PharmGuy

Hello, I previously owned a 2001 RX 300, which I got CPO. I have just recently replaced it with a new 2010 RX 350 (I looked at the RX 450h, but couldn't convince myself into a hybrid). I didn't try an Acura, the closest Acura dealer was some 40-50 miles out, but I did, and came close to buying an Audi Q5. The ride was much stiffer, ala performance related. And I did try out an Mercedes Benz (but the interior noise was the loudest of all 3)...hmm. I'm happy with my choice of the new RX 2010, I was pleased at the dependability of my prior vehicle, and the new style was just fine by me. Although, I did have a tougher time finding the Truffle Mica, I was able to find one in the greater Boston area (actually a choice of models/options, even). After a test drive, a little discussion on price, and we closed the deal. I was very impressed with the dealership (Herb Chambers Lexus in Sharon, MA), they had an awesome selection, a decent deal both ways, and the vehicle was ready when promised, all spiffed up. Good Luck with your decision, PharmGuy (Paul)

Greetings from Massachusetts, I have a 2001 RX 300, that has 119K miles, runs good, but the only problem I have had recently, is the exhaust system. I couldn't pass the state inspection due a hole in the pipe. But I suppose that's going to happen. I have been looking to do an updating, mostly waiting till springtime...but if the right CPO comes along...I'll move on it. Great vehicles, dependable, and I would plan to buy another Lexus...I can't see myself going back to a Pontiac....and my neighbor, who owns a Mercedes, seems like his car in for service every other month... hmmmm. Drive Safe Paul

Hey DesiINCT, I currently own a 2001 RX 300, which I'm thinking of updating into a hybrid, also. I am in MA, but close to the CT. border. If you don't mind sharing where you got a deal, I would be interested. The only problem I have, is the friend, mechanic, doesn't do hybrids, but can refer me to someone, that works on the side. I have to admit, it's been far and away, the best vehicle I've ever owned. I guess, once you're pasted 50....you can occasionally treat yourself. Thanxs, PharmGuy (Paul)

Ok, I haven't posted in awhile, but I'll give my take on a 2001 RX-300. I purchased an AWD 2001, in 2003, used off lease. Figured since my son was out of college, finances were good, my wife could afford a nice vehicle (traded in a Pontiac). It's been an excellent choice, minimal problems really, and as it's now close to 90K, it's really the first car I haven't looked forward to trading in! I agree with RX in NC, DO the maintainance. I have a friend who purchased a Mercedes about the same time, and his vehicle seems to be for repairs almost quarterly. Loaned him my car over the last vacation too, since it was just going to sit in my garage. If he buys anything, I know it's not going to be a Mercedes. Drive careful and best of luck, PharmGuy (Paul)

Ok, last time I had to use the Lexus dealership for service, they actually asked me which loaner I would prefer..... 2005 RX-330 or a 2005 ES. Since I've driven the Rx-330 before, I took the ES, which my wife liked......hmmm....might not have been a good idea....she's suddenly thinking her Altima isn't as nice PharmGuy (Paul)

Hey Craig, I'm not sure about the cars, but when I was buying my RX-300, I drove 2 ML-320's, and I must say, they rode like TRUCKS! The ride was rough, neither seemed very quiet, didn't seem to be quality vehicles (even though it was a MB dealership), and lastly the one that I liked had low miles, but looked like it was driven 80% off-road. I know Mercedes has had years of excellence, but they need to still work harder. Resting on your past....only seems to give you a history. I would buy another Lexus, and probably will. PharmGuy (Paul)

Hey jgr7, I own a 2001 RX-300, which needed a windshield replacement about 1 year ago. And Yes, same thing, I was behind a trunk and it dropped a few pebbles from the load. One stone definitely cracked the windshield, but fortunately didn't knick the vehicle. We have 100% coverage of auto glass in the state of MA, so getting it repaired was easy. But it took them 3 times to get it sealed properly. And a little lecture from the insurance carrier finally got them to redo it with a new windshield and new molding and new gasket. VOILA! I too had the wind whistle before the job was correctly finished. Just stick to your guns, get the job done to YOUR satisfaction, because....remember .. it's YOUR vehicle. Good Luck, PharmGuy (Paul)

Geez, I'll fess up. Both my wife and I are 50, bought our RX-300 when we were 49. She claims it was to cover my mid-life crisis, I claim it was an investment from having previous poor trade-in vehicles. We first needed to cover the cost of our son's college, THEN a little money for rainy day fund, THEN a better car......btw, we traded in a Pontiac Bonneville and she drives her Nissan Altima V-6 (and it's newer too). PharmGuy (Paul)

Kinda interesting, and I'll fling my 2 cents in, just because I test-drove a 2000 ML320 before I bought my 2001 RX-300. It drove just like a truck..... PERIOD. I didn't find the ride comfortable, or relaxing, it was just stiff. I had owned a F-150 a few years earlier, and the ML320 didn't ride a whole much smoother. When I looked at a Lexus, I was definitely impressed at the smooth ride. And, lastly, the reliablity of Mercedes was sub-standard to the Lexus. If I was going to plunk down 25K or more, I wanted a quality vehicle. I was just sick of having a vehicle, 5 yrs, dealing with repair issues, then trading it in and getting the equivalent of a "Bag of Peanuts" for my car. So far..I'm thrilled.....at 70K miles, the only problem I've had is electrical, and it was easily fixed. PharmGuy

Hmmmm.....I think I'll toss my 8 cents in (self-adjusting for inflation). I recently had my 2001 RX-300 in, due to my own stupidity. Since it was late in the day, THEY offered a loaner (I didn't have to ask). Their only request was try to limit the mileage. It was a 2005 GS-300. I must say I enjoyed the change, but I missed the elevation of riding in my RX. Also LexKid......thanks for the info on Inskip.....I only stepped foot on their lot once.....and I got that "That car is just what you need" line.....Hmmmmm. <_< PharmGuy

Heya Lexdog, I purchased a CPO 2001 RX-300 in Oct 2003 and paid 27K, which roughly had the same mileage as the vehicle you purchased. I definitely wanted a "Certified Pre-Owned" since the few I saw through private sales looked only so-so. The one difference was I had them do up the 60K mileage service with the timing belt replacement. Only guessing, but it sounds like a decent deal. Remember, some times a "steal" is only a "steal" if it doesn't come with someone elses headaches. Good Luck, PharmGuy

Hey den, One of my semi-friends just traded his H2 in for a 2005 GX470. I happened to run into him, sweet looking vehicle. Said the H2 got low mileage, but his biggest complaint was it drove like a dump truck! He's happy with his GX470 too. Now, it doesn't look like he's driving an armored car. PharmGuy

:whistles: I drive the RX-300 in the family (2001), and my wife has her 2002 Altima V-6. The only compliant is she gets the garage. But I'll live.

Nice looking vehicles, Husker and Booyah. Pharmguy

Nice Stevie! You gotta love New England. I backed my vehicle in Saturday morning. Got up Sunday--- ran the snowblower---and took it for a drive. Didn't have any problems in the snow--- Give us some more!