Questions about buying a 2010-2012 RX350 (model year differences, known issues, etc.)
08-25-15, 02:33 PM
#1
Questions about buying a 2010-2012 RX350 (model year differences, known issues, etc.)
My wife and I are looking at purchasing a 2010-2012 RX350 in the next couple of weeks, and I wanted to ask the community for some advice. I own a 2007 IS350 and the 2IS forum has been extremely helpful in explaining the things to watch out for about particular models or years, and I hope to find the same for the RX.
It would be great if anyone could share any insight into the following questions:
1. What are the differences between the 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years? I know the RX is mostly unchanged during that period, but it'd be great to know of any less obvious changes that might shape my decision between the model years.
2. Are there any years or options to avoid for any reason?
3. Are there any common issues I should be aware of regarding the RX during the years 2010-2012? I'd likely be buying CPO, so most issues would be covered, but many issues won't be and it'd be great to know about what to expect anyway. It will also help me as I look over specific cars. For example, the '06-'08 2IS has a very common dashboard rattle that's nearly impossible to fix correctly; that particular issue is not covered by CPO or any extended warranty because it relates to a trim piece. There's also a carbon build-up issue common to the 2IS. Anything like this would be great to know.
4. Any other information you think I should know going into this purchase, either about the car or the buying process.
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
It would be great if anyone could share any insight into the following questions:
1. What are the differences between the 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years? I know the RX is mostly unchanged during that period, but it'd be great to know of any less obvious changes that might shape my decision between the model years.
2. Are there any years or options to avoid for any reason?
3. Are there any common issues I should be aware of regarding the RX during the years 2010-2012? I'd likely be buying CPO, so most issues would be covered, but many issues won't be and it'd be great to know about what to expect anyway. It will also help me as I look over specific cars. For example, the '06-'08 2IS has a very common dashboard rattle that's nearly impossible to fix correctly; that particular issue is not covered by CPO or any extended warranty because it relates to a trim piece. There's also a carbon build-up issue common to the 2IS. Anything like this would be great to know.
4. Any other information you think I should know going into this purchase, either about the car or the buying process.
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
09-08-15, 06:43 PM
#3
My two cents...
Early 2010 builds have a sunglasses holder next to the garage door link buttons while later models instead have the destination assist button there instead (I believe) (I have an early '10), this replaces the sunglasses storage.
2011-- the Lexus badge on rear hatch is removed. One of the two POA's is moved from the inside of the storage console to the front of the pass thru down below.
Not sure of other changes, this may actually be it between the two years. IDK what came around for 2012.
Someone on the board added a POA in the pass thru to their 2010 by purchasing the part at a dealer for around $50 if you wind up with a '10 and find a need for this feature. Thread can probably be searched.
09-09-15, 02:46 AM
#4
No, I don't play soccer!
Here is a a thread I found discussing differences between 2010 and 2011 and then another regarding the differences between 2011 and 2012. There's more if you do a search but not that many. The biggest change IMO is the switch from premium to regular in 2012. We have a few threads on rattles, suspension and seat comfort. Not all of us have these issues so just make sure you take the RX for an extended drive. Good luck in your search.
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