OK, here's the scoop. I have a friend of mine transferring overseas. He has a black 2000 Lexus RX 300 AWD, loaded w/ leather, 130,000 mi. He's needing to sell it by mid-Jan. He's wanting $7500 for it.

I'm not very knowledgeable in Lexus, regarding performance, maintenance, etc. If there are those with experiences with older RX 300's, could someone give me pros/cons of this? I'd like to help my friend, but at the same time, I'd like to be sure I'm not buying something that'll require boatloads of $ to keep maintained. I've been wanting something like a small SUV for a while (esp. for longer commutes and trips - I need the room travelling with 2 dogs or a foursome of golfers). 130,000 miles kinda worries me, and it's also 9 years old.

Thanks!

Here's my two cents worth:
I own the EXACT same vehicle, (and a 2000 ES 300); I have not put one nickel into either of those vehicles. (for repairs)
The RX has 160k on it and the ES has 110k on it.
True, parts will not be cheap if needed; however, there is nothing to say you will have to buy parts. Those cars are some of the most reliable made. You could get another $50k without a dime going into it, and get another 150K with routine work. Part of the question you have to ask yourself is what do I expect to get out of it?.

Buying a higher mileage vehicle is always a gamble, but $7500 for an RX with 130k on it is a good bet. Offer him $7000 and take it.

lexus is usually voted the most reliable car manufacturer. but when they do need work, expect the costs to be higher than a domestic vehicle. it all depends on if its a lemon or not. if he's your friend, he should be honest n tell you how much work it has needed in the lifetime of the vehicle