sstalwar

Hi, I am going to buy my first ever lexus. These are the two offers I have and I am not able to decide. Ideally we thought we need AWD, rear seat entertainment, Navigation, ML sound system. In first opton I get AWD , navigation but no mark levinson. I have to do after market rear entertainment system for $2195 which gives me dual head rest DVD playback monitors. So after discounts option 1 cost me 39610 +2195 = 41805 + TTL.
Second option is to get FWD, Nav and ML Package, Rear entertainment package (single screen lexus installed on roof) that would cost me $41430 +TTL.
My wife likes the idea of dual head rest Rear Ent System, so I can go with after market 2195 and drop lexus 1740. Then Option 2 would cost $41885 +TTL.
So option 2 gives me ML but no AWD. BTW, we live in Florida but moved from MI, and while we appreciated AWD in MI, don't know if we really need in Florida.
So my question is, Is ML system very good or can I do better after market and go with AWD. Or should I stick with FWD and get ML package. My wife thinks AWD and I think ML. Overall prices are very close. Now after we know the prices I am willing to compromise on either AWD or ML system (which I can upgrade with after market later in case stock is really bad). So now, we definitely dont want to go AWD with ML as it is expensive for us and not a easy find combination (atleast in Florida). Is there any ride/handling advantage with AWD? Is this good deal overall for 2009 models? Is this model getting redesigned next year? Some of the things (toe prep etc) I don't care about but most vehicles are configured that way. SO WHICH WOULD YOU PICK?
Option 1)
2009 Lexus RX350 AWD
MSRP $38906
Premium Plus Package $2650
18" Graphite wheels $605
Heated front seats w/RS $665
Voice-Activated DVD Navigation System $2650
Towing Hitch Receiver w/Ball Mount $415
Toe Prep $160
Cargo Mat $95
Wheel Locks $81
Destination charge $765
Vehicle Price $46396
Discount $6786
Sale Price $39610 plus TTL

Option 2)
2009 Lexus RX350 FWD
base
Navigation System/Mark Levinson Package $6190
18" Graphite wheels $605
Heated front seats w/RS $665
Towing Hitch Receiver w/Ball Mount $415
Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES) $1740
Toe Prep $160
Cargo Mat $95
Wheel Locks $81
Destination charge $765
Vehicle Price $48216
Discount $6786
Sale Price $41430 plus TTL

xfirechief

I picked the AWD because of living in Wisc. If I was in Florida I would not really need it & could spend my $$ on something else but never the Nav. system as that is just too much $$$

AM1

iTrader: (6)

remember that AWD models have lower MPG.IF you live in an area where the weather is really bad part of the year might be a good idea. If you live in warm places where the weather is nice most of the year, then might be a good idea to just get FWD. the only use i get for my awd is when it rains, which doesnt happen much here in so cal , and then i get to drive through huge puddles, but thats about it.

The G Man

AWD is a waste of money if you live in Florida unless you plan to go off road. The ML is ok, but not worth the money in a RX. Listen to the ML and the non ML back to back. The non ML is just terrible and the ML is a bit better but not worth the price. The re-design 2010 will be out in 5 months. I would wait until then if you can and see what it looks like. If you dont like the new look, then the 2009 will be deeply discounted by then and you should be able to get one at a bargain.

ZIN

FORGET the AWD for sure......G Man where are you receiving your info that the 2010,s will be out by sept?????

mgtn101

You want a Nissan or a Lexus?

sstalwar

I compared ML vs stock back to back. Stock is terrible and ML sounded much better (bass more defined, precise and better integrated). All in all, I think ML is overpriced but worth a consideration since stock sucks outright. I have dropped the idea of AWD also. I drove Pebble beach with NAV (truffle color..very nice) and liked the wheels on it compared to regular. I think Flint Mica color is pretty close to truffle and I did not care much about the grill (hardly noticable). After I spend 2K for after market DVD on pebble beach version, regular rx350 with ML/EY package is only $800 more expensive (actually $400 as later has $415 toe hitch package which PB does'nt). As of now, I am inclined to buy FWD with ML/EY package.
I wonder if this model would be redesigned for 2010 and if it becomes available in five months....I will probably wait if I knew for sure.
Thanks for all the input thus far.

The G Man

It will be re-design for 2010, the exact time line has not been release yet. It was supposed to be redesign for the 09 model year, but I guess Lexus push back all their redesign time line due to quilaity issues:

http://www.autospies.com/news/Spy-Sh...ototype-18755/

jjparker

In non-snow regions, FWD is plenty good. However, if you plan to do any type of towing every so often, it may be adviseable to get a AWD since it can better handle towing than an FWD. Besides I think the AWD is rated at 3500 pounds vs a lighter load for FWD (not sure on that). You will suffer a little on the gas mileage for the AWD and I believe the penalty is about 1mpg. If I were you, the deciding factor between a FWD vs AWD would be on the frequency and the load of your tow.

sstalwar

It is going to be special order. Pebble beach Truffle/Ivory AWD,VN,EY,PT,FT,DH,TO,Heated front seats with RS,Mat,Wheel lock. Total priced at $43163 +TTL. Total Out of pocket after $1500 tradein of my used car came out $44863.98 (OTD). I think I got a decent deal and happy with my choices. I wanted to pick some options more than I probably need now but figured that the redesign next year should not give me buyer's remorse. Interestingly I can add proformance package for $1870 +tax more, but could not drive a car with one so still could not make up mind on that. I drove GX470 which definitely was firmer ride and wonder if some body has experience with RX350 with performance package (air suspension and Sequential auto tranmission)? Please share your experience as I am special ordering this vehicle and can as well get this if it helps dynamics (roll etc..). Thanks for the responses so far. Especially AWD package I picked is due to advise above.