Buying a 2009 RX450h SE-L in 2024

[ObjectedHippo]

A good friend of mine has decided to part ways with his 2009 Lexus RX450h SE-L. The car is a 3.5ltr V6 with a hybrid system. He was going to part exchange it. He knows I have been looking for a new car so has offered this to me for what he has been offered as part exchange, £4750.

The car is 15 years old and past its warranties. It has 133k miles mainly done on motorways. Full Lexus service history up to now. Last MOT had 2 advisories. Nearside and offside brake pipes corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear. This has been showing as an advisory for a couple of years.  The other is a very slow engine oil leak. Not sure where the oil is leaking from, there are never puddles but a few spots on the ground after a full day of being parked.

Now this car is beautiful and looks to be extremely well kept both inside and outside. I would love to buy it, not only because it is lovely but also because it is large and heavy and safer for the kids than the hatchbacks they are used to.

I have done research and this forum has been very useful. Owners of the 450h seem to love it and speak highly of it's reliability. I apologise for asking when there is so much information already available. I just wanted to put my specific case forward.

I am not in a position where I can waste money so really just after any advise from anyone on what I may expect to go wrong or what to look out for.

I have done research and these cars, and Lexus in general seem to be very reliable cars with reports of people still driving them past 250k miles with no issues. My main concerns are the oil leak, as many issues with this car seem to require the engine to come out, meaning increased repair cost.

Also concerned with the Hybrid Battery. It has had health checks every year and is still in working order last check and seems to be working fine now. My thinking is as this car has mainly been used on the motorway, the Hybrid system may not have been used too much and could be in good condition.

If I could get this car for £4750 then I would have maybe £1500 left to get it serviced/MOT which is due in December and fix any issues. Looking like 2 new front tires will be needed in the next 10k.

If anyone has any advise for me I would really appreciate it. Like I said im not in a position to make a mistake here if it can be helped. I understand there is always a risk with 2nd hand cars but I would like to make an informed decision.  I have looked at other cars in this price areas and whilst true I can certainly get a car with less miles and probably newer. Something about this Lexus is calling to me.

 Past MOT’s;

**2023**

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

* **Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material nearside front to rear (1.1.11 (c))**
* **Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material offside front to rear (1.1.11 (c))**

**2022**

 Repair immediately (major defects):

* **Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))**

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

* **Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material nearside front to rear (1.1.11 (c))**
* **Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material offside front to rear (1.1.11 (c))**
* **Offside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))**
* **Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))**

**2021**

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

* **Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))**
* **Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))**
* **Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))**
* **Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))**

**2020**

Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):

* **Nearside Rear Tyre obviously under inflated and perished (5.2.3 (l))**
* **Offside Rear Tyre obviously under inflated and perished (5.2.3 (l))**

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

* **Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))**
* **Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))**
* **Offside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))**
* **Fuel Pipe/s corroded**

 

**2019**

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

* **trim covers fitted to outer sills, under body and engine obscuring some components**
* **Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened inner side (1.1.14 (a) (ii))**
* **Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened inner side (1.1.14 (a) (ii))**
* **Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))**
* **Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))**

 

**2018**

Advisory notice item(s)

* **Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)**
* **Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)**
* **Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)**
* **trim covers fitted to outer sills and under body obscuring some components

[PeterI]

This video from the car care nut might be helpful:

I've not watched the video again, but if it's the same problem one option he suggested was just cleaning off the oil and keeping an eye on consumption. Otherwise it does seem to be an engine out job.

[Spottedlaurel]

As an SE-L model I think it will have air suspension, and I think that would be my biggest concern (assuming it's still fitted).

The power tailgate can fail, that seems to become a particular problem during winter months.

Parts generally can be expensive, unless you are happy getting them imported from the USA or elsewhere. I had to replace my rear trailing arms at just over 80k miles, the bushes aren't available separately and the arms alone cost around £700 for the pair, then I had a local garage fit them.

£4,750 sounds a decent price if it doesn't need much for the next MoT - would your friend let you take it for an MoT before purchase?

[ObjectedHippo]

Thanks guys, I seen the car yesterday and it looks to be in great condition. 

It is the SE-L but air suspension has been swapped out due to the replacement/repair costs.

The car is due an MOT in the current weeks so will see how it goes.