Inventory Listing

Thank you for your interest in this 2008 Lexus RX 350 V6 AWD with the Premium Package. With 163,000 miles, this two-owner vehicle has been carefully maintained, as indicated by its Carfax report and clean California title. Finished in the sophisticated Bamboo Pearl exterior with a luxurious ivory leather interior, it offers a blend of elegance, comfort, and capability that’s hallmark of Lexus engineering. The Carfax notes a rear-end collision in 2015 (minor damage, no airbag deployment, professionally repaired to OEM standards) and a minor cosmetic incident in 2021, both resolved without affecting the vehicle’s structural integrity or performance. Equipped with navigation, heated seats, and a backup camera, this RX 350 combines premium features with AWD versatility, making it ideal for daily drives, family outings, or light off-road adventures. In this summary, I’ll cover safety ratings, essential points, generational history, performance specs, and standout features to demonstrate why this Lexus remains a smart choice in the used luxury SUV market. At this mileage and price, it provides exceptional value, with the potential for many more years of dependable service.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 received strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning high marks for its robust construction and protective technologies. These scores were based on crash tests that assessed occupant safety in frontal, side, and rollover scenarios. The RX 350’s performance is supported by features like Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, and a comprehensive airbag system, making it a secure option for families. While safety standards have advanced, these ratings affirm its solid foundation.

• Frontal Crash – Driver: ★★★★★
• Frontal Crash – Passenger: ★★★★★
• Side Crash – Driver: ★★★★★
• Side Crash – Passenger: ★★★★★
• Rollover Resistance: ★★★★☆

Essentials

• Moderate Mileage with Longevity Potential: At 163,000 miles, this RX 350 averages around 10,200 miles per year—reasonable for a luxury SUV—and with Lexus’ renowned build quality, it can easily surpass 300,000 miles when maintained.
• Two-Owner History: Cared for by just two owners, with the first likely handling routine use and the second ensuring continued upkeep, minimizing risks from multiple ownerships.
• Clean Carfax and Title: Minor rear-end collision in 2015 (no airbags deployed, fixed to OEM standards) and cosmetic incident in 2021; clean California title confirms no salvage or major concerns.
• Proven V6 Engine: The 3.5L V6 delivers 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic for smooth, confident acceleration.
• Fuel Efficiency: EPA-rated at 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined, competitive for an AWD luxury SUV and suitable for daily commutes.
• Spacious and Versatile Interior: Seats five with 80 cubic feet of cargo space when rear seats fold, plus AWD for all-weather traction.
• Premium Package Upgrades: Includes navigation, heated seats, backup camera, power liftgate, and wood/leather steering wheel—elevating comfort over base models.
• Metal Timing Chain: The engine features a durable metal timing chain, requiring no scheduled replacements, unlike rubber belts in some competitors.
• All-Wheel Drive System: Enhances handling in rain or light snow, with low maintenance needs compared to more complex AWD setups.
• Reliability and Resale: Lexus’ second-gen RX scores high in J.D. Power (85/100 dependability), with owners reporting minimal issues and strong resale value even at higher miles.

History of the Generation

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 is part of the second generation (2004-2009), known as the “XU30” series, which solidified the RX as a pioneer in the luxury crossover segment. Produced from 2003 to 2009 primarily at Lexus’ plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, and supplemented by facilities in Japan, this generation saw over 800,000 units manufactured globally. Lexus refined the RX from its first-generation roots, introducing a more upscale design, enhanced technology, and the powerful 3.5L V6 engine to replace the earlier 3.3L. The 2007-2009 models benefited from a mid-cycle update that improved styling, added features like the backup camera, and enhanced ride quality to better compete with European rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK. This era emphasized comfort over sportiness, appealing to buyers seeking a smooth, reliable daily driver. The second generation’s legacy is its role in popularizing luxury crossovers, earning awards like “Best Luxury SUV” from Consumer Reports for reliability and owner satisfaction. With production focused on high-quality materials and precision assembly, many of these vehicles continue to perform well beyond 200,000 miles, underscoring Lexus’ commitment to longevity.

Fuel Economy, Horsepower, Torque Ratings

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 251 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 RPM. This powertrain provides ample acceleration for highway merging and passing, with 0-60 mph times around 7.3 seconds—respectable for a midsize SUV weighing over 4,000 lbs. Paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, it offers smooth shifts and responsive performance, enhanced by the all-wheel-drive system for better traction in varied conditions. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 17 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined—solid for an AWD V6 SUV of this era, though real-world figures often range from 16-21 mpg depending on driving style and maintenance. This efficiency is aided by the engine’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which optimizes power and fuel use across RPM ranges. While not the most frugal in its class (compared to hybrids like the RX 400h), it balances performance and economy well for daily use, with no major thirst issues reported by owners.

Best Features and Performance Comparison

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 stands out with its array of luxury features and refined driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice in the luxury midsize SUV category. Key highlights include the Premium Package, which adds navigation with a touchscreen interface, heated front seats for cold-weather comfort, a backup camera for safe reversing, power liftgate for hands-free access, and a wood/leather steering wheel for a premium feel. The package also includes HID headlights with adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and a moonroof—upgrades that elevate the driving experience over the base model. The base RX 350 lacks these, offering cloth seats, manual climate, and no nav/camera, while the Premium adds leather, dual-zone auto climate, and memory settings for seats/mirrors. Performance-wise, the RX 350 delivers a smooth, quiet ride with confident handling, thanks to its independent suspension and AWD system, outperforming softer competitors like the 2008 Buick Enclave (slower acceleration, lower reliability) and matching the BMW X5’s luxury but with better long-term durability and lower costs. It’s less sporty than the X5 but more comfortable for daily drives, with owners praising its effortless cruising.

A major advantage is the 3.5L V6 engine’s metal timing chain, which is virtually maintenance-free and designed to last the vehicle’s lifespan—unlike rubber timing belts in some rivals that require replacement every 90-100,000 miles (costing $800-1,200). This contributes to the RX 350’s exceptional reliability, with many examples exceeding 300,000 miles when serviced regularly, earning top marks from Consumer Reports (4-5/5 reliability) and J.D. Power (85/100 dependability). Compared to the Mercedes ML350 (frequent electrical issues) or Audi Q5 (higher repair costs), the RX offers superior longevity and lower ownership expenses (~$600/year average after 100k miles). The Premium Package’s options make this particular RX feel upscale, with the navigation providing real-time traffic and the heated seats/cold-weather package ideal for varied climates. Overall, it’s a versatile luxury SUV that prioritizes comfort and dependability, making it a standout in its class for buyers seeking value without compromising on features.

In conclusion, this 2008 Lexus RX 350 Premium is an excellent opportunity to own a premium SUV with a proven track record of reliability and luxury. Its well-documented history, thoughtful upgrades, and timeless design ensure it will serve you faithfully for years to come. If you’d like to arrange an inspection or discuss pricing, please contact me—I’m here to assist with your purchase.