2015 RX 350 drives like a german sports car
#16
We went from a 2008 to 2015 and while the newer one isn't as cushy as the old one, it's nowhere close to our German sports car.
That said, people vary and the vehicle has to suit the individual.
Did you not test drive before purchasing?
That said, people vary and the vehicle has to suit the individual.
Did you not test drive before purchasing?
The following 2 users liked this post by takeshi74:
Brownd3max (03-05-24),
zimdba (03-07-24)
#17
SJCguy-"If that is the case MDX is much better."
Pardon my ignorance, but I'm not quite sure what you mean?
Pardon my ignorance, but I'm not quite sure what you mean?
#18
Moderator
I think he meant that the MDX had a better suspension than the RX. Honda/Acura have had a reputation for good handling and being more enjoyable to drive than Toyota/Lexus.
#19
#21
My 2002 Highlander on H&R lowering springs, big sway bars and 50 sidewall rides and handles much better than my 2014 F-Sport. Ride and handling got a little better after I pulled the stock worn stuff off and put on Bilstein B6 struts and shocks. It still only has a medicore ride and handling though. I am seriously tempted to try some 4th gen RX350 or 3rd gen Highlander springs.
#22
I am a product manager and we design the product based on the user profile. The user for RX350 is not a 22 year old. It is 35+ with family. One of their main concern is comfort. Based on my previous ownership experience I always thought Lexus = Comfort. By making the suv drive like a cart they are alienating the traditional RX350 driver. What a mistake. I will never buy a lexus again.
I think I know why they made it hard - to increase the mpg of a heavy and a big car (as compared to the previous generation RX). Make the tire hard, make the struts hard so it won't bounce off, Those are the two things I can think off.
I think I know why they made it hard - to increase the mpg of a heavy and a big car (as compared to the previous generation RX). Make the tire hard, make the struts hard so it won't bounce off, Those are the two things I can think off.
The RX has sold millions into homes of families and is the best selling Lexus for many generations.
#23
Compared to 3rd gen BMW M3, our base RX350 (stock) is so much more isolated/comfortable. So much so I've been looking at ways to firm up. IDK I guess it depends.
Last edited by vconstant2; 03-09-24 at 06:49 AM.
#24
My 2002 Highlander on H&R lowering springs, big sway bars and 50 sidewall rides and handles much better than my 2014 F-Sport. Ride and handling got a little better after I pulled the stock worn stuff off and put on Bilstein B6 struts and shocks. It still only has a medicore ride and handling though. I am seriously tempted to try some 4th gen RX350 or 3rd gen Highlander springs.
#25
Moderator
You paid a premium for the air suspension [at purchase and most likely if and when it fails]. imho, I would not mix and match a tuned setup.
Salim
#26
I don't see big difference exept repair price. Front air struts 2100 eur, while regular all four bilstein b4 400 eur. Lexus RX air suspension don't give You quality and comfort like Audi, Porsche or Mercedes.
#27
I had the exact same issue after going from an old 2RX to a new 3RX 350. Also noticed the in-cabin engine noise is louder when accelerating.
DO NOT install Bilstein shocks but use OEM or KYB instead. The German shocks are very firm and I can feel every little bump and pothole especially at low speeds. Yes the car feels very sporty now and corners very flat but the tradeoff is not worth it for me (If I wanted sporty I would have gotten a Porsche or BMW.)
I am thinking of re-installing KYB shocks and new springs and also changing 19" to 18" wheels.
DO NOT install Bilstein shocks but use OEM or KYB instead. The German shocks are very firm and I can feel every little bump and pothole especially at low speeds. Yes the car feels very sporty now and corners very flat but the tradeoff is not worth it for me (If I wanted sporty I would have gotten a Porsche or BMW.)
I am thinking of re-installing KYB shocks and new springs and also changing 19" to 18" wheels.
#28
I just purchased a 2014 RX350 base with 79,000 miles for a spare car to use for errands that my IS won't accommodate and as a spare car for when needed and I must say I love this vehicle. I also drive an LS460 (no comparison) but I find the RX comfortable and easy to drive with very good utility when you need to haul stuff or people, that said I can't compare it to earlier models but I have no complaints about this Lexus, and it is a Lexus so I do expect the usual reliability as with all my Lexus cars that I have owned over the years. And just to reiterate Lexus reliability, my wife drives a 2019 Cadillac XT5 which is comparable and a very nice car but we just found out it has a small leak in the radiator at only 49,000 miles which will need to be replaced at some point, $2,100 quote from the dealer.
#29
Moderator
Take the Cadillac to an independent radiator shop or any other repair shop. Radiator replacement should not be that expensive.
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HJP12 (04-06-24)
#30
I did the same math before buying my 2013 RX350 back in 2019. Came to the same conclusion. Added bonus: Most maintenance and repairs are do-able by me. I don't have any experience working with hybrids or high voltage. I have a LOT of experience working on traditional cars, so back in 2019, I felt I could deal with most issues. So far that's been true, though my issues have been few. Replaced the rear hatch motor and replaced all of my brakes were the only repairs needed. The rest was just maintenance. Good car. I've owned one Toyota or another continuously since 1999.