Hey Guys,

Been a second since I've been on here. Last time I was close to purchasing an LS 430 and received some awesome advice & feedback which I truly appreciate and never forget.
Yet, this time around I am actually looking at purchasing an RX series between 2011-2014 as my research says these are most trouble-free.
I enjoy the ride, height, and reliability of these vehicles as well as the creature comforts.
I am 6'4 & about 270lbs and I am attracted to the old RX which allowed greater leg spread...can someone share when they went to the center console that lessened the "leg spreading?"
My 2011 Avalon rides splendidly, but recent back & arthritis issues abound and it sits kinda low for me now!
How much for the 90-100k service? Cheaper at a reputable independent import shop vs Lexus dealer I'd assume? lol

My goal is under 70-80k, full disclosure on maintenance history/geographic history, and under $20K.
What should I know about these vehicles, what should I beware of, and so forth

Thanks,

Reggie T.

 

The later the model year, the better off you will be. By the 2014 model year Lexus addressed several troublesome issues that plague the earlier model years (oil cooler pipe upgraded from rubber to metal, better-quality rear shocks that solved the persistent leaking problem, etc.). If you cannot DIY your own maintenance, you are always better off with a well-respected Toyota-familiar independent repair shop rather than going to the dealership..

My wife has a 2015 model (acquired in late October 2018 at just under 33,000 miles) and has been very happy with it. One word of caution to you: I am 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, with size 15/16 feet and am simply too big for this vehicle. I have very limited head room, leg room, knee room, shoulder room, hip room, and foot room in her vehicle. Make certain you test-drive any RX you are considering for an extended period of time to ensure you are comfortable with it.

And be aware that the leather quality in all of these 3rd generation RX vehicles is substandard compared to the 1st and 2nd generations. I know this because my wife also had a 2000 RX300 and a 2004 RX330. The leather in these 3rd generation vehicles is too thin, not as durable as before, and you really need to be careful with it (the front seat bolsters in particular).

 

I just purchased a 2010 after I sold my 2019 and I find the size to be the same. I’m 6’2’ 250lbs size 12 boots and I fit comfortably in both. 2012/2013 have updates hence they will cost more money. I went with the 2010 because the upgrades to me weren’t worth the 4/5k extra in cost. Both the oil line and the rear struts were taken care of under warranty by the original owner years back. With the 13 you get a nicer front end, steering wheel, and the gps even though it looks the same it’s actually upgraded with the 13 and up. You also get the blind spot monitoring which I do miss. I’m sure there are allot more little updates that I don’t know about as well since Lexus is really good at correcting the little issues with there mid cycle refreshes. My 2019 with the premium package was the last one with “real” leather before they switched to the Nuluxe stuff and it had a decent amount of creases at only 8k miles. I think it will too look horrible in a decade or so.

 

Couldn't agree more with your reasons. I don't like the 4th gen front grille at all. It looks like someone knocked the teeth off the car.
The 2010 looks very elegant. Also it's not that hard to change the oil cooler line or the rear shocks. But any Lexus with good maintainance history should be a great purchase.

 

Point of clarification: When I stated "the later the model year, the better off you will be" in post #2 above, I was referring to the 3rd generation range of the RX series. Like some others here, I also do not like the newer 4th generation grill - it looks like a cow-catcher on the front of a steam locomotive.

 

I honestly loved the look of my 2019. I just couldn’t pass up the buy out offer from Car Max. I do think the 2019 is a better truck over all but driving the 2010 doesn’t feel much different. They have allot of the same features except for the safety stuff. The space is almost spot on, and the controls are almost all in the same location. The radio makes it look Uber dated on the 2010 but my 2019 didn’t have apple CarPlay which made it dated too.

 

Great council & feedback thus far!
Appreciate it.

 

After further thought and research, I am open to older series in the RX line.
I just basically need about 80-100K worth of reliable, pleasant driving, and a classy style.
BTW...what the price of the 90-100K service on average?

 

I take my RxH to a local hybrid shop. They know what they're doing and the prices are reasonable. I paid a total of 320 in labor to get my spark plugs changed and transmission fluid drained and brake fluid also. I simply bought the parts.

 

Call your local Toyota and Lexus dealers and tell them hey I have a 2013 RX how much for the 100K service. Prices will vary depending on your areas labor rate, and independent shop or a dealership.

 

I guess I should have been more specific...the cost of the "Timing belt/water pump" change?

Thanks guys...I think I'm narrowed between 2010-2011...with 2011 been more my speed.
***My bad----I see it has a timing chain!***

 

We've had five Lexus ES sedans over the past 15 years- great 'Realtor car" for my wife's business.

Our 2012 RX350 just hit 120k miles and acts as the work truck for airport runs, trips to the gardening store, hauling grandkids, etc.

Great brand . . .

 

I really think the answer will be based on 'features' and looks as the engine/trans are almost the same in Gen3.

Major change in the front in this gen ... regular to spindle.

There have been introduction to features that some drivers cant live without [I am perplexed as how we used to drive without them]
Blind spot monitoring
Reverse lines in the display
folding side view mirrors.

To me the most important thing about used vehicles is to determine how well the vehicle was kept.

Salim