Picking up an 09. Is there any way to remove that 3rd row without damaging anything? And while were at it, anything else I should watch out for? It's the premium package with 40k miles for $58k (in taxes and winter tires and wart til 2017).

 

so...nobody???

 

Try this forum... http://forum.ih8mud.com/toyota-tech-forums/ sign up and do a search...think it has been discussed.

I assure you there are many more Land Cruiser and Lexus equivalents on ih8mud than here...or likely any other owners forum.

Also, Lexus Wayzata (Minnesota) says they have an outside vendor that does a very nice clean rear seat remove for them...I think they have had done 3-4 times? Call and check with service department.

I have had 3 Land Cruisers...1991 1994 (210k when sold) and 2004 (145K still going strong) ...first thing I have done was remove the third seats and they did not go back in until I sold them. I am not pleased with the "new" rear seats...may stop me for getting a 4th Land Cruiser

Good Luck...Tom

 

It has also been discussed, here, in detail. Do a search and you will find lots to read here and at the Toyota forum. It is not a five minute task.

 

I also have a 2009 Lx, purchased mine exactly one year ago with 39,000 miles on the clock at the time. About to roll over to 50,000 after one year of ownership. I can't answer your question about removing the third row because I need it for the family, so never considered doing that.

Regarding things to look for, thus far I haven't had any electrical or mechanical issues come up. Gas mileage has averaged about 14 pmg in mixed driving. Usually can get about 18-19 on the highway on long trips. I did notice that the real wood in the LX, while gorgeous, had ever so slight buckling due to it being real wood, as opposed to the fake stuff used in 99% of other cars out there. So, I had them replace under the original warranty the wood trim over the glove compartment, around the front ash tray, and on the driver door. Actually, they replaced the entire front driver door panel because the wood trim is not a separate piece from the door. Had I known it would have invovled replacing the entire door panel I would have told them nevermind, but that's Lexus customer service for you, always going the distance for the customer. I don't know if your extended warranty covers the wood trim, my guess would be no because trim is usually excluded.

The bluetooth works fine with the iPhone 5 for the driver, but the person on the other end will hear an annoying noise on their end of the call. It's like a chirping noise, like the sound of the old internet phone line connection, if that makes sense. I don't know the fix around it, but let me know if you ever find out!

If you do end up using the third row, I recommend those passengers entering on the passenger side, not the driver side, because second row seat on the driver side is heavier and won't stay up very easily. And it may slam down on the third row passengers' feet unexpectedly.

Otherwise, an excellent all around vehicle!

 

Thanks gents, flying to pick it up on Wednesday. Here is a peek:

 

You shouldn't have much to worry about, the LX is a very good vehicle. While the third is not the best , not having them be easily removable must be one of the worst ideas Lexus has ever done.

The only thing to keep an eye on is the AVS suspension, don't skip the maintenance on it.

 

what kind of maintenance? Is there a service schedule I can find somewhere?

 

Every 5000 miles. Go to the Lexus site and it will show you the entire maint. program for the LX570.
I am getting ready for my 10K which is free. Most of the service is oil changes and will run a few hundred bucks but then there are some major ones where they actuall do something!

A loaner comes with the price so it is not that bad. They also include an exterior wash which I pass on.

 

this would be the same for an 09 I take it?

 

I removed mine without any issue. I believe all I used was a 14mm socket wrench. There are a few plastic pieces that comes off to reveal the bolts you need to remove. There are a few plugs to "unplug" as those are for the fold down seats.

Do a search on the IH8MUD forums as I got my instructions there.

I would rate on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most difficult that this job was a 5. The only hard part was carrying the seats out, it's really really heavy. Becareful of the hinges as some parts are sharp and may puncture you or parts of your LX.

If you are in Socal, I would assist you

 

Thanks! I will just have to find a cargo mat that fits better