PeteInGilr

New to this forum but not new to Lexus. Previous vehicles were a '04 Lexus RX and a '09 ES350.

Today I purchased a '14 RX350 AWD to replace a '13 Toyota Avalon (which was the worse riding car I have ever been in).

I was very skeptical purchasing the 350 vs. the hybrid as most reviews indicate the hybrid has the superior ride. They both rode about the same during the test drive but the 350 seemed much quieter (they each had different tire brands...neither was Michelin).

My vehicle (Starefire Pear/Parchment) had to be brought in from about 100 miles away.

The RX350 rides like a dream. And it has the 19" tires. It absorbs all of the ruts and freeway expansion joints that California can throw at it.

I did have the dealer change the tires from Bridgestones to Michelins and I am so happy with this perfect ride.

Thanks to researching this forum I was able to show the salesman the "secret" compartment beneath the deep center console. All the manuals I will need fit in there perfectly.

Pete

cflutist

Pete,

Congrats on your new ride.

I didn't know that you could ask for a tire swap. Good to know for next time.

At least I know where the "secret" compartment is now.

Cheryl

2014 RX 450h AWD

capcap

Thanks for the report, Pete!!! Sounds as if you got a good one.

corradoMR2

Surprised you found the '13 Avalon "worse riding car". The engineers eliminated the marshmallow suspension and tightened it up much like they did wit the ES in this latest Gen, but was it really that bad? How?

Congrats on your RX and glad you are liking it!

PeteInGilr

Thanks...so glad to be here on this forum. The Avalon ride was horrible. Noise from the suspension punched into the cabin loudly. The ride was so rough I had to close my sunroof shade (every 100 mile) because it opened (about one half inch) on its own from all the jostling.

I understand the engineers tightened the suspension of the ES and Avalon to attract younger buyers. But there has to be some happy medium. I literally felt beat up after driving the Avalon for an hour or more.

corradoMR2

Surprising, yet good feedback. This is my one concern with Lexus (and Toyota) where their new direction is to create sporty and engaging vehicles. They tightened up the RX, ES , Avalon, and to a lesser degree the IS and GS. They are attracting younger buyers but even this age group wants some comfort. I'm in my later 30s which I would fit in the "younger" side of the average Lexus buyer, yet on straight line driving, especially on rougher roads, I do miss my Gen 2 RX as it was like slicing through soft butter. My RX F-Sport, although not harsh or jarring, is firm with much of these bumps felt in the cabin, but it is a much more fun and engaging vehicle than the Gen 2RXs by a long shot. Can't have it all.

You find your new RX as comfortable as your '04 was?

PeteInGilr

Yes, the '14 is as comfortable as the '04. In fact it is a much better ride. The interior of the '14 is quieter and the suspension much better (not necessarily softer, but it absorbs the road imperfections better). Maybe after 10 years, the '04 was wearing down.

TorontoRX

We had the 2010 RX and swapped for a 2013 version in late November. The ride of the '13 feels a lot better than our other one......and I thought the 2010 was already pretty smooth.

Enjoy your RX!

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

I too find the 14Fsport ride very good. I hated the 08 RX ride, it felt to boat like in the turns, felt like you had to start turning before you got into the turn because of the leaning of the body.

EMSLEXUSRX

When my '10 RX was in for a warranty repair back in 2012, I remember driving a '12 RX loaner that drove much better than my '10 RX. It was smoother, quieter, just a much better ride. I kind of hated to give it back!

By the way, I just learned that our Canadian friends can still get their RX's with the auto high beams. Did I hear that right??? If our Canadian friends can chime in on this one for me, that would be great!

kjang

thanks for the info.
I like a smoother ride myself.
I am seeking a pre-owned rx (2013) model with few miles on her.
It came down to an f-sport and a awd rx.
Reading through this forum has answered my questions regarding the ride of the f-sport.
Thanks to everyone for there comments.