tcho82

iTrader: (1)

Hi Guys,

I've never been in this part of the forum, but I've been looking into getting an RX as a second car. I know its better to go with a newer model year, but I'm trying to minimize how much I spend on another car.

That being said, I've found what looks to be a clean 2000 RX300 for sale locally with a clean carfax. Mileage is right around 112k. Pearl exterior and tan leather. Options include:

Cd changer
nakamichi
sunroof
roof rack
towing package
oem chrome wheels.

Condition seems ok, 3 owners, no accidents on carfax. I haven't test driven it yet, but wanted to get some opinions from the RX community. She also stated she just got the timing belt and water pump changed any way I can check to make sure? Any of this easily visible to check?

Lexmex

We'd love to have you join us over here in the RX300 forum.

The price isn't bad for the mileage and the options mentioned.

Visibily you won't be able to see practically a thing on the timing belt/water pump. This was likely done around the 90K mileage mark. as this is when this is scheduled to be done. They also probably had their accessory belts on the left side of the engine bay in the RX300 also changed out as the timing belt is on that side, but covered by a plastic cover. You should see if any heavy fraying of those accessory belts has occurred, as that is a sign that nothing was done.

Additionally, I would recommend checking the maintenance history of the vehicle (not just the Carfax) to make sure that transmission fluids were changed out at least every 15K on a drain and fill (some people have gone 30K and no issues). Also check the color and smell of the fluid (it uses the Red Type IV Toyota fluid) and see that it is still red and sweet.

Additionally, I would also want to see that the oil changes were done at least every 5,000 miles, though going up to 7,000 or so miles between changes is possible.

miniround

wow. 10.5 for that?! i've been trying to get 14 for mine and it's amazingly clean/upkept...no dents nothing...i have a 2000 with 69k (jus yesterday!) with everything except nav haha..

that'd b a good buy, but try to get the price down.

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

Well she was originally asking 11.5, I just asked via email what is the lowest she's willing to take. She said 10.5. If it checks out good, I may show up with a check for 10 and say take it or leave it.... works sometimes.

I'm not particularly fond of the mileage but I trust Lexus so its not too much of a problem. The other car I'm looking at is a 99 Acura RL 1 owner impeccable condition 86k miles for 11k. More likely than not timing belt has not been changed.

pinoyballa

the 99 rx300 that i just bought from the dealership had 100,000 and was originally $15,700...it was on sale for 12,300 and i got it for 11,500...so for your price, thats not bad

Bobk528

I own a 2000 RX300 with about 81,000 miles on it and plan to keep it for awhile but if I were to sell today, I would take nothing less than $13,000. I really enjoy driving this reliable low maintenance vehicle. I would definitely agree with the earlier message about changing the transmission fluid and whether the timing belt was replaced at 90,000 miles. If the owner can produce actual maintenance records that consistently show that the vehicle was well maintained, I would buy it for the $10.5 asking price or continue looking around for a latter year RX300 if planning to keep it for a long time. If you search the forum, there are several look do-it-yourself threads on drain and fill instructions for replacing the automatic transmission fluid. It is an easy and inexpensive DIY. Before you purchase, check the color and smell of the fluid.

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

Yea I did a drain and fill on two camrys and my LS400, so I know what ATF type IV is supposed to look like clean and dirty.