CharBaby

My wife currently has an '01 RX-300 and we're looking to upgrade to a 3 gen RX-350
She prefers the grill of the '10-'12 and I prefer the '13-'15 but, it doesn't really matter!

I've been looking/test driving '12's and I like'em . There isn't much difference on the prices between the '12 & '13(few grand). And depending on other options there could be a larger difference!

We haven't purchased a used car for ourselves since 1980. All others were brand new. But, I'm having a difficult time dropping $50K on a new vehicle so, pre owned is the way we're going.

Can those of you who own any 3rd Gen RX please chime in with you likes/dislikes. Any comment will suffice as I don't really have any particular question at this time. Well, maybe some trouble spots if any of you folks have experienced any!

Our current '01 RX is beautiful inside & out but, 15 winters have taken it toll on the chassis so, it's time go move on!
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Oh yes, we're actually considering a Hybrid 450h but we haven't really discussed it much!

hypervish

Rear shocks like to leak, but they easy to replace. Nothing you can't handle!

If you are still considering the 13', take a look at this amazing thread for the differences: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l-listing.html

Good thing about 12+, they only take regular.

CharBaby

I like the '13 grill better but, my wife likes the '12 better!
I am considering a hybrid but, want to discuss this with her first!
I'm not sure how the hybrid system will hold up with such little driving that she does. Almost kind of a waste to even own a Lexus with the little driving she does(5 mi to work/5 mi home 5 day/wk) And a little running 'round on the wkends.

With the exception of some out of state travel, this car will see ^^^ mostly the above, 5/5/5

kitlz

CharBaby, I do the same kind of driving as your wife in my 450h. If it wasn't for the hills, I'd have better mileage. And yeah, it doesn't exactly get too warm during the short commute. But I'm glad I have the RXh with remote start

CharBaby

Good to know kitlz, thanks! : )
My wife and I will be doing some serious test drives in both '12 & '13 350 & 450h

nparmelee

We just got the 2010 RX450h as a replacement for a totaled '08 350. I'd say look less at the year and more at the condition of the car. The one we got only has some minor seat wear that I'll work on in the next couple of weeks. Most of the people at work thought it was brand new after a quick look. When we were shopping around we saw some newer cars that looked ridden hard even though the mileage wasn't that bad. Not sure how some people manage to make a fairly young car look so old, but they do!

We considered new but decided we'd rather buy used and not have car payments.

BertL

OP, just so you're clear... While a 2012 and 2013 are both 3rd Gen RX, the 2013s were the first of the "mid-life refreshed" 3rd Gen RX, which also includes the new front end grille. Most of the technical differences are outlined in the post hypervish suggested above, but there are a number of more subtle usability and appearance differences not evident from the technical writeups I created that post from before the 2013s hit our shores... small things like a different head unit for Infotainment, HD stations, improved look to icons, the new BSM option, and others. For me, I had a 2012 on special order and it was 2 weeks from delivery almost at port... I cancelled and reordered and waited for my 2013 to arrive -- another almost 5 months. There are other threads on all that if you're so interested from the 2011-12 timeframe, but net is, the many little enhancements, along with my feeling that the 2013 front end would ultimately look more like the 4th Gen when it came out (I guessed right) were the tipping points in my decision.

Either could be a good choice for you and your spouse, but personally -- since it's what I did -- I'd add the 2013 changes in with the rest of your physical evaluation between your MY choices, and see if something helps you break the tie. A 2012 really isn't as close to being the same as a 2013, like say a 2010 to 2012 are, or a 2013 to 2015 are for the most part. Good luck with your selection.

CharBaby

Looking at the year and condition of course! Our dealer does get many from out of state from the non salt belt states. Then, I will look at condition for a 2010 or '11. Otherwise, I'd prefer the newest I could get!

Wife Does Not like the new(er) grill of the 2013 where as I prefer it! But, it'll be her car not mine!

Marqevans

Just a thought you might take a look at the 2015 Highlander. It will be priced about the same and is very nice vehicle. I have both the RX and the 2015 Highlander, and I really like the way they both drive and look. I know the Lexus probably has more "wow" factor.