Hello folks, I'm new here! And truth be told, I don't own a Lexus......yet....

I'm interested in some general thoughts on reliability/durability with the 2nd Gen RX350. What should I be looking out for as a potential buyer? Any common problems or design flaws? Given my budget, I'm probably looking at vehicles with mileage in the 100k-150k range.

Thanks!

 

The cars are pretty reliable over all. The 350 model (2007 - 2009) have 3 factory goof-ups that hopefully have been taken care of. They were covered by a 10 year extended warranty and not a recall, so the 2007 is expired and most 2008s are expired.

1 - the power steering rack leaks oil. 2 - The main oil line referred to as the oil cooler is a rubber hose that will leak and actually burst. Replaced with a metal line. 3 - Another, smaller rubber oil line to the camshaft advance mechanism, called the VVTi, will leak.

The steering rack is the most expensive one to have to pay for, over $1000. The oil cooler line can be bought for $50 and replaced by a DIY person relatively easy. The VVTi line is also fairly easy.

 

^ +1. make sure the vehicle you are purchasing have the two lines replaced. My Power steering rack leaks, but i have never, ever seen any drips on my garage floor, and the resevoir is always full, so it must be very slow. going to deal with it as long as i can.

Very reliable vehicle.

 

I own a 2nd Gen RX330 with 175k miles and have not had any major issues. I see several posters who have put on 300-400k miles on their RX with the original engine and transmission. I think the 2nd gen RX are generally well designed and well made and don't have any major issues with their engine, transmission, or suspension components.

That being said, I would check to see if the radiator has any leaks (I had to have my radiator replaced due to a leak, and this issue seems common on 2nd Gen RX), I would also check the power steering rack for leaks, again another problem that seems common on second 2nd RX. If you can do the replacement yourself, that's great. but none of these issues are fatal and will set you back about $500-700 if you have these replaced at an independent shop.

Other than that, hope you find a nice low mileage RX. I see plenty of middle-age 1-owner RX330 and RX350 who meticulously maintained and garaged their RX since new and now selling them for $8000-$10000. I think these vehicles are a great economical choice because I don't see their prices depreciate much once they reach a certain age and mileage.

 

Wife's 08 RX350 AWD 125K miles.
Except Water pump, fan belt, thermostat, radiator, soon front ball bearings replacement, the car has been solid. transmission and engine are still smooth.