Matador

^^^ werd. Test drive them then get back to us. All the features in the world wont help if the car just doesnt feel as good as the other.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

you can get laser cruise in the RX? i hate the way the new highlander looks like. someone should burn the calty design studio down. so many ugly cars coming from there

SugarRush

Maybe this can help to support your 'early 2008 release date' for 2009 RX . PLease read the last paragraph.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116536

zmisst

That article was from August 2006. My Spring 2009 date is more recent information.

Both SUVs drive about the same. Close enough anyway where there is no meaningful difference for me.

Features are what matter to me. I find it essential to have things like bluetooth and navigation, but also smartkey, mp3 input, memory seats/mirrors, height adjustable seats. Unfortunately I can't get them all in same small SUV right now.

Finding out that the Highlander doesn't have memory seats is huge minus for me. (I think it is a good safety feature when more than one person drives the car) and makes me inclinded to wait for the new RX which should have all the things I listed as important.

geko29

You can get all of them except smartkey with an RX350 and a VAIStech box.

d6500k

If features are the most important thing for you, maybe you should be looking at domestic car instead of japanese?

Check out this link:

http://compare.autodata.gmcanada.com...ave%2Foverview

It compares 4 vehicles on all the features and is probably what you are looking for.

RXSF

err perhaps go with the acura MDX since it is just redesigned. that car doesnt look have bad.

steiner

I don't know if you own a Lexus or not. If you do, you can not deny the fact that you bought status.

It's true that your car is not one of a kind and there are many identical cars on the road with you. But the image is you are in a more exclusive club of drivers. I don't actually count but I am sure there are less Lexus than Toyota on the road. Just like when you wear a Polo shirts, it is not unique but it is not in the same class as Walmart's brand. A lot less people would wear the same shirt than the Walmart's.

It is just a fact of life. You buy Lexus now until you get reacher. Then you will want an even more exclusive club than Lexus. May be a Lotus. Not one of a kind exactly, but then there are a lot less of them to compare with Lexus. On and on.

If you own a Yugo, it is a different story. But if you have a Lexus, at least be honest to admit you are a human who get drawn into the image/status cycle. It's not that bad. It's not even an exclusive club. Everybody is in there.

javanutsy

Status is automatically attached to material things that are harder to acquire. The more difficult it is to acquire, the more status. I think that is the general consensus, whether we like it or not...

zmisst

Wow, you Lexus owners sure are an articulate group of car enthusiasts. You all clearly have great detailed knowledge about your vehicles. Thanks for sharing that knowledge and giving such helpful information to assist me in making my decision.

RXSF

i think i senes some sarcasm...lol

if you wanted to just look at features, then get off this forum and go to toyota.com and lexus.com and compare it yourself. features are easy to find online, what we are giving you is stuff you cant find on any othe website- what it feels to be a lexus owner.

TunedRX300

IMHO if one needs a car to validate his status, it is the same mentality teenage boys compare size of you-know-what by pulling down their pants.

I have a Lexus, but I also understand it is just a brand designed by Toyota engineers, made in Toyota plants with Toyota parts. My $ paid to Lexus dealer went to the income statement and warranty liability went to the balance sheet of Toyota in 2000. When Toyota had sludge warranty on 1mz-fe, both Highlander and RX300 was hit because both use the same engine.
To me, if Lexus RX does not land me tangible benefits over the Highlander, it is an inferior product that costs more. And I don't need to spend $ thousand to buy a bad product just to make sure others think I am rich.

As for sarcasm, that is exactly what BMW owners think of a stereotypical Lexus owner. Now that you have succeeded in alienating a potential Toyota owner, which fuels the stereotyping with an real world example!

The G Man

I think that most Lexus owners don’t really care about status, notice I said most, not all owners. People who buy Lexus are usually more sensible people who is looking for value and a reliable car. They have done their research and know which car will give them the bang for the buck.
I think people who are concern about status usually drives cars like jaguar or Range Rovers. These cars put them in a unique group, but it is not the most reliable cars.

SugarRush

^ Very well said. For example: my parents are in that 'unique' category, not because they want to show IT off. In their line of business they need to show that they are good in what they do to our clients and want to project peace-of-mind that they will not run away with clients' money.

Back to the main topic. I think zmisst (the original OP) will need to test drive the vehicle and decide from there. On paper spec and photos (and this forum) will not help you to make the decision.

mandyfig

You have mentioned the best recommendation...test drive the cars and your intuition will decide which car you feel will make you happy.