coolsaber

If you have some time I would get some seat time in the MDX advanced packages open pore wood trim. Removes the cheapness out of the ultra shiny plastic wood in the MDXers of this generation. If you have some time I`d wager sitting in the new RDX lines to see what is it come in the next MDX that is around the corner. The RX feels better, well put together but still is plastic central inside. BMW and Volvo more so interiors use plastic but somehow make you forget that and focus on metal/cf accents and wood trim with different grains.

mikemu30

forget city mpg. It's a fuel hog but still love it.

ISeeThruYo

Hello all -

I am in the market for a used car (less than $35000) and have been doing a ton of research. Everything I have read is pointing me toward a RX350 - reliability, smooth ride, and nice interior. The only problem with Lexus is there is no Lexus dealer where I live - the nearest dealer is about 200 miles away. If i bought on I would buy one without a warranty and use a local repair shop for any issues.

Because of this, I have been looking at the Acura MDX (there is an Acura dealer where I live). However everything I have read seems to indicate that it is an inferior vehicle - particularly in regards to reliability of the MDX. This concerns me as I normally drive cars up to about 80000-100000K miles before I trade them in.

So my question is would you still buy a Lexus if there was no dealer located near you?

Thanks

mikemu30

Why not - any qualified mechanic can maintain it for you. No need for a dealer unless its warranty or recall related.

ISeeThruYo

I was looking at getting one with less than 30k miles.

thanks for the update on the known issues. Any other systemic issues know?

just perusing the threads here it looks like some people have had transmissions go out (big $$$$ to repair on my own). However, sounds somewhat isolated.


also reading about fluid leaking from the engine and having to remove the engine to fix it - also sound line it would be big money without warranty. Not sure how common this is.

any others?

Freds430

My maintenance is every 10,000 miles I take it in for an oil change and tire rotation. Every 30,000 miles a brake fluid change. the cabin and air filters both take combined less then 5 minutes to change. I take ours most of the time to our local Toyota dealership which is usually about 35% less. I would certainly buy a Lexus without a dealer in town especially if there is a Toyota dealership.

Freds430

Above stated have owned ten Acuras. Moved over to Lexus six years ago. A great move because noticed a trend of the newer Acuras will not built as well. Acura use to be in the top five in dependability 6-7 years ago. Since then they have dropped a few positions every year. Currently they are 26 out of 31 in reliability. Consumer Reports list every year their ten dogs to avoid. The MDX is on that list. That is enough for me to run.

ravenuer

Not sure what I'd do in your shoes. As long as there is a good local shop that you trust and is knowledgeable regarding Lexus', you could go with it. But you'll probably still have a Lexus warranty, which presents the 200 mile problem. While Lexus is an extremely reliable vehicle, let's face it, anything can happen. If you have a Toyota dealer nearer to you, it's possible they could handle warranty issues for you, but I'm not sure about that.

ISeeThruYo

I call the Toyota dealer in our town a while back and spoke with the service manager - they do not do Lexus warranty service.

With all the negativity in the MDX, I will probably stay away.

Another option would be a 2017 Highlander limited platinum although from what I have read it sounds like there are issues with transmissions dying prematurely due to a error from the factory (presumably this would be covered under warranty).

mikemu30

Highlander has a different transmission than the RX?

ISeeThruYo

Not sure if the Highlander and RX350 have the same transmission, but people are having a lot of problems with the highlander transmissions:
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussio...mission-issues

Here is the TSB on the issue: https://toyotatalk.com/wp-content/up...ducedpower.pdf


sorry for getting off topic.

mikemu30

Yeah that would be good to know but I haven't read of any widespread tranny issues with the RX other than the clumsy shifting drivers are unhappy with.

jimxo

I have a 2014 MDX with 204k miles, no major problems, original transmission too. average mpg is 21.

Lexus RX is smoother and more luxury but the new redesign 2021 MDX should be even better.

mikemu30

That's great longevity. Did you change the tranny fluid often?

ravenuer

Wow, that's almost 41k a year. You must live in it!