RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

2015 RX 350 drives like a german sports car

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Old 03-05-24, 06:38 AM
  #16  
takeshi74
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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?
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Old 03-05-24, 04:48 PM
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Brownd3max
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SJCguy-"If that is the case MDX is much better."
Pardon my ignorance, but I'm not quite sure what you mean?
Old 03-06-24, 03:49 AM
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Clutchless
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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.
Old 03-06-24, 01:32 PM
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Brownd3max
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Originally Posted by Clutchless
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.
Oh, I get it now - A non-sequitur segue, LOL!
Old 03-07-24, 05:56 PM
  #20  
zimdba
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I often drive my E70 X5M back-to-back with my 2015 F-Sport. It sure feels like the Lexus is harsher on the bumps, despite the additional sidewall.
Old 03-07-24, 10:51 PM
  #21  
MattRX
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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.
Old 03-08-24, 01:03 AM
  #22  
703
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Originally Posted by SJCguy
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.
You’re drawing the wrong conclusion. Your RX probably don’t even have original parts and doesn’t drive any where like a new RX which rolled off the assembly line.

The RX has sold millions into homes of families and is the best selling Lexus for many generations.


Old 03-09-24, 06:30 AM
  #23  
vconstant2
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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.
Old 04-01-24, 12:58 AM
  #24  
byzant
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Originally Posted by MattRX
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.
Maybe, You know something about 4gen springs color marking? I am considering to put 4gen springs instead of my 3gen air suspension.
Old 04-01-24, 06:38 AM
  #25  
salimshah
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Originally Posted by byzant
Maybe, You know something about 4gen springs color marking? I am considering to put 4gen springs instead of my 3gen air suspension.
What is that you don't like with your setup?
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
Old 04-01-24, 10:38 PM
  #26  
byzant
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Originally Posted by salimshah
What is that you don't like with your setup?
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
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.
Old 04-05-24, 10:49 AM
  #27  
WolfyLS460
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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.


Old 04-06-24, 07:39 AM
  #28  
HJP12
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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.
Old 04-06-24, 08:00 AM
  #29  
Clutchless
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Take the Cadillac to an independent radiator shop or any other repair shop. Radiator replacement should not be that expensive.
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Old 04-10-24, 02:00 PM
  #30  
AlgoTrader
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Originally Posted by SJCguy
Financial. I drive 7500 miles/year and I had to pay 4k more for a hybrid that gives 3.5 miles/gallon more. The return on my $4k would be more than 10 years.
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.


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