ValCapone

I have been looking to purchase a lexus rx, because of the reliability of the vehicle. I am in talks with a dealership for a 2003 rx300 with 68,000 miles for $13,000 with navi. Is this a good deal, or should I spend extra on a second generation 2004+?

The considerations I am taking in purchasing this vehicle is the reliability, and re-sale value.

I live in NYC so most of the miles will be city.

bob2200

Welcome Val. There has been quite a bit of discussion on this topic lately. Try doing some searches on this forum. Unfortunately (for those who paid over $35,000 for their RX300's like me), the prices seem to be way down and $13,000 seems quite high. I haven't looked at eBay for RX300's for years but that used to give a good indication.

In recent threads, there have been discussions of pros and cons, like wide turning radius. The RX300 is the best car I have ever owned (and this is my 5th).

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus.
The price is little high, but considering the low miles, and it's a 2003. I can understand why, it's priced so high. Work the price down to a reasonable number, how's the condition of the car? For a little more money you could get an 04' RX330.
I bought my 2000 RX300 AWD 98k miles for 12.8k out the door, in 2007, at which time it was the 3rd RX in the family. lol

trhs75

That low mileage is hard to beat. If the car is in great shape, I would hate to let it get away. I think you'll love it!

bufferdan

Price doesnt seem bad at all for year and miles and if its in excellent shape. I cant find any 04+ for less than 16k around here and those have 80-100k on them.

ValCapone

Thank you for the warm welcome and the help guys!

I could purchase an extended warranty on it since it is from a lexus dealership and it is certified pre-owned which means they put it through a 161 point check.

What are some of the improvements they made on the 2nd gen?

trhs75

I think gas mileage improved a little, but some others on here can tell you for sure. Rear visibility is better on the 99-03. I think you'll pay a hefty premium to move up to an 04 or newer, although the styling is a little more current, of course. CPO certification is a great plus. We got a well-used 99 for my daughter a few years ago, and it has been great. I love driving it myself. You'll have VSC which we don't have.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Can Lexus CPO a 7 year old car?

hypervish

Yes sir. My RX was a CPO and it was also 7 years old when I bought it.

carguy07

I think one of the big things to consider is the 2003 is the final model year for the RX300 with most of the kinks worked out and the 2004 is the first year for the RX330 with more issues to be resolved than other years. Generally the last model year is the best and the first model year is the worst for reliability.

Raoul

Turning radius.
Take another test drive, you wouldn't even need to leave the lot, to be sure you can live with the vehicle's turning radius in NYC.
Other than that, the miles are low and the price is fair.

My wife loves her '02 and it will eventually get replaced only because it's at 161,000 miles.

lexina

Price is not bad, however price reflexes the condition of the car. that is good low mileage.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

I bought my 2002 with 60 something k (i think it was like 63) about 1.5 years ago might have been a little longer...i cant really remember. Anyhow it was in great shape. The dealership wanted 18k and I brought them an Edmunds.com print out showing that was too high and I got them down to 13k. I had them CPO for extended warranty and added prepaid maint. Both of those were additional although im not sure on how much more. Its a great car and I have no issues with it. Your getting an 03 with nav (i retroed Nav for an additional 1k+). I think I got a great deal considering how much the 330s were when I went. I wanted a Lexus SUV with warranty. If i could go again though I would def take a 330 with Nav and pay extra just because the tint annoys me as well as the turning radius. The change in MPG i believe to be minimal. Personally I think if you like the styling your getting a great deal. Look it up on edmunds.com though and see what that exact car is worth on there and Kbb as well. The good thing is youll have new car peice of mind since you have warranty and lexus gives loaner cars. Good luck!

hypervish

I paid 15k for mine, out the door. They wanted 15k, the car already had 90k miles though, all highway. No negotiation because it was (still is) in stellar condition, absolutely not a scratch on it, and still none today, the previous owner had the car detailed every winter. But, I had them drop the registration fee's and such. And the car had all repairs and maintenance done at the Lexus dealer, so the car had came with a complete service history. But, at that time the car was only almost 7 years old.

ValCapone

I went down to the dealership for a test drive, and turns out that the navi is showing some kind of disc not read error... They won't fix it, but they are willing to lower it to 12k. Don't know if it's worth it, the turning radius is a bit of a problem with tight NYC streets where you have to maneuver quickly or risk a ticket. How much did the radius improve on the second gens?