johngalt66

I am new to this forum and am looking for help on purchasing an RX for my senior citizen parents. Their requirements are a little bizzare, but, as the kids say "they are what they are." First, my father detests the "cockpit" feel of most luxury vehicles and must have the ability to slide his right foot temporarily into the passanger's foot area to stretch out his leg. Am I correct that the 2nd gen RX has a center console that can slide back and allow a "pass through" in the foot area? The reason we are considering a 2nd gen RX is because the 3rd gen does not allow this, and, as far as I know, the 2nd gen RX is the ONLY luxury SUV that has this "feature" (and I know I am using that term loosely).

Second, how user friendly is the navigation system, specifically the voice recognition capability? My parents are not tech savvy and get easily flustered, but they could desperately use a nice system. Is there a way to tell which "generation" navigation unit the vehicle comes with, and, what are the benefits of the later generation? Is the 3rd gen's navigation system a big step up?

Third, does the 2nd gen go through the 2009 model year for RX 350 but the 400h go through the 2008 model year? The price difference would not matter to them, but other than the gas mileage bonus are there other reasons to buy (or not to buy) a 400h?

Fourth, what are the benefits of CPO?

Finally, is there anything else I should look for? I very much appreciate any input you folks have!!!

diverchris

Welcome to the forum. I have a 2005 rx and it does not have a centre console area of alot of SUV. I'm not sure how large your parents are, please don't be offended. I'm 6'4" with size 12 shoes and there in no way I would be able to move my right foot over to the passenger's side area to stretch.

I cannot comment on the NAV for Lexus. I have a Garmin Nuvi and its touch screen is very easy to use. Once again I cannot comment on the voice-activated systems.

I hope this helps. I seem to remember, yet stand to be corrected, that the Toyota Highlander does not have the centre console. This may be an option.

Good luck on your search,
Chris

Jetstar

There was no 2009 RX400h made. We bought our 2006 RX400h in May 2010 and are totally satisfied. It had 61,000 miles on it, and we paid less than $20,000 at a GM dealer. We will acquire an extended warranty before it has 80,000 miles. It can't be obtained if the car has over 80,000. Because of the dependability of the car, I don't have any concerns about it not being covered by any warranty until we add the extended policy. The very comprehensive warranty will cover it for another 48,000 miles (til approx. 128,000 mi.).

I am 6'4", and it would be awkward for me to put my right leg through the console gap. A much shorter person may find it more comfortable. We seldom use voice command on the navigation. Here are some suggestions: Try to avoid buying a used unit from a Lexus dealer. You will pay an unnecessary premium. You can typically get a better price on a Lexus at the used car lot of a dealer other than Lexus. Don't be afraid of a higher mileage Lexus, if you can add an extended warranty either now or later. You can really save a lot of money. They are well designed and built cars. The original warranty on the hybrid system, including batteries, is 8 years or 100,000 miles. I hope this helps. Good luck.

johngalt66

Thanks very much for the advice!!! My parents are a little more interested in the 2011 now that they have sat in it, but, I suspect they will opt for a used one. I would like to know if the navigation is easier to use on the 2011 versus the earlier models (especially the voice recognition part), and whether the iphone 4 integrates better. So, if anyone has any advice on that it would be appreciated. Otherwise, thanks for the advice, and, to be honest, the under $20k for a 2006 RX 400h now has me thinking about this as an option to replace my wife's CRV. I am amazed that great of a car can be had for under $20k.