MrBruin09

Hi guys,
I will be picking up a Rx in the next month and I am just wondering is there any differences between the 2004 and the 2005 Rx 330 Models? Anything that I should be concerned about in the 2004 models since it was a
re-design?

I definitely will appreciate all and every feedback from everyone.

MRKilroy

04 and 05 and 06 are the same 04 was the first year for the 2nd gen RX, see if they installed the updated air conditioning harness that fixes a issue some had, other that that you should be fine.

jfelbab

I am happy with my 04 and would recommend the model to anyone. If buying from a Lexus dealer, I'd ask that they apply any relevant TSIB's prior to delivery. For a listing see here: http://www.aboutautomobile.com/TSB/2004/Lexus/RX330

tfischer

I've had an '04 since about '06 (CPO) and it has performed flawlessly. I would have no reservations about recommending it. The '05 and '06 have slightly improved NAV systems, and they added Bluetooth somewhere along the line, but except for updating some of the accessories, all RX cars from '04 to '09 are the same. (I think '09 has chrome door handles, while the others are painted - this is about the only way to spot a difference in year models, as far as I know.)

hesham1

yea the 05 MIGHT give you just a little extra piece of mind over the 04 since theres usually some bugs to work out in the first year of a re-design. but with lexus its probably negligible. i would be more concerned with the mileage, service history and mechanical condition of the vehicle.

mandyfig

hesham1 put it right. The only reason the 04 and 05 would matter is the warranty. 04's are now out of warranty based on time period, unless you get a CPO or the unit has extended warranty.

The 05's selling point is warranty period. But typically will cost more money.

Otherwise, 04 and 05 are identical. It is a matter of find the right combination of features and color of your choice.

When you find the one you like, go for it.

Good luck.

kitlz

My 04 is still humming along beautifully with less than 48K. It turns 6 next month. I do have the extended warranty in case but, knock on wood, no problems. It's a great car.

MrBruin09

Thanks for the feedback everyone I greatly appreciate it! As soon as I pick one up I will let everyone know.

MrBruin09

Hey Guys,
I found an 2004 Rx that has 96,000 miles on it. I know that is a lot of miles, but he has all the service records and it looks perfect. know Lexus's can run for a ton of miles if they are well taken care!The price is around $15,000. Now I am wondering what concerns should I be worried about with a car with that many miles?

Adamjeeps

I would ask him why he is selling it. If it were mine, I would drive it till the wheels fell off, assuming it was paid for.

There are only so many things you can look for. My high mileage vehicles have had things such as the fuel pump and sensors go bad, not major things like an engine or tranny, but there is no way to be able to predict when those little things can go wrong, even with perfect maintenance.

jfelbab

I'd verify that he had the 90,000 maintenance service done. It is one of the more expensive maintenance schedules as it replaces teh timing belt and most fluids.

mandyfig

Yes, at this mileage, the timing belt becomes a critical factor. You do not want to be stranded because of a timing belt failure. By the time you are done with towing and repair....much dinero....

MrBruin09

Thanks for the feedback guys, I definitely will ask if he had the 90,000 miles service.

The reason he is selling the car is because he is moving out of the country.

jfelbab

Even if it was not done, if the car is clean, you might consider the purchase.

You would want to have that service done if he didn't do it and could try to negotiate the price down a bit to cover that cost. I suspect that this is a $1k service cost but it's only a guess. My 2004 RX only has 50k.

Anyone who has had the 90k service done, please post the cost.

MrBruin09

Just saw the car, it looks great and he had the time belt replaced a little over 3 weeks ago. I will be taking it to a mechanic tomorrow and if it passes I will buy it!

Thanks for the feedback guys..I will post pictures if I get it!