gffounder

Ha ha ha ... I thought you were in my Michigan neighborhood with that remark! I assume you're happy about it as a big snow contender???

happy1977

If you're an agressive driver, you'll love the 2012 RX 350, it handles like a car and very stable on fast curves and sharp turns.

InRBigness

As a former owner of the three pointed star I can only say that if you plan to keep it for a while make sure that you get an extended warranty.

Alpy64

hi gffounder. A friend if mine had the MB ML 320 CDI 4matic with full options (hydropneumatical absorbers, sidewalks, etc., etc.). Problem was consumption with roughly 19mpg (US) with diesel and cost for maintenance (diesel is much more expensive for regular maintenance). I can tell you he was happy to sell it!
I do not like theninterior of MB, not enough zen for me and the only SUV's I ever drove were my former Volvo xc90's.
With Lexus it's a good thing. I wanted silent (after a long working day, it is soothing /relaxing to go inside and drive, listening music or info, I particularly like the optitron and lighting of the dashboard with its white and clear/excellent lights, good ergonomics despite some "errors" and the use of the remote mouse like a trackpad Apple mouse, etc., discreet and more appreciated by others because of the hybrid system.
Al

pismoj

I probably would not buy a Lexus again. I don't think the engineering and technology is there compared to MB. I traded my GLK for the RX. I wanted more space and comfort which I got, but did not expect the hood to flap/flutter/vibrate at highway speeds. This has been documented by many drivers and verified as normal at my Lexus dealership. To me that is not satisfactory in a $50k vehicle. The mechanics say the hood metal is to thin with not enough support. My other issue is minor but very annoying. Not being able to use my old CD collection and have the artist and track identified was a surprise. The same CD's are read/identified in my previous GLK. Other than that it's a beautifully styled car and my wife loves it. I would check out the new ML350 4matic.

Sfcyclist

You get mostly biased reviews here.. postive that is. It's a great car if you're looking for a mid size, luxury SUV. It's got the best value in it's class award too.

markrivers

^ i never experienced flap/flutter/vibration of the hood at highway speed.
Any other RX owners care to contribute on this issue?

As a current owner of a Range Rover HSE, i have to say the RX 350 have my vote if ever i need to choose between the two.

happy1977

pismoj created this thread about it. I made an observation on a bright, sunny day and I didn't see anything on mine to what the others have seen on their RX, I asked my friend to see anything unusual too on the hood and he didn't noticed anything peculiar.

InRBigness

I checked out mine as well at 120K (70mph) and was not able to notice anything in mine. This does not mean it is not there and may have been addressed by the '12 model or in the 450h.

k9shelly1

I can almost gaurantee you that the hood flutter is there on all of the 3rd gen RX's. Even after looking for it I couldn't see it. Its one of those "can't see the forrest for the trees" type of things. Once you see it you'll wonder how you could have missed it.

Cruiter

What's the pay off on your guarantee ??? I've been up to just a skosh over 90mph and the hood as well as the rest of the car was rock steady. Even the mpg gauge was steady just under 20mpg .

happy1977

Ok, I drove it again today and this time paying attention to the rear end of the hood. Going 76mph on a curving interstate on a windy Indiana weather, the hood didn't flutter, but as I hit a little bumps here and there, I see the flutter on the middle part of the back end of the hood, but that only happens when the road is rough, it does not flutter because of your speed or the wind. Again, that's just on my RX.

Sfcyclist

I'm lost about the hood issue reported.. solid.. perhaps his hood was not secure?

hypervish

I haven't seen it either. I've driven my brothers 450h at 95+ mph, in extremely windy conditions and haven't noticed anything of that nature.

hypervish

Seeing as you are in Michigan, I think you will appreciate how well the RX does in the snow. I'm in Michigan about once a month, and though my RX is much older it handles the snow flawlessly.

The Mercedes will require more attention, than the Lexus. And, not in a good way. Not to mention, they aren't as smooth, or at least not in my experience.