I’m about to purchase a 4th gen RX 350. My budget has me looking looking at the earlier years: 2016 & 2017.


I’m aware of the timing chain cover (possible) oil seepage, so I’ll inspect for that. Is there anything else that you can think of that I should look for during the test drive?

PS. Forgive me if this has been asked a million times. I did read the FAQ but didn’t see this topic.

update: I bought a low mileage 2017 that is super clean.

 

Among other things: You could make sure the car doesn't have any of the problems covered by the TSBs, and car complaint (see link below). Sometimes there are are a lot of TSBs though. Things like acceleration hesitation, brake noises, etc... you could focus on (if there are similar complaints/TSBs)

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Lexus/RX_350/2017/

 

Sorry to be an old can of worms, but I would not be buying a 2016 RX350.

I have owned a lot of vehicles, 65+ and my 2016 RX350 was in the top 5 of worst cars I have owned.

Others perhaps have nothing but good things to say about a 2016, but not me.

The hesitation was it for me. The third cup of coffee my wife splashed on herself was the last time...off to the dealer and traded it in.
Come to a stop sign, almost stop, 1-2 mph and then accelerate normally. If it's a unit that has this issue, you will know. Not much happens, then suddenly it takes off.
I get mad right now thinking about the problems with my 2016. I had many other issues and it was in the shop weekly. Definitely a Friday before a long weekend car.

Others have noted the leak in the roof drains ( or water inside cabin) and the huge issue and cost this can be.

The other big one is the drone, or vibration issues from the exhaust.

Both the hesitation and vibration are well documented issues ( two separate threads with over a million views on one of them) There is no fix, and the TSB does not fix the issue.

My neck is stiff right now thinking about the 2016. Funny, one of my vehicles right now is a 2022 RX350......totally different, quiet, smooth, very pleasant.

Good luck, maybe mine was just a bad one, but I would stay away from a 2016.

Cheers!

 

Thanks for your insights

 

Also keep in mind that the 2016 & 2017 use 3G wireless for their Telematics communication which no longer works, just in case these are important to you.

 

What mileage vehicle you are looking at?

We have an RX and purchased used and it's great. We had a few minor issues like the liftgate structs worn out and needed replacing. Usually, we like to buy the vehicles while still under warranty or as certified so it can be fixed at dealer.

Here's a good site to check out also: https://www.carcomplaints.com/

Best if you can do a 20-30 minutes test drive. Look around the hood for leaks and try to use a OBD scanner to check the vehicle after the test drive. Test if the transmission shift correctly, how it drives on the freeway. We don't mind the drone noise, it's on many vehicles. Check if the AC works, blend doors opens and closes. Air blows fine on all vents.

There should be no funny smells or leaks.

 

Also, check under the front interior floor mats. Feel with your hand for any dampness or any musty smells due to drain clog from sunroof if it has one. Very costly expense if not caught early.

 

Also, look in the trunk area. If it has water or is rushed, maybe it's a flood vehicle. Smells bad could be another giveway.

 

I’m not so concerned about the engine miles so long as it was well maintained (i.e. oil Changed every 5k miles and the interior looks good).

thanks for all those tips.

 

These are all great tips. Thanks again.

Did any of you pay Lexus, or a mechanic, to perform a pre-purchase inspection?

Part of believes that if I check for all these things, including the service history (and use common sense), then a PPI may not be necessary.

 

I would want an independent mechanic to inspect it, not a Lexus mechanic.

 

Can you 1) check the computer codes ( to see if there are any, and to see when they were last cleared) 2) tell if there has been any repaired body damage in the past (including using a paint thickness gauge) 3) put the car on a lift to see if there any leaks/broken parts/dents in the frame/significant rust/etc...? If you can, good for you. I can do most of the other things, but not these.

If you buy from a dealer, ask what the money-back return policy is. Even if they give you a couple days (Carmax gives you 30 days), that's enough time to have a mechanic evaluate it. I would think a independent mechanic (not a dealer) would charge $150-250?

Regarding service history: I'm finding that some cars have it, some don't. I've tried to get service history on the mylexus website - no success at all (frustrating)! If you buy from a private party, I would think the service history would be available from the owner, but I don't see a lot of PP sales of RXs. Most are lease returns to the dealer.

Good luck with your hunt.

 

update: I bought a low mileage 2017 that is super clean.

 

Awesome, that's great! Enjoy the new ride. Congrats!

 

Yeah. You got a bad one. One in 15,000