I am in the market for a used SUV and have looked at some 450h from this generation. I am in the USA.

I have found options on etrailer for installing a hitch.

I don't anticipate trailering 3500 lbs, but I will use a hitch rack and may very well have more than 300 lbs in tongue weight with a powered paraglider.

Previous threads suggest various ways to tell if it has an OEM tow prep package - ie looking for the coolers. I will try that when I look at one since the used dealers have no idea.
VIN lookup - doesn't seem to be any help - or maybe all the ones with tow hitches got them aftermarket.

I believe installing an OEM tow prep package after the fact would cost an arm and two legs.

My question is - is it a big deal if it doesn't have the prep package?
Could I install an aftermarket transmission cooler from eBay and will that be good enough?
It might be harder to wire but not impossible.

Or should this be a dealbreaker? Either find one with factory tow prep package or look at another model altogether?

Welcome to CL. This thread should be in the hybrid section and I will move it after responding by posting several links to prior discussions regarding towing with the RX450h. One thread shows how to look for the oil cooler lines that are part of the tow prep package.
Note that the 2010-2011 oil cooler lines were rubber and prone to failing resulting in engine destruction most of the time. Lexus was cheap and only sent out a notice and extended warranty that has since expired. 2012 - 2015 models have the replacement metal oil cooler lines. Although 2012 models should be checked to confirm this.
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...oler-line.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...0h-towing.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...15-rx450h.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...x450h-2wd.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...ler-hitch.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...p-incline.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-his-450h.html
​​​​​​https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...-450h-fyi.html

Just make sure you have AWD 450H. Lexus does not recommend pulling a trailer with FWD model.

General comments from folks who have automatic transmission do not apply directly to 450 transmission. The gears spin in e-cvt while in the auto-train the fluid churns to transfer power .. causing heat build up.

Salim

Thanks for the great links.

The ones I am looking at are AWD.
Tomorrow I'll be looking at a 2012 and look for the clues that it has a tow prep package.

If it doesn't, should I give up on buying it?
Or can I install some aftermarket transmission cooler to make it "safe" before I install a hitch?
I'm not sure if this question has been answered anywhere in the previous threads.

I couldn't get any info on tow package from VIN number but it did say this:
I'm guessing I need a trailer that weighs exactly 3500 lbs - no more, no less.
For others it seemed less certain:

Why do you want a hybrid? Do you plan to drive it a lot? A regular model is better for occasional use as hybrids like to be driven a lot and don't do well sitting around unless on a battery maintainer.

It appears the tow package hybrids should have the external trans cooler and a larger alternator and the engine oil cooler.
I think it would be cost prohibitive and very difficult to convert one to the tow package afterwards.

You really are limited to an AWD with the Tow prep package. I would look for a 2013 - 2015 model as they did a mild refresh in 2013 and updated some things.

The Hybrid is an "AWD" system, kinda. No rear prop shaft, there is an electric motor on the rear differential that powers the rear wheels when needed. Its been posted about here a few times, it does not work as well as a regular AWD system (for example the hybrid AWD system is a slip and grip system with a traction control system that likes to kill the power early.)

FYI the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is mechanically a twin to the RX except for the rear suspension being different on 2012 and earlier models. It received the same 3.5 engine as the RX in 2011.
The next generation 2013 - 2019 Highlanders share the RX350 - 450h rear suspension design.

Here is a discussion regarding towing with a Highlander hybrid. https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...tem-90228.html

Clueless has guided you well.

If you are purchasing a vehicle [new to you] buy one with the equipment you want. Waiting for the right vehicle to show up, makes lot more sense than spending money on un-installed equipment. A few hundred dollar difference will end up in 4 figures + aggravation. This applies for Hybrid and non-hybrid.

I love my 450, but look at your needs [most use] and select the right product. Extra caution is required for hybrids that are 10+years in service.

Saliim

Fair enough.
I'm not worried about it sitting around.
I live in a rural area short distance to a suburban area with shopping and schools.
Since I work at home, the day to day driving would be taking my son to school or activities, getting groceries, visiting the hardware store.

I did manage to put about 10k miles per year on my Acura MDX 2004 which just got totaled.
I anticipate using an SUV to drive to the coast, the forested mountains, and dusty roads on BLM deserts for rockhunting. Also perhaps weekly driving my powered paraglider to the airport on a hitch scooter lift.

Having something that can handle adventures but not get terrible gas mileage during the daily stuff would be a plus. My Acura got about 16 mpg.

Based on what you've said, it's worth passing on a car if I can't see the tow prep package.

Also worth going for 2013+ if I can find one with low mileage and low cost.

Highlander is also on my radar and I believe tow prep comes standard in 2013.

In the opinion of this group, is 2015 with 135k miles or a 2013 with 123K miles a better deal, in general, than a 2012 with 104k miles?

There are changes between models ... looks & features. Some folks cant live without backup camera lines and electronic hookup. RX being the most popular model, there should be plenty to choose from.

But in pre-owned the most important part is care and maintenance. Both a low milage and high milage are warning flags to me. I prefer an even use [check the miles for recorded service/event]. 8K miles per year is my favorite. [The leasing industry has done the research for you and me].

What other people say should not matter to you. Just buy what you want and please have the vehicle examined before purchase. Once again the inspectors have created a comprehensive check list, which a wide-eyed buyer may gloss over. Do ask the inspector for the list before you contract them.

Salim

Thank you.
I went to see a 2012 with 104k miles.
It has backup camera and other good features.

I checked the front left wheel well and saw venting with a mini radiator, indicating this has the tow prep package. If I get it, I will install a hitch myself.
The VIN number doesn't seem useful for knowing whether they have tow prep package, so I'll do this check and ask sellers to do it.

I have ordered an independent inspection for the 2012.
There are other cars of this model on my radar but I'd have to travel farther.
The 2015 with 135k miles had such a clean record I would have travelled out of state to get it, but someone has already put a deposit on it.

What the prior post meant was that in 2013 Lexus finally got around to adding guide lines to the backup camera which almost every other car company had already had on even their cheapest models for several years.

Ah I see. I didn't notice this thing didn't have lines with the test drive.

It also had this thing - a "mouse":
Do people find this oddity useful?

You will be surprised as to what modern drivers think is essential ..
Blind spot monitoring.
Self folding rear view mirrors.
Lift gate should open when you stand near it but not hit the garage door if it is under it.
The wiper arms should fold down when I raise the hood after I had raised them up during wash.
The passenger seat warning sounds when I put my backpack on the passenger seat and wants the seat belt buckled.
Different AC settings for persons sitting 18" away.
Computer should warn for any and all conditions.

Salim