Lee2831

Hi all, new to the forum and potentially new to lexus, I am thinking of buying an rx300, I have seen 2 cars, an rx300se and an rx300se-L, I'm really tempted by the 2005 Se-l with the extra toys but air suspension doesn't fill me with confidence, the s.e is a year older but with less miles and obviously doesn't come with air suspension, both cars are similar price, the se-l is for sale closer to me. So help me out guys, is the se-l worth a punt?

Lee.

Lee2831

Anybody out there who can give me their opinion on which to buy?

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Didn't know RX's were that much different on your side of the pond. When you said RX300, I thought you wanted the gen1's.....

But I would skip the SE-L due to the suspension. Air suspension is a big turn off for me too. Most if not all people with it have either gotten rid of it for regular suspension or coilovers. I've dealt with BMW air suspension and that's a nightmare, wouldn't be surprised if it's similar in a Lexus. Will never buy a car with OEM air suspension.

Is there anything else significantly different from the SE and SE-L besides air suspension? Those don't exist here so I have no idea.

Lee2831

Yes over here the se-l has power rear door, reversing camera, sat nav and air suspension over the se.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

To be honest, not deal breaking features to me. I'd still pick the SE or keep looking.

I have all of those features on my RX330 but the air suspension (thank god). I never use the power door, it is also a maintenance item that I have to keep up with being a motor. Backup camera is nice but being from the city you need to know how to park anyways. Sat nav is TRASH even on the new cars, I'd take my phone any day over that, plus updating maps gets old and expensive. My Nav screen is just an expensive climate control display, I never use it.

If you want, you can always get a backup camera and nav via an aftermarket headunit for where the radio goes.