I'm buying a 2000 Lexus RX 300 with 72000 miles. The seller claims that
the vehicle has been meticulously serviced since it was bought (I'll
verify that claim.) The Lexus is fully loaded with a moonroof and
heated seats, among other features. The KBB is $18500 and the seller is
asking for $19500.

What's a fair price to expect for such a Lexus? It's been in no
accidents and the condition is very good. Are there other used Lexus RX
300 buyers who can advise me on what specifically to watch out for?
I've done a Carfax check and read carbuyingtips.com. Thanks.

"Stacy S" <66zdd2902 (AT) sneakemail (DOT) com> wrote

Make sure there is proof of the servicing for a start.

The front exhaust manifolds were known for cracking on some model year
rx300s, and lexus issued a new part. You may want to find out if that was
taken care of on the truck you are looking at as it is a pricey repair.

You should be able to go to your local Lexus dealer, and if the car was
truly sreviced at a Lexus dealer, they will have a complete record of the
service details. Also, you can ask them if this vehicle was ever "flagged"
in thier system with any problems (accidents w/bodywork, transmission
problems, etc.)

"The One" <Mike_Crowe (AT) btinternet (DOT) co.uk> wrote

"Stacy S" <66zdd2902 (AT) sneakemail (DOT) com> wrote

with oil gelling that afflicted Toyota V6 engines thru 2001. If the oil has
not been changed at a minimum of every 5k, you may have problems and wind up
having to rebuild the engine, or replace it. Toyota has warrantied those
engines in the case of gelling to 80k miles, but you have to provide proof
of oil changes, which you might not be able to do unless the former owner
can provide you with that documentation. We had a 01 RX that even showed
some signs of gelling at 30k despite servicing by the Lexus dealer every 5k.
We included documentation when we traded it in case the future owner had a
problem. We now own a Honda Pilot and have found it less expensive to
maintain and very reliable with better handling -- although the latter is a
subjective judgement.

Watch out for the PRICE! KBB is 18.5K and He wants 19.5K with 72K on the
clock? I'll sell you mine exact same specs, for the book of 18.5 or less!
Mine has been serviced by Lexus and it is verifiable. You realize you are
coming up on an expensive service at 90K don't you? Timing belt must be done
at 90K. and it's pricy IF you go to Lexus and still fairly pricey if done by
a good indipendant Lexus Mech. I know one in Atlanta that is a factory
trained Lexus Mech. and since my warranty is now out, He is where I will
start taking my 97 LS 400 and my 00 RX 300.....Good Luck on what ever you
do.
I personally think that these cars are over rated, but they do drive nicer
than most! However, I have had just as many problems with them as any other
Jap car I have owned, and I do mean Jap, I only own cars built in Japan. NOT
Jap cars built in the States. (like Camery, New Maximas. or Nissan Trucks
etc..)
Bitsbucket
"Stacy S" <66zdd2902 (AT) sneakemail (DOT) com> wrote

Oh and to get to this Lexus Mech I mentioned, I have to drive 350 miles, so
that is another consideration, how far is the closest Lexus dealership to
you?
Just a thought.
Bitsbucket

"Bitsbucket" <user90 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

"Bitsbucket" <user90 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

miles which along with the regular service was estimated at close to $2,000.
The claim was that you were taking a chance with the belt if you delayed to
90k. In all, I found the RX300 expensive to service compared with our Honda
Pilot.

I think I confused the RX 300 with something else.
CP