salimshah

The thread is to help the OP make an informed choice ... we have all made our choices based on our options and needs. Differing opinions should stir good discussions and I would urge all not to make it personal.

Salim

lexus114

I have to agree with you draco. But people assume it`s like a Ford vs Mercury thing,where their was virtually no difference between an Escort and a Lynx except the grille,badge,and tailights. Everything else was untouched! That is simply NOT how it is with the Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Adamjeeps

The RX 350 and the Highlander share the exact same engine, transmission, and drive train. It will cost the same to maintain as a Highlander. I don't plan on repairing the Lexus only items, such as the interior wood. What kind of maintenance do you need to perform on a panel, or a "better" quality leather, or a tighter tolerance between panels? The OP wanted to know if he should make the trade, and I simply stated maintenance cost would not be a factor, if they used a Toyota or independent mechanic. There are many owners here who do this and only use the Lexus dealer for warranty items.

BTW, my wife decided on this vehicle, and we bought it used from Carmax. No, it would not have been my 1st choice, but it was her car and her decision to make and she can only blame herself is she doesn't like it! (After 2 years, she still loves it).

I don't take anything on here personally, we will have disagreements. But I still challenge someone to show me how it will cost more to maintain an RX 350 vs. a Highlander

koric

iTrader: (1)

I wouldnt worry about it either if my mom paid for it. The bottom line here is that a civic's cost of maintenance will be a lot damn cheaper than a lexus rx or even a highlander fixed at an indy mech. Oil changes are cheaper on a civic. Tires are way cheaper. Wayyy less gas consumption on the civic. Parts are cheaper and don't fail as often. Timing belt change is cheaper, etc etc. I had a civic and now the RX. Unfortunately, I have to pay it all myself to maintain my cars. I can truly say that the civic cost almost nothing with the 190k I put on. I have mentioned in my previous post, you will spend at least double or triple on the cost of ownership for the RX over the Civic. If the OP has the money and he is not just a student struggling to make some cash then by all means get the Lexus. Do some of you not understand this concept?

Carver

We all had the choice of a Civic or an RX and we chose the RX, what do you expect us to say? If I were in the OP's position I would take the RX for the same reasons I drive one now.

If the cost of tires, gas, parts were his major consideration he would never have come here for an opinion, he would have laughed hysterically and said; "you'll never get me in one of those bloated, overpriced Toyotas, I'm too smart for that, I drive a Civic!". No, he wanted our opinions on the trade and we have given them as best we can.

Don't understand the 'tude.

hypervish

Get the RX330.

I'm not even going to get into the discussion of comparing the Highlander to the RX. It is different.

And, an oil change for a civic would cost the same as the RX... < Where did you get the idea it wouldn't... Lexus doesn't produce a special oil that's required, you can use the same oil you would use in the civic.

The RX is way more comfortable, look's nicer, and let's face it you can tell people your driving a Lexus!

RX330inFL

Take the RX to a Lexus dealership and the Highlander to a Toyota dealership for service.

Adamjeeps

Why would I do that when the cheaper Toyota dealer would perform the exact same work?

koric

iTrader: (1)

What civic takes almost 7 quarts of oil? It has always been 4. The filter is also a couple of bucks more on the RX. The overall cost for an oil change is very close to double just in materials.

hypervish

Wow, a whopping +-$10 difference. The filter costs the same. Depends on where you get it from. Not to mention changing the oil is much easier on the RX. I believe it's 6.4 quarts to be exact. Meaning you only have to purchase the seventh quart every other oil change.

Usually I only put six anyways, and it's full. No need for the extra .4, as the dipstick reading is already full.

RX330inFL

Wasn't the point. You made a challenge for someone to show how it would be more expensive to service a Lexus RX compared to a Toyota Highlander. I provided that example.

jtaylor3

I guess it depends on your needs. If the Civic serves your needs well, it will probably be the cheapest option in the long term. Of course the RX is going to be much more spacious and comfortable. However, like any vehicle, it will probably require more maintenance and repairs than a car with lower mileage.

I had an IS before I traded it in for my RX400h and it was simply too cramped for my family and the rear wheel drive was a pain in the winter even with snow tires.

Good luck with your decision.

Jeff
08 RX400h

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

need>want

do consider the MPG.....gas are expensive nowadays!

ntATL

Thanks everyone for you inputs. I decided to keep my civic and my brother ended up getting a M Sport 5 Series. I decided to keep the civic because it's more practical. And like everyone said, it's about what I need and not want. Reliable, cheap, and efficient.