Is AWD option worth anything when buy used rx350
10-10-16, 05:41 AM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
I had the exact same thought, JT4, when I was looking for what has become our 2010 RX450h a couple months ago. I ended up with FWD, though, because of my not being willing to wait any longer to secure a vehicle. I had been searching for 2-3 months, and it was simply time to do it. I barely missed an '11 AWD the two nights before I bought the '10 FWD. We do get some minor ice and snow every once in a while here in upper-mid Alabama, and due ot the inherent warm-thaw cycles and never frozen ground temps, even a slushy light snow fall can turn into a thinly veiled icy slick the next morning. Just imagine that scenario with a bunch of warm-natured Southerners who generally have NO CLUE about dealing with those kinds of road conditions!! Regardless, my wife will not venture out into that scenario, so I settled for the FWD. I would have made the same choice when I lived in SE Texas... preferring the AWD because of the extra drive contact on the road, but willing to settle for FWD if the other didn't fit my time and/or money goals.
I agree with you JT4. We live in CA and when it rains, the AWD Highlander is markedly more sure-footed than the FWD Lexus. But, the Lexus is my wife's car, her baby. She drives VERY conservatively, so nothing spins, pulls, wanders or jerks. She could drive to the moon on one set of brakes. Me, not so much.
Ray A.
Ray A.
For example the first winter we had the RX weather reports called for a foot of snow starting after 9PM. She didn't use the the RX that day but I did. I got into work by 7am and by 9 am it was already snowing lightly.. By 1 pm we were into it with blowing snow and about 5 inches on the ground, so I closed the office around 1:30 and headed home since the conditions were only getting worse. Again weather reports said nothing until later at night.
On my 4 mile, 1-1/2 hour drive home (yes over an hour and a half to go only 4 miles, New Yorkers can relate to this) the RX performed great, I even locked the transfer case a couple of times when I was stopped on hills and I was pleasantly surprised how well it tracked. So needless to say this was one of those times I was very happy I had the AWD.
Last edited by JT4; 10-10-16 at 05:47 AM.
10-10-16, 06:44 AM
#17
Lexus Champion
Not really, in any speed AWD reacts when any wheel spin is detected. Minds you not all AWD is created equal. IMO, Subaru system is the best. Audi Quattro is pretty good, BMW X-drive is pretty slow. Honda one is bit laggy too. For best thing to have when really stuck is real 4x4 and winch, LOL!
Subaru and Audi have a full time AWD. That is not a typical implementation.
10-10-16, 08:24 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
The AWD on my RX always worked well enough in snow and rain, but my previous IS and now GS do much better with their full time AWD systems. I actually prefer taking my GS to the mountains over the RX when we had it, and our current Highlander Hybrid.
10-10-16, 10:58 AM
#19
Instructor
The OP asked if AWD is worth it. I agree with JT4. He said "... the AWD just gives me piece of mind."
Ray A.
Ray A.
10-10-16, 11:01 AM
#20
Lexus Champion
10-11-16, 06:22 AM
#22
Well, I'm already thinking in terms of "upgrading" within the next year to something like a 2011-2013 with AWD just as a means of inching myself into a lower mileage unit with AWD. Haven't even mentioned it to my wife yet, though, as she is still loving the one we have and she's not even completely used to it yet.
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