New to Me 2005 RX330

[Allandr81]

Hello all,

   I just picked up a 2005 RX330 from a family member and was wondering if there are any hotspots or must fix items to keep an eye out for or to take care of before they become a problem. Car has a little over 200k and has had recent Timing Belt and Water Pump change. Fortunately it comes from a 1 owner family member and I know it has been taken well care of, but coming from the 4runner world was wondering if there are any things to keep an eye out for. For example, the 3rd Gen 4runners have a bad Lower Ball Joint design which requires special attention, as well as transmission cooler issues.  Only things I have found so far is I replaced the Bank 1 Sensor 2 O2 sensor to clear a P0037 code and the rear tailgate power door doesn't work. It opens/closes fine, but I assume "power door" means its supposed to open on its own.  Other than the cracking dash (4runners have the same issue), nothing appears to be wrong beyond typical interior dirt and wear.

 

Anything I should look out for?  I'm getting it Maryland inspected (pretty thorough) and plan on doing fluid changes (oil, front/rear diff, trans drain and fill). But any other thoughts? I know it is essentially a fancy Toyota Avalon or Highlander, but anything that can add a bit more pep? Not looking for a race car, coming from a v8 4runner wouldn't mind a bit more acceleration into merging into traffic. Assume the answer is no without extensive mods like new exhaust or basic maintenance like new plugs, but figured I'd ask.

 

Thanks,

[RX400h]

The first thing I would do is compare the previous owner's receipts with the vehicle's maintenance schedule to see if there were any gaps.

According to Consumer Reports, the RX330 has been very reliable, but at its current age, maintenance adherence over time is very important.

[Allandr81]

Thanks, will do. Fortunately it has literally been owned by a little old lady who only drives around town (my wife's aunt) and the glove box is full of all the past work orders. Reliability is part of the reason I took it off her hands. Usually not a brand name guy, but Toyota has been good to me. Have had 2 different 4runners, a Camry, and Tundra all make it past 300k without any real issues.

Just trying to make sure there aren't any gotcha or must fix items on this body. Like I said the 3rd gen 4runner / 2nd Taco has a notoriously bad LBJ design that requires frequent checks / changes. The 4th Gen 4runner has a secondary air pump issue w/ the VVTI engine (v8) that is better taken care of before it goes. Doesn't look like there is anything on this one except maybe change an oil cooler line as preventative?

[RX400h]

I would say so, but hopefully, a long-time owner will chime in.

Regarding your second sentence. If the vehicle was subjected to mostly short trips, I'd verify that oil changes were completed by the recommended length of time, not by mileage. Whenever I take out any of our vehicles, I make sure that I include at least 15 miles of highway. That way, the oil gets fully hot and the battery, fully charged (topped off).