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"Used Lexus RX Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price!"
Lexus pioneered the "crossover" SUV with the RX 300 in 1999. And with genes like this, the further development of the RX over the years has continued to impress. In fact, this midsize luxury crossover SUV has been a consumer favorite from the beginning due to its plush ride, roomy cabin, popular high-tech features and impressive reliability record.
For shoppers who may buy a used Lexus RX, here's some information which may help you narrow down your choices.
The five-passenger RX 300 was produced for the 1999-2003 model years. And with its super-smooth powertrain, refined interior and appealing road manners, it had a lot to offer.
Under the hood was a competent 3.0 liter V6 that produced 220 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard features included full power accessories, power front seats, foglights,16-inch alloy wheels, "auto-down" windows, automatic climate control, a cassette player, front-seat side airbags and antilock brakes (ABS).
Used RX 300 models can also be found with options such as navigation, leather upholstery, a power moonroof and a wood-rimmed steering wheel, HID headlights and chrome wheels.
The RX 330 was introduced for the 2004 model year. It added more features, more size and more power.
This new RX generation, covering model years from 2004 to 2006, continued to be loosely based on the Lexus ES/Toyota Camry sedan platform. Overall length grew 5.9 inches with a 4-inch longer wheelbase, but it retained its 5-passenger status rather than cramping in a third row. The result was more passenger and cargo space.
The engine was enlarged to a 3.3 liter (hence the RX 330 name) V6 that produced 230 horsepower, an increase of 10 from the RX 300. The new engine was coupled with a new five-speed automatic transmission, replacing a four-speed. And as in the earlier model, there was a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (the AWD does not have low-range gearing and is not intended for challenging off-road use).
New standard features included larger 17-inch alloy wheels and a CD player. And new options included a adaptive cruise control, a DVD entertainment system, a back-up camera, an excellent Mark Levinson stereo system, an adjustable air suspension and adaptive headlights.
The RX 400h was Lexus' first hybrid, introduced in 2006, and produced 268 horsepower with a V6 engine and three battery-driven electric motors. It's mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with its near infinite number of drive ratios. And like the Toyota Prius, no plug-in charging is required.
Standard on the 400h are luxury features such as 18 inch wheels, leather upholstery, steering-linked xenon headlamps, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a voice-control navigation system with a rearview camera.
The Lexus RX 350 debuted for the 2007 model year and is essentially the same luxury SUV as the 2004-2006 RX 330, but with a slightly larger, although significantly more powerful, engine as well as more sound insulation. The 350's 3.5 liter V6 produces a robust 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque and is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. Again, both front and all-wheel drive versions are available.
Standard features on the 350 RX include traction control, antiskid control, a tire-pressure monitor, 17 inch wheels, one-touch windows, 10-way power seats, dual-zone climate control, a power liftgate, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (ABS), front side airbags, curtain side airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and a 40/20/40 split rear seat with slide and recline adjustments.
Overall, we feel the Lexus RX is an excellent used SUV choice for those looking for a more upscale crossover. And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save when buying one.
How To Buy A Pre-Owned Lexus RX At The Best Price:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used RX at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area ... no license required. While this will take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed some truly excellent opportunities for those who shop these events, especially given the current economic climate.
TWO - Spot Wholesale Opportunities On Dealer Lots:
The technique explained here is incredibly effective and involves learning how to identify high quality but "price-distressed" used RXs for sale right on dealer lots, ones they are extemely desperate to sell and potentially ready to unload.
THREE - Set Up A Dealer Competition:
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Lexus RX, there are some great deals to be had right now if you know how.
People swear by this well-proven method for getting the absolute best prices on new cars or SUVs. This method is particularly effective in the current slow economic environment.
