rishsngh

Hey guys,

I am new to this thread, in fact this is my first post. I am planning on buying a RX. 2010+ due to better crash rating that older models, hopefully?. As i have never owned a lexus before so have some questions.

Q1. How is maintenance, i have heard older models had better quality?

Q2. In terms of repairing, can a Toyota mechanic be approached or only lexus dealer.

Q3. Any due diligence/inspection for common lexus problems during test drive.

Thanks in advance!

raylor4

We've only been owners for eight months, but here are my two cents:
1. Maintenance costs more, but you get more. Frequency and severity is no more than any other comparable car. You can take your Lexus to Toyota for routine maintenance and repairs. Not warranty work.
From what I've read here, breakdowns are slim to none and Slim's out of town. Quality is excellent.
2.See #1
3. During the test drive, I like to concentrate on the comfort and handling of the car. If it doesn't feel right at the beginning, it never will. Try to drive on familiar roads so you can concentrate on the feel of the car, not traffic or road distractions. Radio off. Check tread depth. If the tires look like they've got less than a year left, ask for new ones. Couldn't hurt. Do you know about Lexus Certified Pre-Owned cars? (CPO) These are cars that have been gone over with a fine tooth comb to make them as close to new as possible. They are frequently lease returns where the maintenance has been done by Lexus. Good luck. Please let us know your experience and decision.
Ray A.

kahuna415

Just purchased a CPO 2010 RX-350 last week.
Even though they said they did a 161 pint inspection, double check the car, I found many, maybe 6 or 7 things that were not fixed or not ok. See my recent post by kahuna415"need your advice".
Good luck, I hope it works out for you and you'll learn a lot from these guys on the forum.

Cruiter

If the car you decide on has been well maintained, you should be a new and very satisfied Lexus owner . Raylor4's post was excellent, I agree with everything he said.

corradoMR2

First, welcome to CL and to Lexus!

1. Maintenance: Brakes, tires, oil/lube, all routine stuff. No major issues with the RX. In fact, it's the most dependable SUV Here's just two URLs. Needless to say. there are tens of quality and reliability awards for the RX...

The RX has top dependability: http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/201...ss-Release.htm
http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/dependability.htm

2. Yes, Toyota can repair and do non-warranty maintenance. Mechanically, the RX is similar to the Highlander.

3. No major or common issues reported. However, these are some I can recall I've noticed come across in this forum: Check for any pulling/alignment or steering feel/looseness issues. Check for any rattles mostly coming from the rear seats and/or tonneau cover. Check your front side windows for a Lamisafe or laminate (or similar) label - or roll down the window and you should see triple-pane glass in the cross-section. Early 2010 models had the lesser sound-proofed glass. Check for any damaged shocks - oil seepage. Check for any wind noise/whistling sound - could be a window seal issue or roof rack issue. Some have had defective 12V batteries. Check the fuel filler door for unleaded or premium fuel required. 2010+2011 took premium fuel. 2012+ just regular. Check the rear power hatch opens and closes smoothly. The rest, it's testing all the features of the car and checking for wear/tear, and any visual blemishes (leather, paint, etc).

Happy shopping and keep us posted.

dwlink

1. Maintenance is great - although I would recommend to do the easy things like filter changes and key fob battery swaps yourself. Dealers will penny and dime you on those simple things.

2. Yes as other have mentioned, although there probably won't be a substantial price difference between the two for the same repair. I figure its probably worth it to have a lexus loaner over a toyota.

3. With all used cars, I will test every button inside. Aside of obvious things like cosmetic defects, make sure all windows, doors, trunk open and close smoothly. If its summer, crank the AC to max to check for operation as well as the ventilated seats. If its winter make sure the heater works as do the heated seats. Keep the driver side window cracked to listen for noises either coming from the engine up front or the brakes. Listen for drive train whine. Inspect the tires for tread depth as well as the brakes for pad thickness.