Looking for advice from experienced and knowledgeable owners. I own a 80 series Land Cruiser for overlanding and off road trips, so I'm not looking for how capable or incapable the RX330 (or Highlander which I've read is Toyota's version) is offroad. I've been cruising CL for a highway traveling rig that can handle inclimate weather conditions in the rural traveling I do through OR, WA, NV, UT, ID, MT, WY and even AZ, CO and possibly NM or CA. I want a comfortable ride with good fuel mileage (better than my 80 ), economical maintenance, mechaniclly sound / reliable with lots of extras like nav, heated seats, etc . I found a candidate that I'll be looking at later this week in Central OR. Mileage is aprox 120K. I pulled a Carfax on it after calling and getting the VIN. It's kind of an estate sale - a son is selling it for his disceased mother and not up to researching - he's still trying to gather papers and records his parents had on the car. I took it upon myself since I've heard that timing belt maintenance is critical. Carfax shows at least 2 previous owners, maybe 3.
Highlights of Carfax:
* Last dealer maintenance was back in NY in 2011 with milage 73770 and all the comments said was: "Maintenance inspection completed" - whatever that means.
* "Vehicle serviced" at 75648 miles at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change shop in 2011
* "Passed emissions inspection" in 2011 in Vancouver, WA - no mileage reported
* Then several entries "passed emissions" and a "Registration issued or renewed" from 2012 - 2014
* At 109866 miles a "title issued or updated & new owner reported" at OR DMV in 2014.
* At 110945 miles a "vehicle serviced" in 2015 at a repair shop, but no notes or comments!
* Another "new owner reported" in 2016, but pretty sure it was in the family for last new owner entry.
* Just admin entries 2016 to present
I've researched Mud and most opinions consider the RX 330 to be a rig which, I could care less because of how it will be used by me. Also read not to get the OEM nav system because it sucks but that's fine - this doesn't have the nav option. It's suggested to order an after market one, which I'll ask for suggestions. But, the lack of evidence or proof of timing belt replacement bothers me. Is this doable with out special tools and a cherry picker? Is there other critical maintenance that needs attention?
It's a light blue, which is a great color IMHO and has an auto trans. Leather interior, but I think that's standard for a Lexus. Just wanted to bounce it off the forum for advice and opinions to help maybe avoid making an uninformed decision I might regret.
Highlights of Carfax:
* Last dealer maintenance was back in NY in 2011 with milage 73770 and all the comments said was: "Maintenance inspection completed" - whatever that means.
* "Vehicle serviced" at 75648 miles at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change shop in 2011
* "Passed emissions inspection" in 2011 in Vancouver, WA - no mileage reported
* Then several entries "passed emissions" and a "Registration issued or renewed" from 2012 - 2014
* At 109866 miles a "title issued or updated & new owner reported" at OR DMV in 2014.
* At 110945 miles a "vehicle serviced" in 2015 at a repair shop, but no notes or comments!
* Another "new owner reported" in 2016, but pretty sure it was in the family for last new owner entry.
* Just admin entries 2016 to present
I've researched Mud and most opinions consider the RX 330 to be a rig which, I could care less because of how it will be used by me. Also read not to get the OEM nav system because it sucks but that's fine - this doesn't have the nav option. It's suggested to order an after market one, which I'll ask for suggestions. But, the lack of evidence or proof of timing belt replacement bothers me. Is this doable with out special tools and a cherry picker? Is there other critical maintenance that needs attention?
It's a light blue, which is a great color IMHO and has an auto trans. Leather interior, but I think that's standard for a Lexus. Just wanted to bounce it off the forum for advice and opinions to help maybe avoid making an uninformed decision I might regret.
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