BatmobileX

I gave my cousin a ride in my new RX yesterday and she was aghast that I didn't have plastic mats covering the original Lexus mats. She said the mats will be crapped up within months and they should be protected with plastic mats. I don't know, I think that would look kind of tacky, what do you think? I say just vacuum the Lexus ones periodically and then replace as needed.

Evitzee

I always negotiate with the Lexus dealer for a set of ExactMats. They are thin, have the hole in them for the floor hooks and keep the factory mats in perfect condition. Wouldn't have a car without them.

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

same rubber here, just ordered tan floorliners and Lexus plastic trunk mat easier to clean, and I get all types weather here.

markrivers

You guys need to be careful with what you put on top of the mats. Some materials are slippery and you can be in an accident when that happens. The original mats are hooked ( drivers's side) so putting something that can be displaced when the unexpected happens is Dangerous.
Use the mats, replace it when it Gets worn out.

UCSB

I purchased a relatively inexpensive (but, very nice & plush) set of aftermarket black carpet mats for my 450h. They look very nice (better than the original mats). I just put them over the regular grey Lexus mats when someone is using that spot in the car. Since they were cheap $25 -$40 (I really didn't pay that much attention). I do not have to worry about them and can replace them at the first sign of wear.

I also have a roll of plastic sheeting which is sticky on one side. It is designed to temporarily protect your carpeting. I will put it on my mats, door sills and lower part of my door when I take my car in for service. I will also use it if for any reason I want to protect my car temporarily.

I have a full set of the WeatherTech floor liners that I can put in my Subaru Outback for tough conditions. But,I typically use the regular mats there on daily basis. They are pretty reasonable to replace.

If you don't protect the mats they will become disgustingly dirty pretty quickly. I purchased a new set of mats for my daughters ES and was amazed at how fast they became ruined.

RXSF

I put mats on my car. They are Lloyed mats and they looks like this


that said, they were close to $80.

Funny thing is that for about the same price, you get get another set of the Lexus carpet mats on Sewell online with the clublexus discount so now that I think about it, it may just be worth it to replace the original mats when they get old

kitlz

I have similar mats to RXSF but the Rubbertites. They're flat compared to the Lexus ones. Water and snow have never been an issue. Total cost with the cargo area was $130.

JellyBean

Your cousin is wrong and you're right. But rather than just vacuuming them, take them out, hose them down, scrub'em clean and reinstall. They'll love you for it--they're not fragile silk. The OEM mats are very durable and completely waterproof. But for some wear on the driver's mat, the original mats in my 2001 GS still look new.

mklemovitc

I'm with X on this one. I have the original mats in my 2001 RX Silversport and they still look fine. I vacuum them when they're dirty and once a year I give them a full wet scrub down and let them air dry completely before putting them back in. Yes they're no longer 'mint condition' but they are perfectly fine IMO.

Cruiter

Over the years my OEM Lexus mats in both light and dark colors have worn just fine were always able to be vacuumed and cleaned without any issues.

IMHO after6 years in my 03 RX they looked better than new with plastic on top of them . So if you're just getting the plastic for protection you really don't need it.

rxsuperman

It's like wearing plastic pants over your diapers to better protect your outer pants....

outer pants = carpeting
plastic pants = Lexus mats
diaper = aftermarket mats

I suppose one has to periodically clean his or her plastic pants if he or she doesn't wear any diapers so the outer pants will remain clean....

InRBigness

I guess it Depends....

RXSF

carpeted floor mats are $88 dollars on sewell lexus without discount. They are $66 dollars with the CL discount. I wouldnt worry about the original mats, they can be replaced pretty cheaply

djkidkris

I see what you did there... LOL

I'm planning on getting weathertech liners as well for winter. I live 5 mins from where the manufacturing and factory showroom facility is located hopefully there is some kind of discount hehe.

FYI If anyone is planning on replacing their OEM mats, Sewell has closeouts on black 4pc carpeted set ($40) and gray cargo carpeted mat ($20) on closeout for 3RXs.

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/closeout.html

Evitzee

It doesn't if you wear slippers when you drive.