Item: Used Lexus RX 2000 - 2003
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

The ultimate in luxury 4x4s at affordable prices

Used Lexus RX 2000 - 2003

As a used buy, this version of the RX is much cheaper than you may expect. It's also a lot less expensive than the likes of the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Volvo XC90 at the same age, making it something of a bargain.

For a big 4x4 the running costs aren't too bad, either. Servicing and insurance look good, and the Lexus's group 15 rating is lower than that of petrol versions of both the X5 and XC90. You can also expect fuel economy of more than 20mpg, which compares well to petrol versions of the contemporary Land Rover Discovery, XC90 and X5. However, bear in mind there is no diesel RX available.

In the unlikely event that you need unscheduled work on an RX, you'll find labour rates at dealers are quite high, but that, on average, repair costs are, well, average.

The ultimate in luxury 4x4s at affordable prices

So limited is the choice of models that your biggest decision is over what colour you want. The RX was on sale as a new car for less than three years, and throughout that time, it only came with one engine (a 3.0-litre V6 petrol) and one gearbox, a four-speed automatic.

The choice of trims is between standard and SE only. However, the basic car is so well equipped that there's precious little point shelling out the extra for the SE.

All models have an automatic gearbox, climate control, a CD changer, all-round electric windows and electric mirrors, as well as anti-lock brakes, traction control and four airbags. On top of that, the SE has an electric sunroof, leather upholstery and cruise control, but the difference in price between the two models is well into four figures, even in the used market.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Logical and beautifully built interior, with great infotainment</li> <li>More than enough space for five passengers or, even better, seven</li> <li>Strong performance along with impressive efficiency</li> <li>Composed handling that limits any feeling of unwieldiness</li></ul>

We class a luxury SUV as being anything where our pick of the range costs more than £45,000 – and at this price point, buyers' expectations are high. So, as well as all of the qualities that make regular SUVs such well-rounded choices –&nbsp;such as decent space for passengers and luggage, a classy interior and robust materials – we also want a cosseting ride, the latest driver assistance technology and enough space to really stretch out.

The Land Rover Discovery proves that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a luxurious SUV, but if you've got a bit more to spend, the Audi Q7 is perennially popular among buyers, and with good reason. Or, at the very top of this market, there are newer additions such as the BMW X7 to consider.

Luxury SUV

With some 4x4s, you may expect to have to worry about their quality and reliability, but not when that 4x4 has a Lexus badge. There has never been a recall on this version of the RX, and if the results of the annual JD Power reports are anything to go by, buying any Lexus is a guarantee of superb reliability and top-notch dealer service.

In the JD Power survey, Lexus was top make for six years on the trot up to 2006. Such an impressive showing is backed up by the experience of Warranty Direct: in its experience, Lexus models are responsible for virtually the lowest rate of problems of any manufacturer's cars. The RX, it says, is almost faultless. The only problem it has heard of is that the alloy wheels can corrode quite badly.

Of all the SUVs, the RX is one of the most likely to shriek if you ever took it anywhere near mud. This is a car designed to be used almost exclusively on Tarmac, and that's where it's at its best. In fact, if you treat it as a posh estate car with extra ground clearance, you'll be bang on the money.

On the road, it has an awful lot in common with Lexus's executive saloons. Its comfort and refinement, in particular, are excellent: the V6 engine is very smooth, the automatic gearbox slick (although it would have been better with five, rather than four, ratios), the ride comfortable and the handling superb. On the motorway, the vehicle is almost silent, apart from a little wind noise from around the big wing mirrors.

Both models are very well equipped, and there's plenty of space for both passengers and luggage.

Used Lexus RX 2000 - 2003 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Lexus RX 4x4?