After searching Craigslist and Nextdoor for many months, I finally purchased a used 2008 Lexus RX 350 AWD Sport Utility for my son.
I considered many vehicles for my son's first car, including the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Subaru Impreza Outback, Scion tC, Toyota Matrix, and Lexus IS250. However, none of the other cards had the safety track record of the Lexus RX series. In addition, the Lexus, an AWD vehicle, can be used to drive to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Ski areas in the winter.
With a generously sized trunk, it has space for multiple surfboards inside (and with the built-in rack, some of the surfboards could also be strapped to the roof rack).
I owned a Lexus RX 300 FWD many years ago, and it was my most reliable car ever. For 10+ years and 150,000 miles, it had only a few minor problems. I hope that this 2008 Lexus RX also lasts as long.
Finding a Lexus on Craigslist was not an easy matter. I located numerous vehicles with problems, either poor condition, bad-smelling upholstery, or other glaring issues.
I installed an automatic Craigslist search application on my iPhone to get notified when a new listing became available. I had the following criteria in mind:
I considered many vehicles for my son's first car, including the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Subaru Impreza Outback, Scion tC, Toyota Matrix, and Lexus IS250. However, none of the other cards had the safety track record of the Lexus RX series. In addition, the Lexus, an AWD vehicle, can be used to drive to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Ski areas in the winter.
With a generously sized trunk, it has space for multiple surfboards inside (and with the built-in rack, some of the surfboards could also be strapped to the roof rack).
Vehicle
|
Overall death rate (with confidence limits)
|
Multi-vehicle crash death rate
|
Single-vehicle crash death rate
|
Rollover death rate
|
Model year span
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC90 4WD | 0 (0-33) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2008-11 |
| Lexus RX 350 4WD | 0 (0-20) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2010-11 |
| Mercedes-Benz M-Class 4WD | 3 (0-10) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2008-11 |
| Lexus RX 350 2WD | 6 (0-18) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2010-11 |
| Lincoln MKX 4WD | 12 (0-30) | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2008-11 |
| Acura MDX 4WD | 12 (0-24) | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2008-11 |
| Acura RDX 4WD | 12 (0-28) | 0 | 12 | 0 | 2008-11 |
| BMW X5 4WD | 14 (0-31) | 6 | 9 | 8 | 2008-11 |
| Lincoln MKX 2WD | 20 (0-43) | 14 | 6 | 7 | 2008-11 |
All 2011 Vehicles
|
28 (27-30)
|
12
|
5
|
2008-11
|
62,932,462
|
I owned a Lexus RX 300 FWD many years ago, and it was my most reliable car ever. For 10+ years and 150,000 miles, it had only a few minor problems. I hope that this 2008 Lexus RX also lasts as long.
Finding a Lexus on Craigslist was not an easy matter. I located numerous vehicles with problems, either poor condition, bad-smelling upholstery, or other glaring issues.
I installed an automatic Craigslist search application on my iPhone to get notified when a new listing became available. I had the following criteria in mind:
price: $5,000 to $9,000
make and model: lexus rx
model year: 2008-
odometer: under 130,000
title: clear
On June 29, I became aware of two Lexus RXs that matched my criteria. The first one was sold before I saw it. (We were going to see it in San Francisco when the owner informed me that another person was already looking at it). The second Lexus, located in Foster City, was still available.
When we arrived to look at the second Lexus RX, Inna immediately fell in love with it because it seemed to be in "like-new" condition. The owner let us drive the Lexus around the block, and we liked how it handled and sounded. We decided to purchase it immediately, even though I had some reservations about the front tires being worn out and the tire pressure light being on (one or more of the sensors are defective).
On July 3, 2019, I took the vehicle to Foreign Affair auto service to inspect it thoroughly and correct any mechanical issues.
According to Foreign Affairs, the Lexus RX350 required the following repairs:
On July 3, 2019, I took the vehicle to Foreign Affair auto service to inspect it thoroughly and correct any mechanical issues.
According to Foreign Affairs, the Lexus RX350 required the following repairs:
- Perform Major service by schedule 30k/60k/90k - $260
- engine oil, oil filter
- automatic transmission fluid
- gl5 transfer case
- gl5 rear differential
- coolant
- brake fluid
- air filter
- wiper blades
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Replace Front Brakes - $250
- brake pad set - $84.75
- Replace tpms sensors - $62.50
- 4 x $99 sensors replaced
- Replace front tires - $447.84
- 2 Michelin A/S tires 04213
- Wheel Weights - $11.96
- Replace Torque Rod - $62.50
- torque rod - $115.33
- Replace oil filter housing - $44.80
- Perform wheel alignment - $118.75
These auto repairs required two days to complete. I should have negotiated a lower price with the owner, as the vehicle was poorly cared for. It would have been beneficial to have taken the car to Foreign Affairs for a pre-inspection. Only one original car key was working, so I had to order 2 uncut, blank keys from Amazon and find an auto locksmith to cut and reprogram these keys.
The cost to cut and reprogram the two blank keys was $140 from Johny at Speedy Locksmith.
Here are the warning signs that I ignored:
The cost to cut and reprogram the two blank keys was $140 from Johny at Speedy Locksmith.
Here are the warning signs that I ignored:
- No service history - except for the most recent rear brake replacement
- Not using Lexus Service department (to save money)
- Low-pressure tire indicator was on (and not fixed by the owner)
- Missing owner's manual (now found)
- Only one working car key; others are taped up with scotch tape
- Garage looked disorganized
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