My new to me 2012 apparently had enough time in FL for the headlights to be really sun scorched. I've changed them in other cars. How tough is it in this one? Does the bumper cover have to come out? I havent examined it yiet. TIA

 

The real issue is the high cost for replacement headlamp housings, especially if you have HID bulbs. Or the rare Ultra Premium trim with LED bulbs.

First contact a detail shop or 2 and find one that does headlight restoration. If that fixes your issue, it will be a lot cheaper than new headlamps.
Many places perform this service and there are even do it yourself kits if you are that type.

You should determine if you have halogen or HID headlights or LED. Do you see the beams move up and down when you turn them on? That means you have HID.

 

Above is sound advice. Repair is a real option. I compounded out years of yellowing on the 09 GS a few weeks ago, very easily, with a DA polisher.

Our old ES was in Texas for several years; the headlights were very bad. Polishing and 2k clear coat made them nearly good as new.

 

Yes, a clear coat will extend the non-yellowing period. This is a problem with plastic lens. A few things like not facing the Sun when parked will also help.

Salim

 

I used Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating that I sprayed onto the headlamps that I restored. It provides UV protection for around a year.
​​​​​​https://www.meguiars.com/automotive/...dlight-coating

I have read good things about this more expensive protection product: https://glasweld.com/product/gclear-...YCS-So1KOBa8YE

Or this stuff https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40072114/

Or this which is a different approach: https://www.invisiblemask.com/imask/...oduct_id=37810Meguiar's Keep Clear Headlight Coating is a p

 

I have been using SoftScrub with Bleach bathroom cleanser to scrub our various plastic headlamp lenses for more than a decade (I read about this method on another car forum). Keeps them crystal clear if I repeat the process every six months or so. Takes all of two minutes per lens to scrub clean and wipe dry.

 

My initial question was starting with the assumption that I need to replace them. That was moderately difficult on a couple of Hondas and an absolute nightmare on a little GM truck. I've bought them for other cars for $100-$200 each.

I've done some polishing on other cars with limited success. These on the RX have some prior polishing resulting in pretty good clarity but some irregularity in the surface. Looks to me like replacement is next. Somebody mentioned the cost of the bulbs. Aren't the bulbs and housings independently sourced and installed? Clutchless says I have HID apparently.
TIA

 

The biggest issue with replacing HID headlight housings is that they are very expensive for new OEM. Your best bet is to find very good used ones on eBay for about $200 each. Make sure they are the correct ones.
There have been issues with aftermarket stuff not working correcting with the AFS system etc. You could also contact Rancho Lexus Recycling for used ones.

A friend just told me about this headlight restoration kit which is easier to use than most and provides a final ceramic coat with claimed permanent UV protection, all for under $20. He is testing it today on a 1996 Mercury Sable Wagon (don't laugh) and I will report on the results soon.
https://cerakoteceramics.com/cerakot...storation-kit/

 

As long as your headlights are functioning properly, I would keep polishing them with various products until I found one that worked. Once you get them restored to a clarity level that you can live with, you need to keep polishing them on a regular basis. It only takes me a couple of minutes per side using my SoftScrub with Bleach bathroom cleanser technique. Sure beats the significant expense and major hassle of attempting to replace them.

 

These are before and after photos of the 1996 Mercury Sable headlights after using the CERAKOTE® Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit. My friend picked it up at an estate sale for a great price. One owner, 55,000 miles, garage kept and all service records from the Ford dealer since it was new.