Used Lexus RX 2000 - 2003 review

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.

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.

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.