If you were to replace your gen 2 RX, would you get another Gen 2 or go w/ a Gen 3? A few of my buddies were asking about our RX as it is a totally diffferent vehicle then what I'm use to. Just curios of your thoughts/input.....

 

I do like the Gen 2 better than the others, but they are getting old. The simplicity of the Gen 2 is a big plus, to me.
The 2010-2015 RX's look good, in my opinion, and they did make some suspension upgrades.

While I'm not a fan of the big fancy TV screen-console in the Gen 3, the interior does look nice, and I think they improved the front seats and made them more comfortable.

Incidentally, I've had my '09 for 3.5 years and every time I open and close one of the doors, I can't get over the feeling and sound of quality.

 

Thanx for the input, ''sinellib''. I my thoughts are the same, as I like the gen looks better, hence it was 2k-5k cheaper then a gen 3 at the time & would do the same as what we use it for......I would have gone w/ a GC srt8 thou......

 

If I was a lot younger I would want the newer Gen 3, only cuz it's "newer style".
But, as I get older I don't really care about that kind of stuff anymore and I like my Gen 2 as much or more than the Gen 3.

Don't care for the Gen 3 triangle shaped stereo area in the dash and not having the fitment to yank all that factory audio crap out and slam in a double din radio of my choice!
Also, from the ones I seen the leather seats look to be made with very thin leather and have been patched a sprayed with major repair to make look like new or left alone and look like hell.

Would I like a newer car? Yeah who wouldn't but I see nothing about the Gen 3 I don't already have that makes we want to go and buy one.

 

Yeah, bottom line: The only real worthwhile advantage to a Gen3 vs Gen2 is Age.

 

Both are already old... So, no sense...
PS: 2nd to 4th Gen is more reasonable (new technologies)

 

I like the gen 2 more for other reasons, but we have the gen 3 as it suited its role as a reliable daily driver that was going to stay relatively untouched, it is newer and lower mileage, so less to worry about. I would rather take the gen 2 and turn it into a track beater SUV like my Highlander though. As you can see, I wish that Toyota made a fun wagon that we could buy, but unfortunately they don't. I do a lot of hauling, but I enjoy spirited driving, including driving on the track. These cars aren't an E46 M3 (Or an SRT8 Grand Cherokee), but they're more competent than people think for an SUV if they're done up properly.


Here's what I like about the gen 2 more:
- Simplicity (unsealed transmission, less electronics, etc)
- Less weight (easier to just slap on 3rd gen front sway bar, aftermarket rear sway bar, brakes, stiffer suspension and make it corner)
- Smaller exterior size
- Hydraulic power steering
- Interior quality & layout
- Cheaper, easier to find parts at the junkyard
- Faster (Better power to weight ratio on 2007-2009 RX350)
- Lower ride height
- Mechanical AWD system with viscous coupling transfer case + The ability to install a Torsen Type 2 LSD from a '99-00 RX300
- Has that old-school early 2000s Toyota feel that I love
- Part selection (Ex: This platform has been around for a while and had a long run. I can throw on ~6 different springs for the 2nd gen, but you're stuck with the RS-Rs for the 3rd gen. Parts overlap with 2nd gen Highlander, and even with the 3rd gen RX when it comes to the front suspension, there are 2001-2007 Highlander parts you can use, and even some from the RX300, also aftermarket Japanese Harrier parts exist which fit the 2nd gens)


Here's what I like about the gen 3 more:
- Appearance
- Newer and less rust (BIG deal up here in Canada!)
- Mileage (Better aerodynamics & 8-speed auto really makes a difference on the hwy)
- Wider track width
- Roomy on the inside
- Beefier components off the bat (brakes, control arms, knuckles, tie rods, sway bars)
- Nicer steering wheel
- More air bags
- Multi-link rear suspension



To sum it up quickly, I believe stock for stock, a 3rd gen RX is better for your average person who will leave a car alone. But for someone like me, I would rather take a 2nd gen 350 and turn it into a mini sleeper that ticks off the BMWs, but still is a nice daily ride - and can still do hauling duty or runs to the junkyard; without regret. This is how my Highlander is set up, and it would be replaced with a 2nd gen if I ever had to one day, which will not be for a while! I must say that it serves its purpose very well and is an overall amazing vehicle. However, this is not the route we're going down in our 3rd gen, as it is essentially a daily driver "cream-puff", and it has been set up that way intentionally. The most amount of work it does is haul groceries and drive through snow, and that's the way it's going to stay for now.

 

 

Another minor issue on the Gen 2 is the tilt steering wheel blocking the view of the speedometer.
How did they not notice that, roughly, 55mph - 100mph is blocked when the steering wheel is tilted downwards?

I assume the Gen 3 doesn't have this issue.

 

Minor but worth noting in my opinion.
I don't ever remember owning another vehicle where I had to play a steering wheel up and down dance to see thru to the speedometer.

 

Glad I'm not the only one.
And I like the small steering wheel. Feels like I'm 12 yrs old again and driving my Go-Kart.

 

Yeah it it is newer, But is it any better? As some manufactuers have gone further then the newest rx. Totally different time frame when the gen 2's were introduced. I'd be looking at a GLE vs the newest rx if I was going that way......

 

Gen 3 moved the spare from under the car to inside the car, which is nice.

However, the spare provided in the Gen 3 is a temporary "Compact" spare, also called a "donut." That kinda stinks.
You can fit a full-size spare wheel/tire in the trunk, but it's too big for the lid to close.

So that's another Plus for the Gen 2: a full size spare.
Not only that, but Lexus gave the Gen 2 a real, matching fifth wheel.

 

we've had the 2nd, 3rd and 4th gen vehicles. The 3rd gen does ride a little bit better but the second gen is much more simple, and has a better body style in my opinion. If you can find a second gen in good condition I would pick it up and pocket the difference in cash. It really comes down to the individual specimens you run across if you ask me. I would pay the extra for a 3rd gen if it was well maintained. with any used vehicles, look for rust! My 07 has a leaky power steering rack, rusted differential bolts and the rear wheel well is rusted.

 

I stumbled upon this thread and it’s nuts that the same arguments from gen 2 to 3 apply as gen 3 to 4. I had a 2019 RX which I loved but rarely drove. Due to the pandemic prices I was able to sell it and pocket a decent amount. I ended up buying a 2010 RX and I don’t regret it at all. They are both roughly the same size, and the seats are just as comfortable. The gen 4 leather is really crappy and creases allot which fills with dirt and looks bad, not sure if the gen 5 would hold up better over time. The Gen 5 is faster but not by much since they have the same 3.5. Technology wise the gen4’s infotainment system has aged really badly but the 19 I had didn’t have CarPlay so it was also useless even though it was prettier. I put a brand new suspension system with the Sport Billsteins in the 2010 so it does ride worse but not horribly worse than the 19. I loved the look of the 19 and the gen 4 is meh not going to offend or inspire anyone. Factor in that one was 54K and one was $12K I really like my 2010, for now anyway!!!