trasmc

Hi All!

I'm new to the forums and would like your thoughts. We're thinking of purchasing a used RX330 (replacing a totaled Toyota Sienna van), and don't want to throw a lot of extra $$ on top of what the insurance check will be. There are several used RX330's nearby, and 2 in particular stuck out.

1 - 2004 with 115,201 miles - $9,900 (including new tires and a 3 month/3,000 mile warranty). According to the carfax it looks like regular and consistent maintenance, 4 owners total
2 - 2005 with 143,002 miles - $7,990 (including a 3 month/3,000 mile warranty). Carfax says regular maintenance, corporate owned and 2 accidents (1 left rear 1 front end).

Ideally we'd like to get 4 years (or longer?) out of whatever we buy. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Scott

takeshi74

As with any used vehicle purchase -- get them inspected. That should be your primary tool in deciding as the specific condition of the vehicle is what matters most. Model year, miles and Carfax won't tell you such things. The one that has been in an accident definitely needs a good inspection to ensure that repairs were performed properly.

danthedj

iTrader: (1)

Keep looking. I purchased a one owner '06 RX400h last year with 140k on the clock and all scheduled maintenance records from two Lexus dealers for $8k in NJ. Spending $10k on a car that "looks like regular and consistent maintenance" sounds like a big gamble to me.

kennytbone

I would also suggest you keep looking. Not sure about pricing in your area, but in Texas, you can get an '07-'09 with around 100k miles for under $10k. For less than $15k you can get one with around 60k miles.

jspringato

I just bought an 05 off ebay in great condition for mileage (148,000) for $5,600. Seller ended the auction on Sunday night at almost 11 pm on a 3 day weekend. I've learned through the years that the paint and bodywork are the most expensive things to fix. This car looks great and so far In the process of changing all the fluids it appears mechanically sound as well.

tomr51

with rx 330 having a timing belt that needs replacing, and rx350 having a chain that does not need replacing would a secondhand rx 350 be a better buy?

mandyfig

Both are RX330, a 2004 and a 2005. Basically the same.

If I were to choose, I will take the lower mileage, sight unseen. 27,800 miles difference. @ $0.15/mile that's $4,170 saved and new tires to boot.

Good luck.

Freedom

Scott,

All the expensive R&Ms should have been done on both vehicles - 28K does not make much of a difference but it can save you a few bucks. Ask for pictures of the accident to determine how bad it was. Inspect the 2015 model with a good mechanic, and start negotiating at $5k (assuming you got a stamp of approval from the mechanic) - do not pay more than $5,500 - with two accidents, even if they were minor, they won't sell it for more than this. Good luck!

ToledoRX

I'd go with the high mileage example. 30k more miles is nothing to an RX unless it was driven in NYC or a West Coast LA traffic.

Also, a 12 year old car with 4 previous owners definitely sounds questionable history. Why did so many previous owners decide to sell the car? How consistent was the maintenance by these 4 previous owners?

With the high mileage corporate owned example, at least the service history should be consistent, and you get $2000 off. I'm sure you can bargain based on the previous accident history.