Bought used 2000 Lexus RX 300 with 133,00 miles in March 2015. I've never purchased a car with over 60k before, so this was kind of an experiment.

The fun began almost immediately.

The car needed a new transmission by 140,000 miles. Okay, that seemed reasonable; I wasn't happy, but I can't fault the original transmission for going out at close to 140k. A Lexus dealership replaced the transmission under an extended warranty, but I only came out of pocket for the deductible and the $80 tow bill, so I couldn't complain - right?

WRONG.

The replacement tranny only lasted 8,000 miles before it had to be replaced again (so far we've got almost 18k on the third transmission, so finger's crossed. The replacement tranny isn't the fault of the manufacturer, so I can't blame Lexus. Again, it didn't cost me anything other than $80 tow bill because the warranty was still in effect for the replacement transmission. Oops, the extended warranty didn't cover cost of rental car for a week ($150); yes it took a week to replace the transmission at a Lexus dealership. Oh well, buyer beware. However, since I had the transmission replaced a second time - I've had a never-ending string of major/minor repairs.

Replaced the timing belt and water pump at the suggestion of my mechanic for preventative maintenance. $800 Check engine light came on at 145,000 miles. Tune up needed. $150 Replaced the door lock actuator for rear doors; power door locks wouldn't lock all the doors. $400 Replaced both rear seat belt pre-tensioners because my kids informed me that the seat belts were both slack. $180 Replaced the key at the Lexus dealership because there were no other options for a key. $300 Replaced the housing of the replacement key at the Lexus dealership $100 Bought another new key (again, because chip in key wasn't communicating with the ignition switch). ((2nd replacement key still works but the housing on the key housing cracked and new will no longer attach to a keyring.)) $300 Replaced the battery. $150 (not at Lexus, because I used up all the warranty on the trannies.) Replaced the alternator. $400 (same going forward) Tow bill was $80 Replaced the ignition switch and re-keyed the ignition because neither key would start the car. $400 Tow bill was $80 Check engine light came on at 148k; needed a new fuel cap. $20 Replaced the driver's front seat because the power height adjustment went out. $2,000 Replaced the front brake pads and rotors because Brake light came on. $400 Check engine light came on at 150,000 miles; car would not start. Replaced a fuel sensor. $200 (plus $80 tow bill) Major oil leak while sitting in driveway (half a quart at least, and Oil light came on). Replaced gaskets. $800 Headlight went out. $50 Other headlight went out a month later. $50 (thankfully, or not, no light came on the dash to tell me that the headlight went out. Check engine light came on again at 155,000 miles. Tune-up and replaced valve sensor. $400 If you add in oil-changes, wiper blades, air filters, and tires - and I've literally ended up spending more on repairs and maintenance since I bought the car than it originally cost me to buy less than 2 years ago (not including the two transmissions) . The moral of the story? Don't buy an old Lexus unless you can afford to keep it running. The RX 300 is smooth as silk and drives great. It looks great, it's quiet, powerful, and gets decent gas mileage (21 mpg city).

I would not recommend anyone getting one with 133,000 miles and expecting to do nothing but oil changes. My experiment failed, and if I had it to do over again (which I have since then).... buy a car with under 60k. I can't necessarily fault Lexus for this and don't consider it a lemon since it had 133k when I purchased it, but I won't ever buy a 130k car from any manufacturer and hope for the best.

Just replaced both o2 sensors. Drove 140 miles out of state and engine light came on. Stayed in motel to go home in daylight. Next day was Sunday and test revealed solenoid d and e alert. Started home and it kept jumping out of gear and rpm at max, started smoking on interstate, thought it was on fire! Had to be towed 100 miles! Now won't go anywhere. New dealer transmission $5000. Can't afford right now, supporting 8 family members now homeless due to down economy.. Please let me know if Lexus can be made to replace transmission!

Everyone says you can drive a Lexus forever. You can if you want to buy it twice. Once my car hit 100,000 miles I have had to repair a rear seal, rear window wiper, a timing chain and most recently my transmission. The dealer only replaces the transmission, there is no attempt at repair. I took my car to another shop which was only slightly less then the dealership. Now my car is leak some kind of red oil, and it is not transmission oil. I am told it is some kind of seal that is found on upscale cars. Never again.