Critical Insights and Tips In Assessing a Used Lexus RX 350
Before anyone spends money on a mechanical inspection, it would be nice to discern what a trained eye might see as obvious deficiencies and save yourself the inconveniences. Often, a Lexus RX 350 will “scream out” when it hasn’t been respected for the gem it truly is. And many years of honoring these vehicles has enable us to assemble a common glossary of telltales for your benefit.
Common Telltales of Lexus RX 350s
One of the very first observations we’ve learnt over the years is the hood. The RX is very aerodynamic. It sucks the wind around the vehicle. If the vehicle is driven on aggressively sanded or gravely streets or roads it will chip the front 1/3 of the hood. A caring owner will immediately have a set of plastic “3M” protecting film installed over top the factory finish to prevent further damage. If the owner hasn’t, one has to question the owner’s “care” factor.
Putting The Pieces Together
Congruency tells it all. OK the owner may have not had any knowledge of the protectent, so you need to see if there’s a pattern in ignoring obvious problems. The wheels – Lexus is known for demonstrating aggressive parking styles by producing blatant curb rash on the wheels. Usually the right side, the front say it all. Look for the fit of headlights, taillights, bumpers to fenders and rear quarter panels. Lexus is precise in it’s construction. They’re like Lego. It should be precise and tight. Otherwise if there’s a gap or misalignment, there may have been improper repair done.
The Entry and Inside of The RX is a Report Card of The Owner
When I open the Driver’s door I look to see if the seat belt has been allowed to drag and damage the inside striker and door jamb. A Lexus seat belt almost always returns when treated properly. If not it gets trapped in a closing door which tells me the owner doesn’t think much of his or her RX. Think about once or twice and you change your ways or get it looked at. Cup holders front and back are another great clue. Are they reasonably clean? Do they work correctly? Another consideration is the rear luggage compartment hide-away cover. Is it torn, clean or even gone missing? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found them torn, filthy and abused.
The Driver’s Side Says a Great Deal
How about the driver’s side carpet area. Lift the rubber mat and factory mats. Has dirt been allowed to gather in the curved areas on the left side? Is the hard plastic foot rest on the left side filthy? Look to see if gravel and dirt have been allowed to dig into the carpet on the very edge of the plastic? This tells me a great deal of the level respect the owner had for his Lexus. Want to make sure it was a non-smoking vehicle. Take the lighter out and smell it. No matter how much you clean them they will always smell like a cigarette if they were ever used. Also have a close look at the brake and gas pedals to see if there is any wear markings on the left edges. An RX 350 with less than a 1000,000 KMs should have minimal wear.
The Interior Cabin Space
Take the time to carefully examine the door trim panels and upholstery for punctures or tears. Often, an inconsiderate owner will allow punctures to go un-repaired and worsen. Seat backs may have excessive boot rubs that actually need to be redyed. These and many other rubs and wear marks will tell you how proud the owner was of his vehicle. Take the time to inspect the interior roof liner. On the RX 350 the liner is easily damaged. Especially the rear quarter panels. They are nearly impossible to clean and repair and at a replacement cost of $950.00 plus installation one wants to be very careful in their purchase.
If it Passes the Initial Viewing
If the RX 350 passes your initial test drive and viewing and deserves a closer inspection from a technician take the next step of due diligence by ordering a CarProof on the vehicle. A wise seller will already have one to give you. If it’s older than a week get your own. So much can happen in a week. An accident could have been reported and fixed. But most important a lien could have been placed for any reason. Go to to CarProof.com and order a report. Chose the Verified. It is worth the money. Everything about the vehicle is there. Including all accident history, theft, or odometer issues. It’s the best money you’ll spend before you take it to a technician.
