jeverett72

Hello all,

I am looking at a couple of 2009 RXs with around 80-90k miles.

1. Do they require premium gas?

2. How common is the failure of the rubber oil cooler hose?

3. One of the cars had its front brakes completely replaced and rotors resurfaced at only 37k miles. Is this a red flag?

4. Any other common mechanical issues that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

jeverett72

Ignore #2. I read the other threads regarding this problem.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

No; not really; water pump, rack and pinion leak, cracks in the front dash, occasionally rear wheel bearings.

Felix

Thats pretty low miles & as you know the last yr of the gen2's....A '07 or '08 would work as well. I don't like turning rotors vs throwing new rotors at it. As why that peculiar one needs brakes, possibly the PO. It does weigh about 4200lbs w/ 12.6'' rotors w/ single piston sliding calipers. As I'm going to throw quality pads/rotors at it vs a Stoptech bbk. I'd figure on replacing the oil cooler lines as well as bank one vvti oil line. My wife & I bought a '07 last Nov. dropped it off to one shop I use to replace the oil cooler lines as well as the vvti bank one line & a p/s pump. Had the dealership install Centric pads/rotors & a new windshield on a '07. Like mentioned above w/p's & possibly a rack. The dash on ours was in good shape, no cracks,ect. , but I installed a black dash pad from ''Coverking'' which offers a few different types & looks better then the oem dash pad. To me the oem dash pad doesn't look that good thanx to the texture. I'd figure on changing the trans filter, rear diff oil as well as the transfer case oil. 2 qtrs of 75/90 Royal Purple, one gallon of Maxlife trans fluid w/ a Wix filter is what I used. As well as it gives you a chance to clean the pan as well as the two magnets & then you can do a drain/fill next time. Good idea to flush the brake fluid as well. I'd also make sure to start them when cold so you can hear the motor when its cold.

matts6887

jnc

some issues to watch out for like what ive encountered so far are;

1.high pressure power steering hose going bust spraying fluid everywhere; that happened to me.
2. if its a all wheel drive; watch out for seeping fluid from the transfer case; mine is doing that at the moment. I just have it topped off at every oil change
3. watch out for any noticeable rattling etc when running as that could mean bad engine.

As for premium gas; yes these do require premium gas; if u use anything but premium it will start to knock or ping a bit; not good. Also the gas mileage will suffer because of it.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Buy my 2008. I need the space for an E550 cabriolet ha

Margate330

Anyone own a RX330 long term and upgrade to a newer 2007-2009 Gen 2 RX350 that can compare the reliability of the 2 engines?

I looked at several 2010+ models this year but I'm just not sold on them yet.

Felix

I wasn't sold on a gen3 for the 3-6 grand difference....The 2gr does make a more mechanical valve train noise then the 3mz which is fairly quiet having a t/b vs a 3 chains as the 2gr does....I'd say go drive a few & see what you think. 40 more horses is something thou....

matts6887

well; i was thinking of going to a 3rd gen rx350 when i originally had thought my second gen had serious issues that would be too much $ to fix; but then i found i didnt have the issues i thought i did so im sticking with my second gen plus mine is just about paid off. one last payment to make on the loan for this one and it will be full paid off.

spinellib

Fantastic!

Margate330

Yeah that's what I was thinking too looking at the prices they jump at years 2010+.
Down here in S. Florida they run approx $14K for one in excellent condition, never been wrecked, clean carfax, 100k miles, and not a rust buscket.

I noticed on the 2010+ they have a strange shape on the oem radio bezel in the dash and I don't think an aftermarket stereo will fit.
Other thing I noticed is the cars with the ventilated seats have a cracking problem in the leather in all the ones I seen that weren't patched & repaired & re-sprayed- not sure why, maybe a thinner or different kind of leather I don't know.

spinellib

2009 was the last RX year with tranny dipsticks!
There are few things I like about the 2010-2012 RX's, such as the updated dashboard, improved suspension, and 6-speed transmission.
But I'd rather have a transmission dipstick and an easy way to refill fluid than all of those new things. The simpler things are in cars, the better, in my opinion. I don't even want TPMS. Or ABS. Or computers.

And I certainly have no desire for a huge Big Tech-linked TV screen in the middle of the dashboard monitoring my every move, not to mention the horrendous grill in the newer RX's.

matts6887

exactly! ive been waiting for this time to come for quite awhile now. So once we get the title in hand im just gonna "drive it till the wheels fall off" lol. (which hopefully will be a lot more miles than i currently have at almost 160,000).

Margate330

No Dipstick for transmission?

I don't mind the electric power steering on newer cars but no dipstick- what are they thinking???
If anyone says the engineers know better I will laugh.

Felix

Same as the 3rd gen Escape/Explorer's.....as well as a few others......Heck have look at trying to change the filter on a 3rd gen Ody....Dump & fill only.......