kitlz

And the RX will be changing in a few months.

I found this thread comparing the '11 versions of the same vehicles.

joker01

I own a 2010 RX350 and have no issues what so ever. Lexus Customer Service is exceptional. Reliability is excellent as well. My brother owned a 2003 BMW X5 and had so many issues with it he traded it in for a brand new 2007 Lexus GS350 back in 2007. He loves his Lexus and said that he should have bought a Lexus years ago. We come from a family that keeps their cars for over 10 years. The BMW broke that record. Hope this help.

Sfcyclist

BMW are great cars, I owed several but never an SUV. From my experience with the cars, BMW brakes and suspension need a lot more attention than the our 1st Gen RX . We hope that the same goes for our 3rd Gen. Based on feedback from a few Lexus mechanics I know on the BMW and Lexus front, BMW's go in for repairs, Lexus only go in for maintenance.

Alpy64

If you simply look at the specialised car magasines (serious ones and not those running for german cars only as it is in Europe most of the time); the nb 1 for reliability is always Lexus (Europe market particularly but should be the same worldwide) and when buying a lexus, cost is another reason for chosing Lexus, including all options available).
With a lexus you drive and run and add fuel, add fuel and drive and add fuel and drive, etc. My 400h RX lexus never went to the garage except for constructor maintenance during its 50'000km/100'000 mil., and my current 450h RX 2010 follows the same rule.
That's all I want from my car, plus design, silence, and amazing Mark Levison audio system... even though lexus could be better in current technology (NAv) which is a bit below the german systems).

Another factor to be considered, in France (but not in the US I think) is the image.
BMW is more a show off car (like Audi and Porsche) while RX is more discreet and even more accepted by more people when it is hybrid (environmental impact).
Last but not least, lexus is not so much known in France (more in the UK, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland...) while you can see BMW everywhere at all times and that's also what I was looking for, a car which is rather rare on the roads and cities.
Again, buying a car is very subjective and personal and is rarely a true reasonable act (unless if you have a limited $ or specific priorities).

billy44bo

Took a test rid in a x5 this weekend just to see what it was like did not have to go very far and know that I had ordered the right car last year. Our 450h had a MSRP of 63k when it got to us pick it up for 55k Have a lot more things it than could get from BMW and the BMW rode just like I thought it would . But in the long run you must get the car that YOU thing is right for your needs. Good luck

Tpcorr

My brother has an X5 and a TT. I love the tightness of the X5, it rides and feels like exactly what it is, a well engineered and well built car. Both of his cars have been in the shop for a myriad of issues, and he says he'll never buy a german car again.

billy44bo

"it rides and feels like exactly what it is, a well engineered and well built car. Both of his cars have been in the shop for a myriad of issues, and he says he'll never buy a german car again." that was what I was thinking when I wrote " BMW rode just like I thought it would " Had a 2005 RX 330 only in the shop three times in 70K miles for non service things. We have almost 15K now on are 450h and never been to the shop with it other than the 5k or 10k service. Love that about the Lexus a well built car that holds up very well.