kirkw33

Excited to join Club Lexus and (hopefully soon) the ranks of Lexus ownership. I'm a 36-year old dude, luckily the forum convinced me that this isn't just a "soccer mom" car.

I just put a deposit down on a 2010 RX 350, Truffle Mica exterior and Parchment interior. The car is four hours away so we can't pick it up until next weekend. It was priced waaaaaaay less than the local dealerships had similar vehicles, so worth the trip to get it.

I've test driven a couple now, but not this exact vehicle. The dealership was nice enough to send the original invoice with all options listed. It comes with the Comfort Package, Premium Package, Tow Prep Package and Navigation System.

Just wanted to ask a few questions - also garner any advice you veteran RX owners would have for a newbie!

- I am buying this with the CPO warranty, but as mentioned I don't live anywhere near the dealership I am buying it from. Could I get this serviced at any Lexus (or even Toyota) dealership?

- As part of the CPO warranty, do I need to do regular maintenance (at full price) to keep the warranty valid?

- This has the iPod interface, of course. Can you control the iPod right from the controls on the steering wheel? Also - do these controls also interface with iPod apps like Pandora / Spotify? Does the song being played on the iPod display on the navigation screen (when it displays audio settings?)

- Re: the navigation, does it automatically update via "the cloud" or do you have to order a disc to update it somewhat regularly?

- I am told this comes with "Intuitive Park assist" - what exactly is that? It lists as a $500 option.

- It also lists that it comes with Remote Engine Start - is that just the "keyless" start button on the inside, or can you actually start the vehicle from the outside? And if so, how far away from the car do you have to be?

- How is the 12-speaker system? (not the ML, but the "Premium")

- How easy is the "trackball" to use for the navigation system?

- Can I get away with using "mid-level" gas, or should I stick with Premium?

- Any other words of advice, or things I should make myself aware of?

Many questions - like I said I'm a total "newbie" so would appreciate any advice as I look to pick up this dream automobile!

Plumlaker

In reference to your service questions-I know you can service at any Lexus dealership. I have purchased two RX's from a dealer ther than my "home" dealership and have always serviced them at the home dealership. They are eager to do it because service is where the money is at for them. Having said that, I have never felt like the dealership service pricing was unreasonably high and have always been pleased with the quality of work and how they taker care of you while at the dealership. I just sold my 2005 RX that had 96,000 miles on it and all the work was done at the local dealership and I have never been disappointed.
RES (Remote Engine Start) is different than push button start. It allows you to start the vehicle, lock doors, locate your vehicle from a smartphone app. I considered it for my new 450h but decided against it because fr no more than I would use it the price isn't worth t to me. $65 a year subscription fee for the service. Go to www.lexusdrivers.com and you can see info on that and other items pertaining to your vehicle.
Intuitive Parking Assist is like the ommercial you see where the vehicle while parallel parking does most of the work with some help from you. I chose not to get it because again I don't feel I would use it often. I can't remember when I last parallel parked. Don't know if it does anything else other than that but I'm sure others in the forum can tell you more.
Navigation updates- will be on my new car so I researched it extensively. From what I saw updates can be purchased and installed via the dealer for about $169. Go to www.lexusnavigation.com for more details.
Gas- I ran regular in my 2005 which was the recommended fuel. Previous versions required Premium and I was thrilled when I could use regular. Will be going back to Premium in my 450h. Don't know for sure but would think the 2010 would be regular.
Words of advice...just enjoy the ride. After my first Lexus I have never seriously considered anything else. My relationship with Lexus began in the mid 90's with and ES300 and my new 450h will be my 4th RX. I'm a big believer in utilizing a Lexus dealer for service. They are specifically trained to work on the Lexus brand- I believe it's with the investment.

kitlz

kirkw33, welsome to CL and congrats on the 350. I'll try to answer some of your questions.

-You can bring your RX to any Lexus, Toyota or indy mechanic for routine maintenance. The only exception, only a Lexus dealer can perform warranty work. Just make sure you log the service on the Lexus owners website and keep the receipts if you don't use Lexus.
-The warranty can be voided if they determine maintenance wasn't performed. It's not worth chancing. Find a less expensive place to perform the work and document it..
-Through the steering wheel controls, you can adjust the volume and change songs. Quick tip, press and hold the mode button until it beeps to turn the stereo off. Press it once again to turn it back on. The screen will display song name, album and artist.
-Nav updates are done via a flash drive that can be purchased for $169. But only the dealer can install it for another $100. Ask your dealer for the update before you pick up your RX. They might throw it in for free.
-I don't have park assist so I can't comment.
-Remote start is exactly that. You can start the RX with the key fob by clicking the lock button three times and holding on the third press. The hazard lights will blink for several seconds to indicate it's turning on. But it will shut off as soon as a door handle is touched. Otherwise it will run for 10 minutes. Range is approximately 75 feet. I've managed to get my RXh started from longer distances. It's one of those features people love or hate.
-I have ML so I'll leave others to comment on the 12-speaker system.
-Remote touch ("the trackball") takes some time to get used to. It's no big deal after a few days. Just realize certain functions in nav like entering an address are locked out while the vehicle is moving. Also applies to other features.
-The '10 requires premium. Use anything less at your own risk.

I'll add
-Go through the list of Lexus personalized settings before you take delivery. Here is the list for 2010. Some you can do yourself but others only by the dealer. It's better to make any changes while you're there.
-Read the manuals. Yes, they're huge but there's lots of information in there. This forum is also a great source. You can check the FAQ thread on top of this forum for common topics or do a search.

Most importantly, enjoy your RX and post some pictures when you get your RX350.

Killer_IS

Congrat man, I have the same year and color 10' Truffle Mica. Its an awesome ride! enjoy.

BertL

OP, welcome and congrats in advance joining the forum and on your new ride.

Anita and others have summarized answers to most of your questions. I'll offer a couple of additional things, especially since you have a week until delivery, and if I were you, I'd spend the time exploring a couple of resources to help keep my excitement (like yours, I bet) in check:

• Lexus Drivers on Lexus.com will provide a myriad of information - how-to videos, manuals, maintenance schedules, and more. You'll be able to register yourself there once you have your truck and the VIN. Manuals for your 2010 are all online now, and several other areas are unlocked, so you can get a headstart on your homework Try this place. You'll find in the maintenance section a place where if you want to enter your own service records so they show up integrated with anything Lexus has done or does to your vehicle, it's a good tool to keep things organized. You'll also find links there to the Lexus Bluetooth site to provide assistance getting your specific smartphone paired with your RX.
• The manual will help with Intuitive Parking Assist, e.g. this section. Basically it is sensors in your front and back bumpers that provide visual and audible notification designed to work as you get closer to objects at lower speeds and at relatively close distances. Helpful for example when backing-up towards a wall or pulling up in your garage so you don't whallop something. Be careful though -- your 2010 only has if I remember right, 2 sensors on the front, and some people have reported on the boards here it has blind spots. (My midlife upgrade 2013 received the full 4-sensor compliment on the front, just like the 2010 has on the rear, so I don't seem to have the anomaly some have expressed.)
• Sound system, your expectations and perception of sound is very subjective. Like Anita, I also have ML, so won't comment on the 12-speaker version, except to say, do a couple searches and you'll find recent threads with comments from people on all three versions.
• Remote touch is no big deal for anyone that's used a computer. Like everything, some people don't like it. I'm A-OK with it, as it allows Lexus to place the display further away than you could otherwise reasonably reach without taking your eyes off the road. I became used to it within a few days. My fingers can do the movements and make use of the couple of buttons without my thinking about it or ever looking down. When you take delivery, explore sensitivity options and adjust the controller so it works best for you -- I have mine a little more "firm" so it grabs clickable items on the menu faster. I suspect a number of people that hate this interface (several posts here from people that took their first test drive, for example) are those that don't explore changing this option or have it set so loosely the cursor runs all over the place just as you could with mouse sensitivity on a PC or Mac.
• There are a number of repeating threads in this forum on octane, need for premium, people that use regular in their non-hybrids, etc. Take a look at those and come to your own decision. I personally follow the manufacturer recommendation.
• Also be sure to explore some of the other forums on CL... This one is good for things more specific to RX, but there are others on Detailing, general off-topic chit-chat, and perhaps one for owners in an area where you live that may allow you to physically hook up with other enthusiasts around you or find local service shops, meets, and such.

Congrats again on your new truck. You'll enjoy it. Our forum is a friendly place with lots of helpful people. Just realize you'll get all sorts of opinions here on any one subject, so in the end, the decision you make for yourself will be the best one. After you've made your way through the more than 1000 pages of pictures and instructions in those manuals take a little time and explore the forum here using "search" for each of your questions. You'll find page after page on nearly each of the subjects you're interested in.

See you on the road and board! Bert

kirkw33

Thanks everyone! Another question - what are the bigger maintenance items one needs to be aware of over time? I believe this has a timing chain, not a belt, right? I came from a 2005 Acura MDX and that was not a fun trip to the dealer....

go3Ds

Welcome, and congratulations on your upcoming RX. Sounds like you got a great price with lots of very good options.

Just a quick comment on service away from where you bought.
We travel all the time and have had no problem having service done in different locations. We prefer Lexus, as they all strive for the "Elite of Lexus" status. They are up to date on training, check out all warranty issues, and have always answered any questions I usually have. They even have a technology specialist which I have used, and is a free service. Loaner cars are available if needed, and most have a very nice lounge and coffee bar. They also wash your car if you don't mind them doing it. If you are in the Minneapolis area, I recommend the Wayzata Lexus dealer. They gave me an upfront scheduled maintenance estimate, which was very reasonable, and they did an excellent service start to finish.
Some items are an easy fix to do on your own, if you wish, such as key battery replacement, wiper blades and cabin filter to name a few.

Never seen Truffle Mica, post pictures if you can some time.

Rozay604

iTrader: (1)

Congrats i have the same ride and color. As for the 12 speaker system, its pretty good but i totally recommend a subwoofer. Then you'll have a much fuller sound as it lacks the bass department.

kirkw33

Also - looking for some Lexus OEM All-Weather floor mats - but brown ones, if such items exist. Any suggestions as to where to go? I've done some searching, but haven't had a lot of luck (I can find black ones, just not brown). Unless you all think black ones wouldn't look particularly weird with Parchment interior?

BertL

OP, do some searches here for floor mats -- people like Husky, Weathertech, and others that come in colors other than black (for sure, "tan" which would be close to your carpet color.) Lots of discussion.

If you want the real Lexus all-weather mat with it's "Lexus RX logo", they only come in black. Sewell generally has the best prices. When you sign-up, enter your Club Lexus ID and you'll start to see their discounted prices. Here is a photo of my parchment interior 2013 RX450h with Lexus all-weather mats. I don't think the black looks bad. Some people do I suppose, but it's interesting that Lexus provided black carpet mats in my RX when I took delivery last year, so the designers must think it's OK.

go3Ds

I think the black makes a perfect contrast with the black dash, and some of the trim, on the RX parchment interiors. Can always leave them a little dirty for a brown effect. Good floor mats are kind of expensive, so if you can find some brown ones, take a good look to make sure you will like them.

jimmymagic

Regarding maintenance, I just had the 15k service done at my local Toyota dealer. Price was $40 including tax. I've seen people list prices as high as $270 for the same service at Lexus.

They also discovered that I needed a four-wheel alignment, which they recommended I have done at Lexus because it was covered by warranty. (Took me another hour of my time but saved me
$150 Toyota would have charged. Funny thing is that the Lexus service advisor didn't realize it was covered until I pressed him on it.)

Sevn86

Congrats! You'll love your RX350.

kirkw33

Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for sending the photo Bert! I agree - the black actually looks pretty sharp. There seem to be a number of places to go and get the black OEM mats, so I should be set there. Thanks again for the suggestions!

kirkw33

That's great to know. No worries about Lexus frowning on going to Toyota and potentially voiding the warranty, right? I can't imagine that being the case, but figured I should ask....