Hi Scotty ! I'm a Mom and a teacher and I'm Clueless about Cars. I purchased a used 2009 Lexus RX 350 with 196,000 miles from an older couple for $5k (That's all I can afford now) 2 weeks ago. It looks very nice inside for the age, They said the vehicle was maintained regularly. I noticed the steering wheel pulling to the right so I took it for an inspection to the local AAA. The inspection came back with 5 Urgent items needed which I don't understand any of it. (Fuel system flush, cabin air filter, Rack and Pinion right side busted left side leaking (1,765), needs front ($1081) and rear struts ($1,250) / lower front control arms left and right bushings ($2,811) That's about $7K total. Plus replacing all fluids Transmition, brake, steering, coolant, oil, transfer case differential, air filter, new brake pads with rotors, alignment. It's about an extra $1,500 for this sections of repairs. I am in tears. Did I make a huge mistake trusting the sweet old couple? It's the mechanics place just being overly conservative ? What's really urgent to fix here? I purchased a Lexus for the reliability, I just need a car to last me 2-3 more years without too much repair required until I finish my Masters and get a better paid job. Scotty, do I fix it or sale it ? What should I do? Thank you in advance for your guidance. Clueless Mom.
You got royally ripped by people who lied to you. Did you get the car inspected prior to purchase? You're a teacher, lesson learned. Sweet old couple, huh.
As you found out, inspections must be done BEFORE purchase. No matter who you're buying it from.
Scotty says it over and over.
Fuel system flush
Skip it for now
, cabin air filter
buy and install it yourself. It's easy. Pictures are in your manual. I think they're around $30?
Or you can just throw it out for now. It doesn't need to be there.
, Rack and Pinion right side busted left side leaking (1,765)
Pretty normal for a high mileage vehicle. I wouldn't worry about it. Keep the power steering fluid topped up.
, needs front ($1081) and rear struts ($1,250)
Replace them. But get another quote because this seems high.
/ lower front control arms left and right bushings ($2,811)
very likely for your mileage.
Replacing all fluids Transmition, brake, steering, coolant, oil, transfer case differential
If it wasn't done, then yes
, air filter,
Another easy DIY one. $12.
new brake pads with rotors
Pretty important
, alignment.
based on what? Do you have uneven tire tread wear?
Did I make a huge mistake trusting the sweet old couple?
Yes. A $100 inspection could have saved your $1,000's in repairs. Especially if you're clueless about cars right?
It's the mechanics place just being overly conservative ?
No clue. I can't see your car. Try getting a second opinion somewhere else.
Generally speaking, mechanics will err on the side of caution. It's their job to identify problems.
I purchased a Lexus for the reliability
They are reliable. It's still running isn't it.
But when maintenance is ignored, it catches up on the owner eventually.
, I just need a car to last me 2-3 more years ... , do I fix it or sale it ?
It actually doesn't sound terrible. Just freshen up the important stuff and hopefully it'll be good to you for a while. In the worst case you can always flip it and probably make your money back.
ok I missed the part about pulling to one side. That would indicate an alignment issue. It's been a while since I've had one done, but it used to cost me $70 for the check.
Take it to a good independent shop (NOT a dealership or chain like Pep Boys or Firestone etc.) and get a 2nd opinion. Don't necessarily tell them what AAA found, let them do their own evaluation. Even if there is some work that is really necessary they may be able to do it for less money.
Definitely the next time you buy a used vehicle have it inspected by a good mechanic BEFORE you buy it. Pulling to the right should have been a big red flag that there might be expensive repair work needed.
