cali808

So Im considering buying a used rx330. I'm looking for a really reliable vehicle being that this is replacing my Nissan Murano which is just problem after problem. I'm a lexus ES owner and I am pretty impressed with lexus. I'm looking at 2004-2005 RX330 models, is there anything to watch out for like common problems and certain things to notice when looking? Most the ones I saw had mileage between 40-75k miles. Also is there certain options I should look for?( I live in Hawaii if that helps) I just wanna go into this with some owner insider info. Any info is appreciated! Thanks!

danrgray

We just bought a certified 2005 RX330 with 52k miles, two weeks ago. My father-in-law has had 3 RX models through the years, his main complaint to me was the noise or creaks while turning or pulling into a driveway. I test drove brand new RX's with creaks in the dash, but I wouldn't normally hear them since I'd have a radio on anyway.

IMHO, purchase a certified lexus. We have 3 years / 100K miles to hopefully protect our "investment".

tfischer

I bought an '04 RX330 with 40,000 miles on it CPO and like the car far more than I thought I would. I lent it to a visiting friend last year for a weekend, and he went home and bought a new one for himself.
Antedoctial, sure, but typical.

iKon_RX

I bought my 04rx330 in the summer of 07 when it had 49k, now it has 85k. No problems whatsoever.

JoeInHNL

I bought an 04 RX330 with 44K miles off of Craig's List in Honolulu and am pretty happy with it after 3 months/2,000 miles. Although it was not CPO it was serviced by Servco every 5,000 miles so I was able to get a complete history and most of the TSB issues had been taken care of.

Options I have (I think it was purchased with the "basic premium package"):
ML Stereo
Moonroof
Leather
Power rear hatch
Power steering wheel tilt and telescope
Rain sensing wipers
HID lights

I really like the wipers for the constantly changing drizzle to rain we frequently get. Not perfect but work pretty well.

I was not overly impressed with the ML stereo but like it a lot more since installing an iPhone interface so I can use the iPhone's equalizer.

The only thing I really wish it had is back-up sensors (beeping kind not the camera) since rear visibility is not that great.

Although the basic warranty is only 4 years, the powertrain warranty is 6 years/70,000 miles. I would look for one that at least has some time on that.
Servco just happily fixed a transmission leak for me under that warranty.

cali808

yeah they seem like good vehicles. I saw one listed for 16500 with 40k miles on it. But I havent seen many used ones for sale here. I was thinking about getting one in california since I saw they had a ton for really good prices. I want the navigation/rear camera option. everything else is just bonus. Im pretty used to driving around my Murano which is about the same size. I hope the lexus turns as tight as the murano because without that I dont think I would be able to drive around as easy. I also like the electronic pedal adjusters which i assume the lexus might have. Are HID xenons standard with the rx's because I don't think I could live without that either. Heated seats are stupid to have in hawaii so i could care less about that. Is the premium sound worth looking for? I've never really liked factory sound systems except the Rockford Fosgate my Eclipse which isnt too bad