2025 Used Lexus RX300 Buying Guide: Grasp the Cost-Effective Luxury SUV and Avoid Pitfalls

As a benchmark model of mid-to-large luxury SUVs, the Lexus RX300 has always been favored by consumers pursuing comfort, reliability and luxury with its elegant appearance, refined interior and stable driving experience. In the 2025 used car market, the Lexus RX300 maintains good value retention and market liquidity. The second-hand price ranges from 200,000 yuan to 400,000 yuan depending on the year, configuration and vehicle condition—for example, 2022 models are around 320,000-380,000 yuan, while 2018 models are mostly below 250,000 yuan. However, due to its characteristics of 2.0T turbocharged engine and electronic control four-wheel drive system, there are specific points to pay attention to in vehicle condition identification and post-purchase maintenance. This guide will focus on the used Lexus RX300, providing a comprehensive purchasing plan from four core dimensions: preliminary preparation, vehicle condition identification, transaction practice and post-purchase maintenance.

I. Preliminary Preparation: Position Needs Accurately and Allocate Budget Scientifically

As a 5-door 5-seat mid-to-large SUV, the Lexus RX300 balances luxury comfort and practicality. To avoid impulsive purchases, it is necessary to clarify your own needs first and plan your budget reasonably, which is the premise of buying a satisfactory used car.

1. Demand Positioning: Match the Car with Usage Scenarios

First, clarify the core usage scenarios: if it is mainly used for daily urban commuting and family travel, the two-wheel drive version (such as the 2024 RX300 Junxiang Edition) is sufficient, with a fuel consumption of 7.8-8.5L/100km, which is economical and practical; if you often drive on complex road conditions such as mountain roads or wet and slippery roads, you can focus on the electronic control full-time four-wheel drive version. Its four-wheel drive system can dynamically adjust the front/rear axle power distribution between 75:25 and 50:50, ensuring driving stability. At the same time, clarify the necessary configurations: for users who pay attention to safety, models equipped with LSS+ 3.0 intelligent safety system (including active braking, adaptive cruise and other functions) are preferred; for those who pursue comfort, focus on configurations such as leather seats, nanoe™ X nano water ion generator and multi-layer sound insulation glass. Avoid overpaying for unnecessary configurations and achieve cost-effectiveness.

2. Budget Allocation: Consider Full-Cycle Costs

The total budget should cover "transaction price + hidden costs + subsequent maintenance fees". Combined with the 2025 market price of used Lexus RX300, the transaction price is recommended to account for 70%-75% of the total budget. Taking a total budget of 400,000 yuan as an example, the transaction price should be controlled within 300,000 yuan, and 100,000 yuan should be reserved for additional costs. Among them, hidden costs include third-party professional inspection fees (800-1200 yuan, focusing on engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system detection), ownership transfer fees (200-500 yuan), and insurance fees (4,000-8,000 yuan/year, including compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance such as vehicle damage insurance and third-party liability insurance). It should be noted that Lexus provides 4-year/100,000-kilometer free maintenance for fuel vehicles, so if the used car is still within the free maintenance period, the subsequent maintenance cost can be significantly reduced; for vehicles exceeding the period, reserve 15,000-25,000 yuan for maintenance, mainly for replacing aging parts such as shock absorbers, fuel injectors and four-wheel drive system components. For financial installment purchases, it is necessary to abide by the 2025 used car finance regulations, ensure that the interest rate does not exceed 4 times the LPR, and reject hidden service fees.

3. Channel Screening: Prioritize Transparent and Guaranteed Channels

When purchasing a used Lexus RX300, it is recommended to give priority to three types of channels: first, large chain used car platforms (such as Guazi Strict Selection, Dongchedi Used Cars), which provide 90-day vehicle condition guarantee and professional inspection reports, and clearly mark whether the vehicle has had accidents or key component replacements, but the price is 5%-10% higher than that of personal direct sales; second, Lexus official certified used cars, which mainly cover models within 3 years/100,000 kilometers, have passed more than 160 professional inspections by the manufacturer, and the three major components (engine, gearbox, chassis) enjoy extended warranty, which is the most reassuring choice for pursuing after-sales security, especially for vehicles still within the free maintenance period; third, personal direct sales channels (such as local Lexus owner groups, WeChat Moments), the price is relatively favorable, but it is necessary to independently complete vehicle condition identification and transaction procedures, and it is recommended to record audio and video throughout the process and sign a standardized contract. Avoid roadside small intermediaries and low-price bait car sources, which are prone to problems such as concealed accident history, tampered mileage and uncompleted recall repairs.

II. Vehicle Condition Identification: Focus on Core Components and Key Parts

The vehicle condition of the used Lexus RX300 is mainly concentrated in the 2.0T turbocharged engine, 6AT/8AT gearbox, electronic control four-wheel drive system and body structure. Combining professional detection methods and key part inspection, we can effectively avoid accident cars, flooded cars and odometer-tampered cars. Especially for models produced between 2018 and 2022, it is necessary to focus on the recall of high-pressure fuel pumps.

1. Exterior Inspection: Focus on the Integrity of Body Structure

The front face design of the Lexus RX300 is distinctive, and special attention should be paid to the integrity of the body structure during inspection. First, walk around the car three times to observe whether the body paint is uniform and whether there are color differences, sagging or scratches. Use a paint film meter to detect the paint thickness (the original factory paint thickness is generally 100-180μm). If the value of the front engine hood, left fender or A-pillar exceeds 300μm, it may have undergone sheet metal repair, and it is necessary to further check whether there is a front or side collision. Open the engine hood to check whether the fender screws, engine hood screws and front防撞梁 screws have disassembly marks (such as paint peeling and scratches). If there are disassembly traces, it may indicate that the front end has been in an accident and parts such as the water tank have been replaced. In addition, check whether all the glass of the vehicle is original (the production date on the glass should be consistent with the vehicle's production date), and whether the door hinge screws and trunk lock screws have disassembly traces. Pay special attention to the rear bumper and trunk floor to avoid buying cars with rear-end collision history.

2. Interior Inspection: Judge Usage Condition and Functional Integrity

Enter the car and first smell the odor. If there is a pungent musty smell or disinfectant smell, it may be a flooded car. Check the metal parts at the bottom of the seats, the bottom of the steering wheel and the bottom of the center console for rust or water stains. Check the wear degree of the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. If the displayed mileage is less than 60,000 kilometers but there is obvious wear on the edge of the seats and the grip of the steering wheel, it may be an odometer-tampered car. Test all functional buttons one by one, including the central control screen, air conditioning system, electric sunroof, electric tailgate, and LSS+ intelligent safety system functions, to ensure they work normally. Connect an OBD detector to read the vehicle's driving data and fault codes, focusing on whether there are fault records related to the engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system, and confirm whether the recall items such as high-pressure fuel pumps have been completed, which can intuitively reflect the historical condition of the vehicle.

3. Power and Chassis Inspection: Focus on Engine, Gearbox and Four-Wheel Drive System

The power system is the core of the Lexus RX300, and the test drive and chassis inspection must not be ignored. During the test drive, focus on three points: first, the engine's power output, whether the acceleration is smooth, whether there is jitter or abnormal noise, and whether there is black smoke from the exhaust pipe (indicating possible fuel injector failure); second, the performance of the 6AT/8AT gearbox, whether the gear shifting is smooth, whether there is obvious frustration when starting or shifting at low speed, and whether there is abnormal noise during operation; third, the performance of the four-wheel drive system (for four-wheel drive versions), test the driving condition on non-paved roads to check whether the power distribution is timely and whether there is abnormal noise. If conditions permit, lift the vehicle to check the chassis: check whether there is collision damage or oil leakage (engine oil, gearbox oil) in the chassis, whether the exhaust pipe has glue repair marks (indicating possible air leakage), and whether the subframe and four-wheel drive system components have replacement traces. Pay special attention to the shock absorbers for oil leakage, which is a common problem of high-mileage RX300.

4. Document Verification: Confirm Legitimacy and No Disputes

Carefully verify the relevant documents of the used Lexus RX300 to ensure that the vehicle can be transferred normally without disputes. Key verification documents include: vehicle driving license, registration certificate (big green book), owner's ID card, compulsory traffic insurance policy, vehicle history report and recall repair certificate. Check the registration certificate to confirm whether the vehicle has mortgage, seizure or other records, and the number of ownership transfers is recommended not to exceed 3 times. The more transfers, the greater the uncertainty of the vehicle condition. Confirm that the owner's identity is consistent with the information on the registration certificate to avoid agent sales disputes. According to the 2025 new regulations, the merchant must provide a vehicle history report, which should include accident records, maintenance records, mileage changes, recall records, etc. Focus on checking whether there is a record of major accidents, gearbox replacement, engine overhaul or uncompleted recall of high-pressure fuel pumps. If the merchant refuses to provide the report, it is recommended to give up the transaction directly.

5. Key Reminder: Common Fault Points of Lexus RX300

When purchasing a used Lexus RX300, pay special attention to its common fault points: first, high-pressure fuel pump problems. Models produced between 2018 and 2022 have the risk of fuel leakage due to insufficient pressure resistance of internal parts, so it is necessary to confirm whether the recall repair has been completed; second, fuel injector failure, which is prone to blockage and damage, leading to unstable engine operation, so it is necessary to check the maintenance records and use OBD to read fault codes; third, shock absorber oil leakage and aging, which will affect driving comfort and stability, and need to be checked by lifting the vehicle; fourth, electronic component failures, such as central control screen freezing and electric tailgate jamming, which need to be tested one by one during the inspection. For vehicles with a service life of more than 5 years or a mileage of more than 100,000 kilometers, it is recommended to increase the proportion of the maintenance budget to avoid subsequent high maintenance costs.

III. Transaction Practice: Standardize Operations to Avoid Risks

After confirming that the vehicle condition of the used Lexus RX300 is up to standard, standardized transaction operations are the key to ensuring the safety of funds and vehicles. Every link from price negotiation to ownership transfer must be handled carefully.

1. Price Negotiation: Based on Market Conditions and Vehicle Condition

Before negotiation, refer to the market price of the same model on platforms such as Dongchedi (the 2024 RX300 Junxiang Edition is about 350,000-380,000 yuan, and the 2022 four-wheel drive version is about 320,000-350,000 yuan) and take the median value as the reference. Adjust the price according to the actual vehicle condition: if the vehicle is a near-new car within 1 year/20,000 kilometers, with complete maintenance records and no defects, the price can be 5%-8% higher than the market median; if there is minor sheet metal painting or partial component replacement (non-core components), the price can be reduced by 10%-15%; if there is a record of engine overhaul, gearbox replacement, major accidents or uncompleted recall, it is recommended to give up the purchase, or reduce the price by more than 30% and require the merchant to provide a 1-year core component warranty. During the negotiation, you can put forward additional conditions such as "including third-party inspection fees, package ownership transfer and confirming the remaining free maintenance period" to reduce subsequent costs.

2. Contract Signing: Highlight Key Clauses

Must sign the national unified "Used Car Sales Contract" and avoid the merchant's self-made contract. Focus on clarifying three core clauses: first, vehicle condition commitment, clearly stating that the vehicle has no major accidents, no flooding, no odometer tampering, no hidden faults in the engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system, and all recall items have been completed. If the inspection finds inconsistencies, the merchant must fully refund and compensate for the inspection fee and maintenance costs; second, ownership transfer time, agreeing to complete the transfer within 3-7 working days after signing the contract, and the merchant shall pay liquidated damages for each day of delay; third, warranty clause, clarifying that the engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system enjoy a 6-month/10,000-kilometer warranty, and the scope of warranty and claim settlement process are clearly defined. When signing the contract, the owner must sign in person, check that the signature is consistent with the ID card, record audio and video throughout the process, and keep the original contract and copies of both parties' ID cards.

3. Payment Method: Prioritize Safe Transactions

Prioritize bank transfer or third-party payment platform transfer, and note "used Lexus RX300 purchase money + license plate number" in the transfer remarks to retain the transfer voucher. Avoid cash transactions to prevent disputes such as "unreceived payment". If applying for installment payment, choose formal financial institutions such as banks, sign a detailed loan contract, and clearly clarify the repayment amount, repayment period, interest rate, prepayment liquidated damages and other information. Reject verbal commitments and ensure that all terms are written into the contract. After payment, ask the merchant to issue a formal receipt, indicating the amount received, the reason for receipt and the date of receipt.

4. Ownership Transfer: Follow Up Throughout the Process

Ownership transfer is the key link to obtain legal ownership of the vehicle. The required materials include: ID cards of both buyers and sellers, vehicle driving license, registration certificate, compulsory traffic insurance policy, used car sales contract, third-party inspection report and recall repair certificate. The transfer process: first go to the vehicle management office for vehicle inspection (verify the vehicle identification code, engine number and other information), then go to the business hall to handle the transfer procedures, pay the transfer fee, and collect the new driving license and registration certificate. In 2025, many cities have opened online transfer channels, which can submit materials through the vehicle management office's official website or APP, and collect documents offline after online approval, which is more efficient. After the transfer is completed, it is necessary to timely change the beneficiary of the vehicle insurance and confirm the inheritance of the remaining free maintenance rights with the Lexus 4S store to avoid disputes in subsequent claims and maintenance.

IV. Post-Purchase Maintenance: Scientific Maintenance to Extend Service Life

The Lexus RX300 has strict requirements for post-maintenance, and its free maintenance policy is a major advantage. Doing a good job in post-purchase maintenance can effectively reduce failure risks and extend the vehicle's service life. It is recommended to complete the following five things within one month after picking up the car.

1. Comprehensive Maintenance: Make Good Use of Free Maintenance and Replace Wear Parts

First, confirm the remaining free maintenance period and items with the Lexus 4S store. If the vehicle is still within the period, go to the store to complete the necessary maintenance for free. Regardless of whether the merchant claims "recent maintenance", it is recommended to conduct a comprehensive inspection. Focus on the following items: replace fully synthetic engine oil (recommended to use Toyota pure brand 0W-20 oil), oil filter, air filter and air conditioning filter; check the gearbox oil, brake fluid, coolant, and replace them in time if the fluid is deteriorated or the level is insufficient (the 6AT/8AT gearbox oil of RX300 needs to be replaced every 60,000 kilometers, and if the previous maintenance record is unclear, it is recommended to replace it immediately); check the tires, brake pads and brake discs, and replace them directly if there is excessive wear or cracks. The cost of comprehensive maintenance for vehicles exceeding the free period is about 2,500-4,500 yuan, which can effectively eliminate potential faults caused by improper previous maintenance.

2. Deep Cleaning: Improve Driving Experience

Carry out deep cleaning on the vehicle, including interior detailing (clean seats, carpets and center console, and treat leather seats with maintenance), air conditioning system cleaning (replace air conditioning filter, clean evaporator and sterilize and deodorize) and engine compartment cleaning (remove oil stains and dust, and check for aging wires and oil leakage). For vehicles with a long service life, it is recommended to wax or coat the body to protect the paint surface. Pay special attention to cleaning the four-wheel drive system components and checking for wire aging to avoid safety hazards. The cost of deep cleaning is about 1,000-2,000 yuan, which can significantly improve the driving environment and vehicle appearance.

3. Fault Diagnosis: Professional Detection of Core Components

Go to the Lexus 4S store to conduct a professional fault diagnosis using special diagnostic equipment, focusing on detecting the engine, gearbox, four-wheel drive system and electronic control system, reading hidden fault codes, and checking whether the fuel injector, high-pressure fuel pump and shock absorber work normally. Confirm again whether all recall items have been completed. Even if the third-party inspection shows that the vehicle condition is good, this step is still necessary to avoid missed detection of potential faults. The diagnostic cost is about 500-800 yuan, which is a necessary investment for peace of mind.

4. Insurance Configuration: Purchase on Demand

After the ownership transfer, configure the vehicle insurance in a timely manner. Compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory. For commercial insurance, it is recommended to purchase vehicle damage insurance, third-party liability insurance (insured amount of more than 3 million yuan) and non-deductible insurance for the Lexus RX300. For models with LSS+ intelligent safety system, you can appropriately add insurance related to intelligent driving. Avoid blindly purchasing "full insurance" and also do not save money by giving up key insurance types. The annual commercial insurance cost is about 4,000-8,000 yuan, which can provide comprehensive protection for subsequent use.

5. Daily Maintenance: Develop Good Habits

Develop good daily driving and maintenance habits: regularly check the engine oil level and coolant level, and avoid driving with insufficient oil or coolant; avoid sudden acceleration and sudden braking, which can reduce the wear of the gearbox and brake system; for four-wheel drive versions, avoid long-term driving on rough roads to reduce the wear of the four-wheel drive system; regularly clean the air filter and fuel injector to ensure the engine's power output; when the vehicle is not in use for a long time, start it once a week and run it for 10-15 minutes to avoid battery depletion. It is recommended to conduct regular maintenance every 10,000 kilometers, and take full advantage of the free maintenance policy within the period. After the period, choose official 4S stores or professional repair shops with Lexus maintenance experience.

The used Lexus RX300 is a cost-effective choice for consumers who pursue luxury, comfort and reliability, but it is necessary to grasp the core points of vehicle condition identification and post-purchase maintenance. As long as you accurately position your needs, strictly check the vehicle condition (especially recall items), standardize transaction operations and do a good job in scientific maintenance, you can easily get a high-quality used Lexus RX300. If you have questions about the evaluation of specific years of the Lexus RX300, the judgment of four-wheel drive system faults or the confirmation of free maintenance rights, you can consult further with specific information to help you complete the purchase more smoothly.