Braedyn's Purchase Record | Seller: Joe | March 2026
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Year / Make / Model | 2007 Lexus RX 350 |
| Trim | RX 350 (base) |
| Body | 5-door SUV / MPV |
| Engine | 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 DOHC 24V -- 270 hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (front-wheel drive) |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| GVWR | 5,001 - 6,000 lbs (Class 1D) |
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) |
| Origin | Canada (VIN prefix 2T2) |
| Series | GSU30L / GSU35L |
| Asking Price | $5,500 |
| Negotiated Price | $4,000 cash |
| Discount | 27% off asking ($1,500 saved) |
| Odometer | 201,000 miles (confirmed) |
| Registration | Includes 2027 registration |
| Payment | Cash only |
| Seller | Joe (private party) |
Joe confirmed the following recent work:
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alternator | NEW | Recently replaced |
| Battery | NEW | Recently replaced |
| Front Struts / Suspension | NEW | New struts installed (front) |
| Tires | 40-50% TREAD | Estimated 1+ year remaining life |
| Registration | CURRENT | Valid through 2027 |
The 2GR-FE is a 3.5L V6 used across Toyota and Lexus from 2005-2015+. It's widely regarded as one of the most reliable V6 engines ever produced. Found in the Camry, Avalon, Highlander, ES 350, RX 350, Sienna, and Venza.
Key specs: 270 hp / 251 lb-ft torque, aluminum block, dual VVT-i (variable valve timing), timing chain (not belt -- no scheduled replacement).
The 2GR-FE uses a timing chain, not a timing belt. This is a major advantage:
This eliminates the biggest maintenance concern we had. No timing belt service needed -- ever.
Every car has weak points. Here's what to watch for on this generation:
| Issue | Severity | What to Look For | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| VVT-i Oil Line Leak | HIGH | Oil on undercarriage near firewall (driver side). Can leak suddenly and substantially. | $200-$400 |
| Power Steering Rack Leak | MEDIUM | Check PS fluid level. Look for wetness around the steering rack under the car. | $1,200-$1,600 |
| Dashboard Cracking | COSMETIC | Plastics issue on this generation. Cracks appear on dashboard surface. Common in hot climates (SoCal). | $200-$400 (dash cover) |
| Rear Struts | MEDIUM | Fronts are new, but rears may need attention. Check for bouncing or uneven ride. | $600-$900 |
| Rain Sensor | MINOR | Auto wipers may not work correctly. Cosmetic/convenience issue only. | $100-$200 |
At 201,000 miles, if the transmission fluid has never been changed, do NOT change it now.
Why: Over 200K miles, clutch packs, seals, and bands wear down. The old fluid contains friction material that helps worn components grip. Fresh detergent fluid can dislodge that material, causing slipping, harsh shifts, or failure.
How to check: Pull the transmission dipstick.
This 5-speed automatic is generally bulletproof in the RX 350. Many hit 250K+ without transmission issues.
Things to check before handing over the cash:
The 2007 Lexus RX 350 has no major outstanding recalls. The only notable recall was the 2010-2011 Toyota/Lexus floor mat / accelerator pedal campaign, which was addressed at dealerships years ago.
Verify for this specific VIN: NHTSA Recall Lookup
Bottom line: The Lexus RX 350 routinely reaches 250,000-300,000+ miles with proper maintenance. At 201K, this car likely has 50,000-100,000 miles of life remaining.
The 2GR-FE engine and Aisin 5-speed transmission are among the most durable drivetrains in any SUV. At $4,000 with recent alternator, battery, and front struts, the cost-per-remaining-mile is excellent.
| Item | When | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oil changes (5K intervals) | Ongoing | $50-$70 each |
| Rear struts (if needed) | Soon-ish | $600-$900 |
| Brake pads + rotors | Within 20K mi | $300-$500 |
| Tires (40-50% now) | ~12-18 months | $400-$600 |
| Spark plugs (if not done at 120K) | Overdue | $150-$250 |
| Coolant flush | If not done recently | $100-$150 |
| Total first-year budget | $1,200-$2,000 |
This is a private-party cash purchase in California. Here's everything you need to do, in order. Don't skip any steps.
2T2GK31U57C003807. They can start a policy immediately. Get at least liability coverage to drive it home legally. You can upgrade later.You need three things from Joe before you pay:
This is the most important document. It proves ownership. In California, it's the pink Certificate of Title.
Joe needs to fill out the BACK of the title:
201,000 (or the actual number on the dash)03/27/2026)$4,000.00In California, the seller is legally required to provide a valid smog certificate for the sale of a used vehicle. The smog check must have been done within 90 days of the sale date.
Ask Joe: "Has the car passed smog recently?" If not, Joe needs to get it smogged before the sale. This is his responsibility and his cost, not yours.
The smog station submits the certificate electronically to the DMV. You don't need a physical copy, but it helps to have one. The DMV will verify it when you register.
Not legally required in California, but strongly recommended for a cash deal. It protects both of you. It proves the sale happened, the price paid, and the condition agreed upon.
Print the form below. Fill it out together with Joe. Both sign it. Each of you keeps a copy.
Order of operations:
Never hand over cash before the title is signed over to you. The signed title IS the proof of ownership. No title = no deal.
| Use Tax (sales tax on $4,000) | ~$300-$390 |
| Title transfer fee | $15 |
| Registration (already paid through 2027) | $0 |
| Smog transfer fee | $8 |
| Total estimated | ~$325-$415 |
Print 2 copies. Fill out with Joe at the time of sale. Both of you sign both copies. You each keep one.
| Vehicle Year / Make / Model | 2007 Lexus RX 350 |
| VIN | 2T2GK31U57C003807 |
| Odometer Reading at Sale | ______________ miles |
| Sale Price | $4,000.00 (Four Thousand Dollars) |
| Method of Payment | Cash |
| Date of Sale | _____ / _____ / 2026 |
Seller Information:
| Full Legal Name | _______________________________________________ |
| Address | _______________________________________________ |
| Driver's License # | _______________________________________________ |
| Phone Number | _______________________________________________ |
Buyer Information:
| Full Legal Name | _______________________________________________ |
| Address | _______________________________________________ |
| Driver's License # | _______________________________________________ |
| Phone Number | _______________________________________________ |
Vehicle Condition Statement:
The vehicle is sold "AS-IS" with no warranty expressed or implied. The seller certifies that they are the legal owner of the vehicle, that the title is free and clear of all liens, and that the odometer reading is accurate to the best of their knowledge. The buyer acknowledges that they have inspected the vehicle and accepts it in its current condition.
Seller-disclosed maintenance and condition notes:
|
Seller Signature: Printed Name: ______________________________ Date: _____ / _____ / 2026 |
Buyer Signature: Printed Name: ______________________________ Date: _____ / _____ / 2026 |
This document is a private-party bill of sale for the state of California. Both parties should retain a signed copy.
Before you leave, make sure you have ALL of these in your hands:
If Joe can't produce the title, DO NOT complete the sale. No title = no proof of ownership = you can't register the car.
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Before you go | Get insurance on the VIN. Print 2 copies of the bill of sale. Get $4,000 cash from the bank. |
| At the car | Inspect the car (use the checklist). Test drive 15+ min. Verify VIN matches in 3 places. Check Joe's ID matches the title. |
| Paperwork time | Joe fills out his section on the back of the title. You fill out yours. Fill out both copies of the bill of sale together. Both sign. |
| Cash exchange | Photos of everything first. Count the cash together. Hand it over. Get keys, title, smog cert, receipts. |
| Drive home | You're legal -- you have insurance and the registration is current through 2027. |
| Within 10 days | Go to the DMV. Transfer the title into your name. Pay use tax + fees (~$325-$415). Bring: title, bill of sale, your ID, REG 343 form. |
| Within 30 days | Get full insurance coverage. Get an oil change + visual inspection. |
| Keep forever | Title (once DMV sends your new one), bill of sale, all maintenance receipts. |