New Rx300 Owner

[Ken_1969]

Hi,

Had to switch my Mercedes CLK 200 for something more practical due to the arrival of our new german shepherd dog, looked at everything from estates to 4X4's but decided that 4WD / AWD would be useful as we have a couple of times ended up stranded in mud at music festivals / car boot sales and in the ever-increasing icy winters.

Looked at the Jag X-Type AWD Estate as well as Honda CRV's, Mercedes M series and BMW X3/X5. Had never really looked at a Lexus before but read lots of great reviews, so I found a couple this week going at great prices. Really liked the look of one I found yesterday - only 65k miles - and was amazed at the spec compared to similarly priced Merc's and Beemers. 2003 model in cerulean blue with Oakham Beige leather interior. Very nicely kept inside and out, sunroof, privacy glass to the rear, remote boot open and close, fold-in mirrors, reversing camera, satnav and touch screen controls for climate etc, air suspension, heated / memory seats, telescoping adjustable steering wheel - pretty much every luxury gadget available at the time it was made.

Test drove it against a slightly newer RX300 which had higher mileage and was a bit beaten up by comparison, plus a Merc M500 and BMW X3 and it was definitely the best of the bunch - very comfortable ride but not too soft in the corners, so it took very little for me to go ahead and buy it.

It was the low miles with full Lexus dealer service history - including loads of original receipts - that swung it for me in the end.

Only negatives - minor crack on the trim of the left near-side door, and a missing parcel tray which the dealer is trying to source for me. Also the stereo has no MP3 / AUX capability. Other than that it's a fantastic set of wheels. :)

Figured I'd find the owners club and say "hi".

Dealer pics here - will put some of my own up when I get time.