Hello, I'm considering buying my daughter a used (2010 or 2011) RX 300 or RX 350. She is a single mom and needs reliable transportation for herself and her 3 year old son. My three questions are
1.What are the major differences between the 2010 and 2011 model years, and also differences in the 300 and 350?
2. Are both years and models very reliable and safe?
3. Mechanically, are there any major issues I should be aware of when considering buying a 2010 or 2011 RX 300 or Rax 350?
I own a 2000 GX 400, and a 2007 GX 470; both have been very good cars so far. Thank you very much.

 

I believe 2010-11 are the same and only in 350 and 450h
i have a 10 and it's been very good for us.

 

Gold4x4, the 300 is the first gen RX (1999-2003). There is minimal differences between the 2010 and 2011 RX350. Brake override and a power outlet under the shifter were added. The 'Lexus' badge was removed from the tailgate. That's about it. For the 2012 MY, fuel requirement went from premium to regular. Otherwise they are essentially the same.

 

Thank you very much. Is the addition of the brake over ride a significant addition to the 2011 RX 350? Thank you again

 

I just read about the brake over ride system that Toyota installed in cars after the unintended acceleration law suit, and how in 2011 it was added at the factory. Yes, significant, indeed.

 

Depends on how important brake override is to you. I look at it as an additional layer of protection in terms of safety. There was a service campaign IIRC on 2010s. I have the notice somewhere. So some may have it too.

 

If your 2010 gas pedal had the corners cut off, then it was "fixed" under the recall.

 

Gold4x4, Also pay attention to the vvti hose oil leak. You can search on this forums and I believe 2010 and 2011 models have that issue. So you can look into the fix once you buy one

 

The VVTI issue was fixed for the 2010 redesign. It only affected the prior generation. Ours (2010-2012) have the oil cooler rubber hose leak issue if you have the towing package.

 

Which I believe is covered under a recall (or TSB) for free.

 

In Canada there was a recall for the oil cooler hose leak. In the US we only got the TSB and extended warranty coverage. Maybe because they sold a lot more vehicles in the US and the cost for a recall would be higher or they have better warranty laws in Canada.

However, most of the time you first notice the failure when your oil light comes on while on the highway, about 30 seconds before you have engine failure because all the oil pumped out through the failed hose! The trick is to keep an eye on the hose and when it starts to seep or look wet, take it to the dealer for replacement.

To inspect it yourself, it is next to the oil filter and can be easily seen with a flashlight if you are on the ground looking up under front bumper slightly off center toward the passenger side. It is the two black rubber hoses next to each other by the oil filter. The hoses are about a foot long. The TSB replaces them with metal hoses.

 

Many people complained about the power outlet being buried inside and at the bottom of the console on the 2010, even though it is easily solvable with an extension cord.

 

Marqevans, you mean the black hole, LOL! Lexus came out with a TSB on it. More info here. Took a few weeks for the dealer to get a power extension cord. Problem solved.

 

The 2010's had two 12v sockets in the center console, the improved 2011 had one there and one at the
front of the lower exposed tray. Both have one in the cargo area. Completely minor change to the
HVAC buttons...hotter/cooler buttons are red/blue for 2011...all white for '10! Also the Lexus Chrome
logo was deleted in 2011 on all models.

 

I added the power outlet under the shifter to my 2010. I bought a micro or mini fuse tap on eBay and ran a power wire from the driver side fuse for the power outlets under the carpet and into the console. I got a generic power outlet also from eBay, drilled a hole in the console piece (it pops out easily) and connected the power outlet, power wire and grounded it to a bolt on the floor. It is black and I have a parchment interior, but you can hardly see it. Total cost was under $20.