2000 RX 300 engine dead. Replace or sell value as mechanics special?

Asked by Donovan Jan 16, 2020 at 08:36 AM about the 2000 Lexus RX 300 FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2000 RX300 w 217K miles. the body and interior are in very good
condition.  NO damage on metal (but minor bumper damage).  The engine runs
badly, mechanic says it's not worth fixing ~ one cylinders is messed up + oil
pump. The engine needs to be replaced.

I just got the front end done a few months before, new tires and replaced with
new headlights (Looks new again).  The alternator and starter are under 2 years
old.  AC works great.  Transmission, no issues. (buttons for front windows and
motor for antenna were the big issues)
I'm on a tight budget right now...

I love the RX300 look, how it handles.  I've tried some used cars and most things
seem a downgrade.  So either I buy a used car for about $3000~4500 or

I buy a used engine (ebay - most likely) for $1000 + $500 for ignition coils, spark
plugs and timing chain. (Get those done while it's easy).  $100 for oil and Misc.
parts.  And maybe pay a local guy (not a shop) $800 to put it in.
About $2400.    I'll have a used engine... and hope it runs well.

Or I sell my RX300 as a Mechanics special?  What would be the value?
I've seen RX300s at Auctions or online for about $2500~3000 that LOOK worse
than mine... with body damage.  In good condition, they are $5000~6000.

What is the value of my RX300 as is?  I can put it here for sale.  (Texas)

Or try my luck having someone put another engine in it?

2 Answers

Donovan answered 4 years ago

Thanks. When I look at the parts (on Ebay) and aim for lower-avg pricing... there's about $5000 worth of value. (Doors, hood, tailgate, fenders, transmission, lights, dashboard, seats, wheels, tires). But I can't rip apart my car (residential & I don't quite know what I'm doing) I see engine re-building kits for $400~500. My engine block is fine. So for someone who knows how to rebuild-engines, it's worth it to them. I was about to get the timing belt done in the next month or so - glad the engine failed before then. I'll shoot for $1500. I cried some tears when the Mechanic said the engine was gone. :(

Mark helpful

F_O_R answered 4 years ago

I would look for another RX300 if you like them. This one is not worth repairs and I would say that it is worth less than $500 with a bad engine.

3 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 2000 RX 300 engine dead. Replace or sell value as mechanics special? 2 Answers

    I have a 2000 RX300 w 217K miles. the body and interior are in very good condition. NO damage on metal (but minor bumper damage). The engine runs badly, mechanic says it's not worth fixing ~ one c...

    2000 Lexus RX 300 FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2000 rx 300 wont shift into high gear 2 Answers

    lexus rx 300 wont shift into high gear

    2000 Lexus RX

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Lexus 2001 rx 300 check engine light on 3 Answers

    Had the transmission replaced in my 2001 rx 300 about 4 months ago and now my check engine light is on it says gas cap and heater 2 senser is bad...but i need to pass the emission so i can get a t...

    2001 Lexus RX 300 AWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2003 Lexus RX 300 No acceleration & check engine light on 2 Answers

    2003 Lexus RX 300 I just purchased this car 3 weeks ago and have driven it an average amount. Today while on city streets it felt as if the acceleration was slacking but I thought maybe I had not pr...

    2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Lexus Rx 300 3 Answers

    While driving my Lexus all of a sudden it stop moving engine still on but It wouldn't go forward or backward Can someone tell me What could be the problem

    2001 Lexus RX

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

RX

Looking for a Used RX in your area?

CarGurus has 858 nationwide RX listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Lexus RX Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    8,390
  • #2
    Papaobewon
    Reputation
    5,620
  • #3
    Nicolaos Vlachos
    Reputation
    5,170
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 737 listings starting at $2,495
Used Lexus ES
15 Great Deals out of 192 listings starting at $3,888
Used Acura MDX
37 Great Deals out of 756 listings starting at $6,495
Used Toyota RAV4
100 Great Deals out of 2,089 listings starting at $3,888
Used Lexus LX
4 Great Deals out of 27 listings starting at $28,900
Used Toyota 4Runner
12 Great Deals out of 309 listings starting at $9,700
Used Lexus IS
18 Great Deals out of 305 listings starting at $6,449
Used Lexus LS
28 listings starting at $9,995
Used Honda CR-V
99 Great Deals out of 3,843 listings starting at $1,795
Used BMW X5
38 Great Deals out of 1,133 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.