. Unfortunately last weekend she slid into a post in a parking lot (MN, glare ice), just hard enough to pop the airbags and lock the seat-belts, and in spite of what looks like a only small scratch on the bumper the repairs dictate that insurance considers it "totaled."

Sooo... the idea is to take the insurance $ and some savings and buy a rx330 in cash to avoid a monthly payment, something in the $10-12,000 range.

My question is, do we lean toward newer with higher miles or older with fewer miles? Are there significant differences between 2004 and 2006 models? We see a really nice clean 2006 with 190,000 miles for under $9,000, and some 2004's around 110,000 miles for $11,500. We were already telling ourselves just a couple more years and once our student loans are done we'll get into something much newer with payments, so we're really only looking at keeping it 3-4 years.

Suggestions? Thanks!

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

I don't think 2004 has the rollover sensor for the curtain airbags, if that is important to you.

Personally I would go for the lower mileage.

roadbike56

For either of these cars, you need to check to see if the timing belt has been changed, usually performed at 90K mileage. The cost for this replacement is about $1,000 and should be performed on time or close to it. Also have the steering boots checked for leakage by a competent mechanic who knows Lexus.
Keep in mind, a 2007, RX350 does not have a timing belt, it has a timing chain so that maintenance item is not an issue.
Despite how reliable the RX is, personally, I wouldn't buy a car with over 150K on the clock, but that's just me.

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Am I correct to assume this needs to be done again around 180K miles?

NickTee

That's far too high of pricing for those models. I've seen RX350s priced around $13,000 with right around 100,000-110,000 miles.

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Our search just started today, and I'm starting to see this too. My wife is only 5'0" and liked how she fit into the rx300, the thinking being the 330 would be closer in size. We were worried the 350 became a larger vehicle. For about the same money, should we be giving the 350 a harder look or were the changes significant?

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Body style and size was same "second generation" from 2004-2009. That included 330, 350, and 400h.

mic575

The RX 350 is identical in size and look to the Rx 330 up through 2009. The engine is different.

The timing belt needs to be changed every 90k on the 330. The 350 has the chain so no change needed.

Interestingly, it seems many RX 350's need the water pump replaced sometime as well and this is not an uncommon wear item for many types of cars. Changing the water pump in the RX 350 is an involved repair similar and it seems equal in cost to doing the timing belt (and water pump) in the 330,

I personally have wondered if that issue makes the two equal in that regard. Of course not all RX 350's have a leaky water pump but it does happen.

I am debating between a 06 330 and a early 350 as well. Probably no real downside to either.

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Getting a good education today. My wife drove a 2010 rx350 last year and thought it was too big, and we just assumed the change was for all rx350s and restricted ourselves to 330s. Leaning toward making a big down payment and financing the remainder to get to $14-17k.

And so now the 2009 rx350 is in play.

NickTee

New engine (with a timing chain, which means you don't have to worry about timing belt changes), different gearing, additional sound deadening material, and the 5th generation nav system.

takeshi74

Popping the airbags can lead to a vehicle being totaled. A 2000 even in excellent condition doesn't begin with all that much book value to begin with, unfortunately.

With any vehicle miles are just miles and don't tell you all that much. It's the specific condition of a given vehicle that matters. Two vehicles both with X miles can be in vastly different condition. That said, I generally aim for lowest miles possible but it's usually just a starting point and not a primary consideration in the end unless it impacts a warranty when applicable.

FYI the forum name includes the model years in the generation.
The Wikipedia (granted it can be dubious resource at times) page has additional details on what changed from generation to generation and year to year.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_RX

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I thought that meant the rx330 went through 2009 when I saw that.

kitlz

It's probably not a dealbreaker but Lexus didn't introduce bluetooth until '05 even though second gen started with '04 in the US. I loved my 330 nonetheless. Good luck in your search and sorry to hear about the 300.

roadbike56

Yes, there's an excellent chance the 06 you're looking at, with 190 on the clock, needs a new timing chain. At that mileage, folks are reluctant to pop for a $1K repair.
BTW, I think you are very smart to come here to learn about the model. Good place to pick up tips. For what it's worth, we brought our prospective purchase to a Lexus dealer for an inspection. The cost is not cheap, about $200 maybe more now. BUT they gave the car a clean bill of health so we bought it. While I was there, another prospective buyer got his report and it was not good. I overheard the laundry list of repairs the car needed. Something to consider, especially with a car over 100K miles. That said, I'd buy another RX 2nd gen in a minute if my son takes our Highlander when he returns to the States.

jor8888

bought my rx330 62k mile for 12000 from a leasing dealer. Always some good deal out there just not for popular color.