ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

So I want to do something special for my mom. I was looking at the 1999 RX300, but I found out, my likes the current body style the best.

Looking at my budget, it seems the Rx330 in the 2004 model is my best bet. I never never owned a suv, or a fwd lexus product. Are there any issues I should be aware? Are the tranny/v6 motors reliable? My mom drives about 15K a year, and keeps cars for about 10 years.

I am looking at used. I am shopping at Keyes, Thousand Oaks, Santa Monica, Valencia, and Jim Falk lexus dealerships.

Appreciate the help. Will be pulling trigger by Friday.

RXSF

well...seeing how you brought up the tranny and the v6.

I myself own an RX330 2004 just like the one you are going to buy (mine is awd though). The tranny is a horrible 5 speed and the engine will feel sluggish since it only has 230 horses pulling a giant SUV.

What i mean about the tranny is that if you search this forum, there will be many complaints about a hesitation, jerkiness blah blah blah. only really in stop and go traffic like a street with repeated stop signs. We live with it and it shouldnt be a problem for your mom. Chances are the TSB was applied to the car by the previous owner anyways. It helped a bit.

The 2004 misses one crutial thing that i think is important. If you decide to get a car with a nav, the nav does not have bluetooth, that started in 2005.

I find myself lucky compared to others. Ive had maybe 3 tsbs/recalls done to my car, and nothing else. others have experienced (like user: AM1) a lot of problems and say that their RX is the worst car EVARRRRR.

take a good look at the service history to check to see if the car has had previously recorded problems.

with that said, I love this car, love it. im sure your mom will like it too.

mandyfig

Good luck, hope you land a well maintained baby. Color of preference? Silver? White?

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Navigation isn't required. Definitely ligther colors. I like the silvers and whites, because I know that is what she will like.

Aside from my 2 Lexus SC, all my cars are red and yellow And my recently acquired Elise is Chrome Orange.

I wish I could buy a 07, but I don't want to finance. My cash budget puts me in 04/05 territory.

I was trying to talk her into a IS250, but she loves the RX.

mandyfig

Have you considered Bamboo Pearl? My wife loves the color.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

I saw bamboo pearl and the silver in pictures of the dealership, but in pictures couldnt tell the difference, but it looks good.

salimshah

After the harsh negative comments, you are still giving + endorsement. The only conclusion I can draw is that once you group the unlisted positive things and weigh against the enumerated negatives, the positives heavily out weigh the negatives.

Salim

RXSF

lol, i know im all over the place and it may seem like contradictions. but...trust me, your buying the right car.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i would strongly recommend getting an rx350. since i cant seem to talk people out of buying the RX at least get the RX with some power. The rx330 feels like a slug with no power, the rx350 at least has some usable power. and if you have to get a rx330 find 2005 and up. the 2004's seem to have more then avg tsb's which might be an oxymoron since they all have a lot of TSB and problems. dont forget that lexus dealers are still having trouble unloading brand new RX350's so take that in mind when looking for a used one

RXSF

where is this, that lexus dealers have having trouble selling the new cars...last i heard is that this car solely brought lexus up there with other luxury brands. lol

as for the 2004s, just find a good one. im happy with mine.

Its for his mom, i seriously doubt shes going to take it to the track on the weekends.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

AM1,

thanks for the info. Nothing is written in stone. I don't want to drop 30K on a car, that is junk.

My parents had an Oddyssey with lots of tranny problems, thus I am staying away from the MDX.

What car would you recommend for my mom?

The G Man

Get the RX350, the added power make the transmission a little more driveable. If you wait til the 09 comes out, you may be able to get a 08 for around mid 30K.

benzo555

iTrader: (11)

The RX330 is fine. Definately if you have more $$ to spend get the RX350. I've driven both but if my budget allowed it would have been the 350 no doubt. If you guys thought an RX330 had no power.. try driving a a 2nd gen GS300.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

could be the fact that they are heavily discounting the rx350, usually way under invoice. whereas other lexus models like say the IS350 is selling for way over invoice and supply is in short supply. have you driven a 350?Im not saying take the car to the track but the power difference and the way it drives is night and day. well not the tranny.....

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

We've been very happy with our 05 RX 330, which replaced our RX 300. The difference in the two was phenomenal, more comfort, much better performance, and the 330 has more than sufficient power to get into the triple digits territory, been there several times. Over the last few years we've driven mountain passes in every condition imaginable, gone on a 4,600 mile road trip (two weeks of fun driving and sightseeing) and not once has our RX let us down or had an issue. We seen fuel mileages run from 18 to 26+, driven at speeds for extended periods that are a wee bit north of the legal limits (Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona) and have never wanted for more power. If you can get her a well maintained 330, go for it.