The 2006 Lexus RX is an excellent luxury SUV that’s priced fairly for what it is. As to whether or not an 18 year old mid-size SUV that demands specialized maintenance is ever going to be worth seven to eight thousand dollars, that’s up to you.
Is the 2006 Lexus RX a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – Objectively speaking, the 2006 Lexus RX is pretty close to perfect.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – This is as close as you’re going to get to a first class flight on four wheels.
- Reliability 8/10 – The Lexus RX may require specialty service, but you won’t be in the garage all that often, and the SUV has a good chance of reaching 300,000 miles.
- Safety 8/10 – Anti-lock brakes and traction control come standard, and the car’s crash test ratings are excellent.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 18/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway, isn’t bad for an eighteen-year-old mid-size SUV.
- Value 7/10 – It’s the best deal you’re likely to find on a luxury mid-size SUV from 2006. Not prohibitively expensive, but it’s still more money than some drivers might be comfortable spending on something this old.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2006 Lexus RX?
Consumer Reports gave the 2006 Lexus RX an uncharacteristic rave review, praising the “well-rounded upscale SUV” for its refined powertrain, luxurious cabin, quiet interior, and smart design. They name the 2006 model an improvement over early RX’s in terms of braking, acceleration, and handling.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2006 RX an overwhelming 95% recommendation, with praise for the comfortable interior, timeless styling, good handling and a near total absence of road noise. One driver reports driving the same RX for 18 years with no major repairs needed.
Edmunds were impressed with the SUV’s sedan-like handling, the high-tech features, and they note Lexus’ reputation for excellent customer service and long-lasting engines. They do note that the RX is one of the less powerful SUVs in its class, and the handling is a bit soft around sharp corners.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Lexus RX Have?
The 2006 Lexus RX330 has just 87 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with 18 of these being for structure issues. The most common issue here is cracked dashboards, which could lead to the airbags being exposed and possibly failing or deploying at random.
There are 12 complaints on file for steering issues, with leaks in the rack and pinion system being a recurring issue, seeing the steering wheel lock up when making turns.
A few drivers have reported issues with their braking actuators. A recall was issued in 2010 for a faulty brake master cylinder which could leak brake fluid. There are only 4 braking complaints on file, but all the same, you’ll want to check the VIN and make sure the recall has been addressed.
The 2006 Lexus RX is a remarkably untroubled SUV, with just 2 recalls on file with the NHTSA.
How Long Will the 2006 Lexus RX Last?
The 2006 Lexus RX should last a minimum of 250,000 miles with proper care. Many drivers report passing 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. Lexus owners tend to take good care of their cars, so your odds of finding one in good shape that can hit that quarter million mile mark are good.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $550, which is lower than average for a car that requires specialized service. The most expensive common repairs include new power steering pumps ranging from $441 to $830, and power seat switch replacements starting at around $1,011.
It is a great vehicle because even though it is from 2006, it still drives extremely smoothly, has barely had any major issues, as long as the upkeep and maintenance are done on time, the vehicle has given me minimal issues.
No, we have not had major issues. We do routine maintenance on it to keep with the upkeep. Has a great engine.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2006 Lexus RX may be outdated, but it’s excellent for the model year. The base SUV comes with a CD player and a premium 8-speaker sound system. The only thing missing is an MP3 player.
Safety technology in the 2006 Lexus RX is robust. Standard features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, roll-sensing airbags, and vehicle stability control. New models even came with first aid kits, although you’ll probably have to replace a lot of that equipment even if the previous owner hasn’t already used it.
Is the 2006 Lexus RX a Good Value?
The Lexus RX is a good deal, for what it is. A Lexus RX 330 typically lists for around $7,487 with 150,000 miles on the odometer. That’s not a terrible price on a used luxury car, but it’s pricey, and it goes to show why used luxury cars tend to go to collectors more than people who are looking for practical daily drivers.
Among used luxury cars, the RX is a better deal than most. Cost of ownership is much lower than you’re going to get with, say, a comparable BMW. The question is whether you want spend seven thousand dollars on a car that’s old enough to vote (and not old enough to be a classic).
What are the Different Models of the 2006 Lexus RX?
The 2006 Lexus RX 330 is sold in just one trim level, the Base SUV model. And this is available in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Standard features include:
- Power windows and door locks
- Genuine wood trim on doors, shifter island, and center console
- 3-spoke wood and leather trimmed steering wheel with mounted audio controls
- 10-way power-adjust driver seat and 8-way for the front passenger
- CD player with 8 speakers
- Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and vehicle stability control
- Remote keyless entry
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- Heated mirrors fog lights
What Engines Come In the 2006 Lexus RX?
- The 2006 Lexus RX comes equipped with a 3.3L V6 engine delivering 230 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission and is available in front or all-wheel drive. You can expect an average fuel economy of 18/24 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2006 Lexus RX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2006 Lexus RX?
The 2006 Lexus RX is about as comfortable as an SUV gets. The seating is spacious with 55 inches of hip room in the front and back, plus enough headroom that you could almost stand up straight inside the cabin.
Inside the SUV it’s whisper quiet, the suspension rides nice and smooth, and the upscale interior gives the whole experience a first-class vibe.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2006 Lexus RX Have?
The 2006 Lexus RX starts out with 38 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, and you can more than double that to nearly 85 cubic feet by folding the seats down. Add to that, you’ve got 3,500 pounds of towing capacity so small trailers are an option for long trips.
If you’re going on a road trip or packing for the airport, don’t worry about it, it’ll fit. You can also haul small furniture items, bicycles, and other items that might not fit in a typical SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2006 Lexus RX was one of the last model years in the XU30, or 2nd Generation RX, running from 2003 to 2009.
2004: The 2004 Lexus RX got an engine upgrade, reaching 230 horsepower, and more legroom.
2005: A hybrid variant, the RX 400H, was added to the RX line for 2005.
2006: The engine was upgraded to a 3.5L V6 in 2006.
2007: 2007 was a mid-cycle refresh year for the RX with the addition of a DVD navigation system and voice activated user interface.
2008: The 2008 RX featured a redesigned grille, chrome door handles, and a sleek liquid graphite finish on the wheels, along with a range of new exterior color options.
How Does the 2006 Lexus RX Compare to the Competition?
To look at the sticker prices, you’ll notice that the 2006 BMW X5 starts out at a typical listing of around $5,000, delivering similar performance to the RX for a couple thousand dollars less. But, Repairpal rate the X5 at just two stars for reliability, and they estimate that you’ll be spending over $1,000 a year on repairs.
The Volvo XC90 can’t quite compete with the Lexus RX when it comes to the luxurious interior, but the high-end 311 horsepower V8 Ocean Race edition lists at about the same price as an entry-level RX, and Volvos are famously reliable.
A 2006 Lexus RX is perhaps the most accessible, affordable, and dependable mid-size luxury SUV in its model year. The question simply comes down to whether you want to spend seven thousand bucks on an eighteen year old car that requires special service to maintain.
Do Owners Recommend the 2006 Lexus RX?
Yes. It is a luxury SUV complete with GPS, seat warmers, rear view camera and AWD. It is reliable, safe, and drives very smoothly!
Yes. I love my car. I have two kids and the back hatch fits all of our stuff. It is perfect size for an SUV. Had plenty of room inside.
