RX - 4th Gen (2016-2022) Discussion topics related to the 2016 and up RX350 and RX450h models

Technology overload

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Old 05-02-16, 02:50 PM
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dloy1324
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Default Technology overload

Hi all,


I went from a 2nd generation RX to a 4th generation and I'm having buyers remorse as a result of the technology. Any recommendation on how to overcome this tech anxiety?


This baby boomer needs some help!!


Thanks for your input.
Old 05-02-16, 03:30 PM
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skiracer
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Ya don't sync your cell phone to your car and don't worry about any of the internet related apps. Then, that will get rid of at least 50% of your anxiety
Old 05-02-16, 04:35 PM
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Turri
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Originally Posted by dloy1324
Hi all,


I went from a 2nd generation RX to a 4th generation and I'm having buyers remorse as a result of the technology. Any recommendation on how to overcome this tech anxiety?


This baby boomer needs some help!!


Thanks for your input.
Hahahaha. I've got to admit, I do miss ***** in my cars sometimes.
Old 05-02-16, 05:16 PM
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jrzjohn
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Besides the good advice from SKIRACER. A lot also depends on what options you got. You will also find that quite a lot of the doicky tech will turn out to be "set it and forget it"
Set back and enjoy the new ride!
Old 05-02-16, 07:07 PM
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boomer10
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Don't feel bad. I also felt some buyers remorse after I had my 4RX for the first week or so. But every time I drove it, it went away. My previous car was a 94 4Runner I purchased new, so you cam imagine the technology shock I went through.


I've just been spending some time with the owners manual. There is some amazing technology with this car, and some that's a pain in the butt to get used to. It just takes some time. Spend some time reading the owners manual. Take it out to the car and start exploring the display system. Once you're into it, you'll find it's not that bad, and just a different way of setting options from your previous cars.


(BTW, I still catch myself turning around and looking back through the back window instead of the display when backing up)!!
Old 05-02-16, 07:50 PM
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dloy1324
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Default Technology overload

Thanks for the recommendations. Although I linked my phone I will let all of the apps expire because I can stream Pandora via my phone without data usage and I don't believe the app suite has an annual fee.

Boomer, I think you nailed it. I'm just going to start with the owners manual and get to know one system at a time, i.e. radio, then nav, etc.

I do like the car and just need to sit back, take my time and enjoy the ride.

Thanks again all
Old 05-02-16, 08:11 PM
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roblim
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The salesperson or assistant should help you with this at delivery time. If it didn't stick for whatever reason, i would not be shy about contacting the GM of the dealership for another run through of the features.
Old 05-02-16, 08:40 PM
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yardie876
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Here's another good place to start. They cover the pretty common features.

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...ated-videos.do
Old 05-02-16, 09:54 PM
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skiracer
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my local dealership has a "technology specialist" who's job is to teach customers how to use the tech in their cars. You might want to check your dealership to see if they have someone designated to teach the technology. Trust me, its easier hearing from the tech specialist than reading the oversized Owners Manual.
Old 05-03-16, 12:52 AM
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Sox575
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dloy1324, I know exactly what you're going through ! My previous car was a 1999 Camry, which I loved, and I just bought my RX450h at the end of March. Driving it back home from the dealer ship, I was flabbergasted at all the bells and whistles and completely overwhelmed.

So the first thing I did was bring in the two owner's manuals and the quick guides and read them cover to cover, which took me awhile. I also used page tabs to highlight things like what the icons mean, the different drive gears, (I also got the F Sport) so I've got ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, SPORT+, and CUSTOM as driving modes ,so I had to bookmark that page. I also tabbed the important stuff like how to open the gas tank and start the car (I still can't get used to not putting a key in the ignition and turning it!), and also made sure I knew how to start the car and open the doors in case the battery dies in the key fob. That helped me get a little more comfortable with the car.

I still had my old car and I was driving it instead because it was parked blocking my garage so I would take that instead of switching the old car with the new car for grocery runs, meeting friends for dinner etc. and I really appreciated the simplicity of it all and was worried I made a boo boo. But I figured that no matter which car I was going too, I'd have the same issues because that's technology for you and I was really upgrading!

I finally sold my old car a few weeks ago and have had a chance to drive the RX several more times (about 5 times now) and it's not so bad.

You will discover that many of the icons and menus on the display on the driver's side and the main display are the same thing and once you set your preferences you don't have to set them again. I haven't got the hang of everything yet, but I definitely am enjoying the new car and I'm not so stressed out anymore.

After you driven it for a few more times I'm sure you'll get used to it.

And I agree with the others about looking at the videos on LexusDrivers and looking at the owner's manual if you get confused. Just take little bites and don't try and absorb everything all at once. Just make sure you know the important stuff like the key fob and how to start and open the door if the key battery dies, and you'll get used to all the different screens eventually.

Last edited by Sox575; 05-03-16 at 12:58 AM.
Old 05-03-16, 06:31 AM
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TexasRxh
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Originally Posted by skiracer
my local dealership has a "technology specialist" who's job is to teach customers how to use the tech in their cars. You might want to check your dealership to see if they have someone designated to teach the technology. Trust me, its easier hearing from the tech specialist than reading the oversized Owners Manual.
These tech specialists are an excellent resource for questions. At my preferred dealership these are the guys who do the actual delivery of all new vehicles. They are also available to chat over phone or email. There is also a tech specialist who is resident in the service lounge and she actually got one of the service techs to show me how to do something with my phone (on my previous Rxh).

Interestingly, they don't get to actually spend too much time driving the top-of-the-line vehicles because they can't keep them on the lot. When I talked to the guy last week he was interested in me stopping by to chat about what I've learned so he can up his game. I'll probably even let him take it for a drive so he can see how the HUD LDA works as it has a lot more info than what you see in the multi-information display.
Old 05-03-16, 06:43 AM
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Yes, this vehicle is loaded with all sorts of tech features. As an old retired guy, having driven just about everything, it takes some time to get familiar with all the features.

I'm about 80 % there and still learning. Some cool features, some I probably won't use. Of course, I didn't think BSM was useful on the 3RX but learned to love it. I could always park well but the new parking assist, overhead views etc, make parking easier. Lane departure, centering, radar, etc I'm getting there.

Don't laugh, but I still use a flip phone and will never use the phone features on the car.

Take your time, you'll get there!
Old 05-03-16, 07:33 AM
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yardie876
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Originally Posted by FastFord
Don't laugh, but I still use a flip phone and will never use the phone features on the car.
I won't knock you for the flip phone. My work phone lasts 3 weeks between charges. But, I'd say entertain the idea of a phone with Bluetooth at least. Having calls routed through the car alone makes it worth it.
Old 05-03-16, 10:37 AM
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At first it does feel like a lot of features, no body said you have to learn them all in one day. The video's from the above link are very good and also the tech guy at the deal, all great resources. If you are like me, reading the manuals are like getting hitting the help key in Windows, not the best. I've had my RX350 for a month now and i'm still learning the systems, which are pretty easy when you play with them a couple three times. Some of the tech stuff I will not use a lot if any.
Old 05-03-16, 11:43 AM
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Doesn't Lexus now have tech specialists to help guide people through all of the new tech in current vehicles?


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