kasak

Is there an advantage in going for an AWD used vehicle? To me, it gives less gas mileage, probably more problems?, even though it might be more safer? Experts, please give your advice.
#2 is AWD and final offer from them is 18.3K.

lexus114

Personally,I like the AWD because of where I live.If you are in Mn.I would definitly recomend the AWD. You will be glad you did.And it`s not really a problem owning AWD either.

kasak

Bought a 2003 RX 300 AWD with 51K miles from a BMW dealer for $17,300. Silver color with black interior. Love it. Looks like new. Drove back home and next day went for shopping. The VSC and CEL light turned on. I haven't driven bad or anything.
I would be surprised if a reputed auhtorised BMW dealer would try to sell by just resetting so that the lights won't come on during test drive or sale.
Went to Autozone as suggested in this thread and got the codes - theer were 6 codes but the autozone guy said it comes to these 2 codes as the others were same or something.

P0442 - The PCM has determined that a small leak exists in the evaporative emission control system
Defintion - EVAP (evaporative emission system) small leak/no flow condition
Explanation - The evaporative emission system is monitored
Probable Causes -
1. Defective or loose fuel cap
2. EVAP canister or hose cracked-not connected
3. Purge or vent solenoid defective
4 . Vaccum leak at engine

P0446 - The PCM has determined that a malfunction exists in the electrical circuit for the vent control in the evaporative emission control system.
Defintion - EVAP (evaporative emission system) purge/vent solenoid circuit condition
Explanation - The solenoids and system wiring are monitored for opens or shorts
Probable Causes -
1. Purge or vent solenoids defective
2. Check connector and wiring
3. Fuel saturated vapor canister
4 . Failed EVAP vent solenoid

So, experts, can you please tell me how bad is this? They gave a 3mon /3000mi limited warranty.
I posted this in this thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=348008 so that that issue can be tracked there.
One issues I noted is that the steering is pulling to the right a little. The tires don't have much tread on them.
The front hood has several very small chips of paint gone (road gravel, etc in snowy/salty roads here?). Also a small chip on the windshield too which I haven't noticed during test drive. I will post pictures soon.
Apart from these the car looks great and almost new. I did all the checks suggested in this thread. thanks again. Couldn't be a good judge on the transmission fluid color & smell etc, but I think they are fine. Have the service history pulled from a lexus dealer and all services are done so far (30k etc) and oil changes are done. Don't have latest though.
Any suggestions on what I should start checking and getting done from now?
Hopefully the BMW dealer fixes the VSC CEL light issue under their "very limited warranty" (in their words).

bob2200

Small paint chips on the front from road gravel are to be expected. I touch some up almost every year.

You ought to check with your car insurance company about the windshield chip. I understand many insurance companies will pay to have them "fixed", at no expense to the customer, so they won't get worse and eventually cost the insurance company more money.

I'd check the A/C air filter (behind the glove box). If it's clean, you have some feel about current maintenance.