Difference between Canadian and US RCF

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Feb 17, 2021 | 09:38 AM
  #1  
Hi everyone,

I used to frequent this forum a lot in the 2IS section, and after almost owning my 2IS (absolutely bulletproof) for a decade now, looking to upgrade to a RCF.

I've been looking for the better part of a year now for the perfect one, and I think I finally found one. It has all of the packages that I am looking for, and a couple more. 2017 in Ultra White with Red Interior.

A dealership in another state unfortunately, so unable to look at it in person, but the dealership sent some pictures of it and will send more once it arrives in their dealership. After looking at the CarFax, determined that it was first sold in Canada (Ontario), and that it would mean that it's classified as a Canadian vehicle.

Looking at the Lexus VIN website, it's not pulling up anything other really basic stuff, and the fact that it has the performance package. The Options section is completely missing, and the Port/Factory installed equipment section is just some basic stuff, but notates that it has the performance package.

After looking at the pictures, it indeed has the performance package, as well as the Mark Levinson and Premium Package, and I believe the All-Weather package. I'm waiting for a better picture of the front of the car to see if it has the Triple Beams, but I'm fairly confident it does from the angle one of the pictures was taken.

So my question is, I'm guessing that the barebones Lexus VIN page is due to it being a Canadian vehicle. Is there any other differences that I should take note of? I plan on flying out to look at the car once this winter storm stops destroying all semblance of normality in Dallas, but I want to make sure I have everything researched before I flew out. Also, I shouldn't run into any issue with warranty/recalls? I know some dealerships are really pickyy about country when dealing with recalls, but from what I've read, Toyota/Lexus is not.

Looking at the forums, I know a couple of users have Canadian vehicles, but wasn't able to find any posts on differences.

Thanks so much in advance. Looking forward to being a part of this community!
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Feb 17, 2021 | 12:59 PM
  #2  
Have not seen the 2020+ RCF specs closely, but in the 2015 - 2019 only 2 trim levels were available.

Standard RCF - Came with all options available and the 10 spoke forged wheels. All of these RCF had moonroof standard as well as LSD.

Carbon Fiber/Torque vectoring differential package RCF - All of the packages in the standard RCF with moonroof delete. TVD replaces the standard LSD. Carbon fiber spoiler, roof and interior trim. Also, the 20 split spoke hand polished forged wheels were only available with this package.

In the 2020+ RCF TE was added. Also, I believe the option packages have changed. I believe, the carbon fiber is now separate from TVD.
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Feb 17, 2021 | 01:03 PM
  #3  
Easiest way to find differences - Both RCF US and Canadian brochures are available in PDF format on the web. Download them both and compare the differences

Lou
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Feb 17, 2021 | 02:00 PM
  #4  
Does the Lexus Canada website have the same VIN search feature? That's what I would check. It's always funny wgen the Canada companies act like US cars are completely different. In general though, there are usually standard package differences with Canada cars. You'll have to decide if it's worth your effort to research Canada packages or keep looking.
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Feb 17, 2021 | 02:20 PM
  #5  
place the VIN on this form and see if it pulls up

https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrive...s#/collapseTwo
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Feb 18, 2021 | 11:43 AM
  #6  
I need to warn you, I have been very comfortable buying cars before seeing them and had great luck, but the RCF has very scratch vulnerable surfaces and it does NOT show up in photos or descriptions from dealers. I ended up buying one that wasn't "exactly" what I wanted because i needed a car replacement, but I passed on one that was "exactly" what I wanted color and option wise after looking at it. Might be irrelevant, but many of the ones I saw in person had chips and scratches on the carbon fiber roof, so beware of that and none of those dings were in photos. Also, the nav screen on my perfect one was so badly scratched I knew it would bother me everytime I got into the car in the daytime, In addition the center console and outer armrests on the door can be very scratched up too. Just make sure and get an in person inspection before buying or spend $150 on a 3rd party inspection and give them heads up on these things, I think it is worth it on these cars.
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