ptcomfort

Hi.
As an owner of a 1993 Lexus GS300 with just under 300,000 miles I'm looking for a new car for my wife. I buy all used, never new, and I'm quite mechanical, as probably no work to this car will be done at the dealer. We're looking at an ?either a 1999 or 2000 RX300. How's the gas mileage. The one we're looking at in mileage are 100,000-150,000. I'm not scared to buy high as I got my GS with just over 200,000. I really see the prices all over the board. What would be high or low for an AWD RX300 with mileage between 100-150K.

Do you all like the RX. My wife is coming from the GS and a Ford Wagon, I think it will be big enough?

What problems should I look for in the car?

TIA!

wvuguy

I paid $6500 for 99 RX300 AWD with 130k miles on it couple weeks back. It came from a dealer "as is". Only issues about it I know so far are broken antenna, air mix servo motor noise, scuffs on bumpers and broken tail light. It seems in a good mechanical shape. I think they run any where from $6000 to $8500 for this milage. Usually buying from dealer costs more.

ptcomfort

How are you liking the car? Gas mileage? Does yours have the Nakamichi or standard audio, how does it sound? Thanks!

trhs75

Our 99 averages 16-17 mpg in mixed driving -- not so great. It's a wonderful vehicle, though! Look at Carmax online for dealer retail for reconditioned and hopefully clean units.

wvuguy

So far I love it. Rides smooth as silk. Better than any car I have ever driven. I plan on keeping it for a while. I have standard audio and it sound great. After I got it I changed the air filter, ran fuel injector cleaner, cleaned MAF, IACV,PCV valve. Now I get about 18-19 mpg. Milage depends a lot on your driving style.

frankjames

craiglist is also a great resource. depending on where you are located.

ptcomfort

Would 7,000 seem high for a 125K Lexus RX300 AWD. Interior Excellent Condition, Seems to be in excellent running condition, will check out tomorrow.

ididit

bought a 99 Lexus RX300 AWD w/ 167k miles one month ago. paid $7100. A little bit high mileage, but it runs smoothly & quietly. only changed rear brake pads which cost $80. Mechanical guy in auto shop said that it's in excellent condition. right now, shows 21.2mpg. when I just bought it, it shows 19.6mpg. guess my driving style is good for saving gas. Driving this car is a real enjoyment, very comfortable. now my wife prefers to sit in this car than her new Honda Civic Coupe.

chs.1982

I paid 8,200 for a 2001 AWD with 103,000 miles and I live right near Chicago. Doesn't have the Nakamachi Sound but I think the audio is great as is, even feel the bass in the seats. It is far superior to my wife's 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. The car got a new tranny (5,000 dollars from Lexus dealer) put in last summer by the previous owner and we get about 18-19 combined mpg. We do have a P1135 code for the A/F sensor but for 160 bucks plus other minor tools and stuff I am gonna try to do it myself. As for the car itself I am in love with it. My favorite car ever!

AlexusAnja

I love my RX, but after being on this forum for so long, getting an RX with 150K is a risky proposition. That is A LOT of miles to have been abused and this engine/transmission doesn't look like it's as tough as most "SUV"ish vehicles. You probably know about the sludging issues, along with the transmission blowing around 100K or so.

Anyway, if you hath no fear, then I can say if you guy a nice RX, then pay no more than $6K for something with 150K. It's definitely more room than a GS, but when you say Ford Wagon, you mean station wagon, pickup, or minivan?

RX vs. Minivan, minivan beats it in room and versatility.
RX vs. station wagon, RX wins with more head room and about same storage.
RX vs. pickup, RX wins, more seating and space in back (on paper).

mikey00

A $6,000. RX has the potential to become a $10,000.+ RX real quick if you are not careful. Spend some time on the forums reading about the more common problems. Also search on "RX sludge" and "RX transmission problems" so you know what you are getting into. A little research up front will go a long way in helping you pick the right one.
Personally, I would move upstream a little to a RX330 or newer to avoid some of the known problems.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Yes, I would look for an 02 or 03 if you like the RX300. Unless your mechanical abilities extend to tranmission rebuilding, this eliminates the possibility of buying a $6,000 car and ending up paying $10,000-$12,000. They are a great car and I've owned mine from new but I wouldn't buy it at this point - I'd spend a little more and get the RX330.