Rspencer55

Hello everybody. I am looking to buy a 2006-2008 RX and have several questions for all of you. After trying many SUV's and not fitting into many SUV's because of my size (6'5" 285 ) and the need for shoulder room, I'm glad that I fit in the RX and the Acura MDX.

I used to have a LS430 and they had different levels such as the such as the Modern Luxury and the like. It doesn't seem that the RX has this so how, for example can you determine what upgrades are present (such as the Mark Levinson sound system)? In my price range, most do not have navigation but some do. How is the quality of the navigation unit and is that required for the additional upgrades? I want to add Ipod capability - is it easier with the navigation head unit?

One last question - in comparing prices, it seems that for the money, the RX seems to be the better bargain over the MDX which I would have to sacrifice a year and additional milage in comparison to the RX. Any ideas why that might be - is it that the 3rd row option makes the resale prices higher than the RX.

Any advice that you can give me would be appreciated.

thomas1

I believe you hit it with the third row seat on MDX. As for Mark Levinson it is clearly labeled on the radio,cd player when it is installed. Usually when it has Mark Levinson than you have the luxury version of the RX. Check and see if it has Navigation also. Navigation sucks. It works, but unlike the Honda/Accura one it is cumbersome to use. There are kits to add Ipod to the Mark Levinson stereo. (I installed one on mine). Some other upgrades are HID lighting systems. The other thing is check service carefully and if it is over 100k miles see if the timing belt has been changed. The spark plugs are do at 125k miles, however they will go way further.

Rainbird

Lexus changed to a larger engine (3.5L) and a timing chain starting with the 2007 model year. The 2006 would have the (3.3L) engine and would require the timing belt be changed at 90K miles.

lexsc4

Keep in mind that the MDX has timing belt, which may need to be replace at 90-100K miles. My co-worker has a 2010 MDX and the third row is basically for child only and short trips, but it is convinent when you need it. The MDX handles better than the RX, we tested drove both and the wife cannot tell the difference. The RX350 has more legroom compares to the MDX. For the RX navigation, it sucks in my opinion. We used it once and never again, Iphone Google map is much better.

08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)