Veik

I am relatively car savvy and can do most of the basic maintenance myself.
I own two Toyota now and considering a first generation Lexus RX

I am looking to spend around $10K
I have looked at number of cars online and they all seem to be have around 100K+++ miles on them with price tag ranging from 8K to 10K

What are the MAJOR things should I worry about with any RX with that millage range?

Timing belt should be done at 90K, right?


What else can go really wrong on the 10+ year 100+K mile car that could break the bank?

Thanks

JAB

I don't believe that any first gen RX had air suspension.

Engine sludge and transmission failure are the big ticket problems on first gen. Search on those terms and you will learn everything you need to k now.

Veik

Well, I found one with 191K on the ODO that had the transmission replaced.
Should the new transmission last ?

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus! The first gen RX did not have air suspension.

Yes, as long as it was replaced with the upgraded planetary gear. How much are they asking?

The original transmissions will last a long time with normal maintenance as well, I have 185k miles on my original tranny, my uncle has 380k miles + on his original. And, there's a member on here with 350k miles on his original tranny.

Yes, timing belt should be done at 90k miles, and then again at 180k miles. I haven't done mine yet, I'm probably going to wait till 220k miles to do mine again.

Veik

They are asking $7K
Here is the car in question:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...ingId=95120067

hypervish

Not a terrible price, that's about how much they go for around here as well. I personally would not be worried about the miles, but other's may feel differently.

Try and get it for a bit cheaper (shoot for $6500), because that price will go up once they pile on the crap load of fee's.

You can look up the service history on Lexus.com, then head over to owner's resources and create an account. Then just enter the VIN, and you'll be able to see everything that was done at the Lexus dealer.

Veik

Would $6500 OTD be too low ball for this car?

They towed the car and replaced the transmission at 146K

They have done 90K service on it too, so that would take care of Timing belt??

hypervish

I think $6500 is a bit on the low side. But it doesn't hurt to try for less.

Yes, 90k service should take care of the timing belt.

Veik

But it would be up for replacement again soon, right?

hypervish

Yes, every 90k miles. But, you'll be fine waiting till 200k miles, instead of 180k. I don't plan on changing my timing belt till around 220k miles.

Veik

I am looking at the service record online
they replaced "shaft/drive axle - rear" at 162K
costly job I would imagine

are those prone to failure or just general age/millage fatigue?

Iluvlexus

I bought a 2001 with 134K miles for $6500. Best car I have ever bought. Drives like it was just broken in! Frequent fluid changes with synthetic will go a long way towards a extended service life. Depending on the quality of the tranny rebuild, $6500 is not unreasonable.

JAB

The bolster on the driver's seat is trash. Not a big deal by itself, but you wonder about how well the car was treated.

Since you seem to be in NoVa, if you get the car you can have the seat repaired at a place at Fairfax Circle. I did and have been very happy. Can't remember the name at the moment, but when it comes to me I will post.

Edit: Don Elkins Auto Upholstery.

Veik

Yup, seat is in need of repair.
Also - headlights need to be polished.

hypervish

No, not prone to failure, just general wear and tear. I have a feeling it was an ABS tone ring, there have been a few members on here that have had an issue with them breaking.