Help should I buy a RX300 or LS400
08-20-11, 04:03 PM
#1
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Help should I buy a RX300 or LS400
Hello, I am considering buying my first used Lexus. I have found a used 99 RX 300 and a 98 LS 400. The RX looks really good w/ 145k miles, and major servicing is done (timing belt, watre pump, thermostat, belts). The LS is again very good condition w/ 175k miles w/ servicing (timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets)done recently The LS is 5,200 and the RX is 6k.
Like some advice on value and which vehicle will maybe last longer and more reliable. Any advice recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks, Todd
Like some advice on value and which vehicle will maybe last longer and more reliable. Any advice recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks, Todd
08-21-11, 07:21 AM
#2
They are both fine cars - IMO, you should get whichever one fits your daily needs better...
The RX will get slightly better gas mileage and is really just an ES300 that is high up in the air...
As far as value, well, they are both over 10 years old so value should stay similar to what they are now, depending on overall condition... Reliability will depend on how well they have been maintained - neither has any specific faults...
The RX will get slightly better gas mileage and is really just an ES300 that is high up in the air...
As far as value, well, they are both over 10 years old so value should stay similar to what they are now, depending on overall condition... Reliability will depend on how well they have been maintained - neither has any specific faults...
08-21-11, 08:37 AM
#3
If both cars are equal in quality and service history, I would go with the LS400. The LS has always been given the highest quality workmanship and materials in the hierarchy of Lexus models. It's the car that represents the best that Lexus offers, being the flagship model.
08-21-11, 10:15 AM
#6
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LS much quieter/nicer.
RX much roomier for big stuff.
your call.
RX much roomier for big stuff.
your call.
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08-21-11, 01:17 PM
#8
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As a brand-new poster, welcome to Club Lexus. 
IMO, if it boils down to a choice between those two used cars, I'd go with the RX....unless the oil-changes have been neglected (more on that in a minute). The RX has fewer miles on it, presumably less wear (but, like any used vehicle, check it out as much as possible), is more space-efficient inside, more versatile in bad weather, and, of course, can carry more in the rear.
On the negative side, if it is an AWD model, (some RX models are FWD), the AWD model may require more service/inspections than the LX (more differential fluids to change and universal/CV joints to inspect), use just as much, if not more, gas. The handling, from the higher center of gravity, will also be somewhat tipsier than the lower-stance LS400. The RX's ride, though still fairly smooth, will be slightly firmer than the LS from the greater unsprung weight in the AWD components. Both, if in good condition, will ride quietly....the LS probably slightly more-so. You live in FL and (presumably) don't get much if any snow, but the RX's AWD can be very beneficial in rain, too...and FL does get heavy rains.
Whichever one you choose, try and get a CarFax report on it, if possible.....that will eliminate at least some of the risk.
And one last word of caution on an RX300. The 3.0L V6 is critical on timely oil changes....it is not forgiving of extended-intervals, like some other Toyota/Lexus engines. Let the oil go too long in the 3.0L and you risk sludge/gel build-up and a ruined engine. Toyota had an extended-warranty on these engines, and replaced some of them in a class-action suit settlement, but that probably wouldn't apply to one as old as yours. That makes the oil-change records very important....make sure they are documented.
Good Luck.
IMO, if it boils down to a choice between those two used cars, I'd go with the RX....unless the oil-changes have been neglected (more on that in a minute). The RX has fewer miles on it, presumably less wear (but, like any used vehicle, check it out as much as possible), is more space-efficient inside, more versatile in bad weather, and, of course, can carry more in the rear.
On the negative side, if it is an AWD model, (some RX models are FWD), the AWD model may require more service/inspections than the LX (more differential fluids to change and universal/CV joints to inspect), use just as much, if not more, gas. The handling, from the higher center of gravity, will also be somewhat tipsier than the lower-stance LS400. The RX's ride, though still fairly smooth, will be slightly firmer than the LS from the greater unsprung weight in the AWD components. Both, if in good condition, will ride quietly....the LS probably slightly more-so. You live in FL and (presumably) don't get much if any snow, but the RX's AWD can be very beneficial in rain, too...and FL does get heavy rains.
Whichever one you choose, try and get a CarFax report on it, if possible.....that will eliminate at least some of the risk.
And one last word of caution on an RX300. The 3.0L V6 is critical on timely oil changes....it is not forgiving of extended-intervals, like some other Toyota/Lexus engines. Let the oil go too long in the 3.0L and you risk sludge/gel build-up and a ruined engine. Toyota had an extended-warranty on these engines, and replaced some of them in a class-action suit settlement, but that probably wouldn't apply to one as old as yours. That makes the oil-change records very important....make sure they are documented.
Good Luck.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-21-11 at 01:33 PM.
08-21-11, 03:20 PM
#9
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Not sure about the AWD but the FWD RX300 has a straight crap transmission..
We have an 02 RX with 140K miles on it. We bought it 2 years ago with a rebuilt tranny that was warrantied.. It literally bursted on the street in 2 months with fluid and these ball bearings everywhere.. The warranty covered it and we got a used one with low mileage. 1 year later on the highway going about 70mph the car just fell out of gear for no reason. It would just rev as if it were in neutral no matter what gear it was in. It left me stranded on the I17. This time, just a tad over $3000 later we put a brand new tranny in there.
You want to talk about humilating? The only friend who was any close to me owned a turbo EG civic hatch and we tied chains to the RX and the civics tow hook. The civic dragged the RX off the highway to an inclining off ramp and into a walmart parking lot were the next day my brothers AAA towed the car to a tranny shop.
I've googled this tranny issue and it seems to be widely known. I read somewhere that toyota tried to stuff a tranny from a camry into the RX.. Not sure of the validity of the statement but it could be an explanation.
Get the LS for sure. RWD is the way to go.
We have an 02 RX with 140K miles on it. We bought it 2 years ago with a rebuilt tranny that was warrantied.. It literally bursted on the street in 2 months with fluid and these ball bearings everywhere.. The warranty covered it and we got a used one with low mileage. 1 year later on the highway going about 70mph the car just fell out of gear for no reason. It would just rev as if it were in neutral no matter what gear it was in. It left me stranded on the I17. This time, just a tad over $3000 later we put a brand new tranny in there.
You want to talk about humilating? The only friend who was any close to me owned a turbo EG civic hatch and we tied chains to the RX and the civics tow hook. The civic dragged the RX off the highway to an inclining off ramp and into a walmart parking lot were the next day my brothers AAA towed the car to a tranny shop.
I've googled this tranny issue and it seems to be widely known. I read somewhere that toyota tried to stuff a tranny from a camry into the RX.. Not sure of the validity of the statement but it could be an explanation.
Get the LS for sure. RWD is the way to go.
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