I'll be purchasing a new RX soon (my 5th). I'd be interested in hearing opinions on any perceived quality difference between Japanese and Canadian produced models. Also, does anyone have any news on when the 2011 RX will be out. I could wait a bit to get past the first-year model problems for a "fixed" 2011.

 

Wife has a Canadian built 2008 RX350 and I have a 2010 Japan built RX350. We've had zero issues with her car and zero with mine. I'm biased and wanted to have a Japan built car, always do.

Post first model year fixes are something of a myth. Lexus implements fixes, additional quality checks etc... throughout the entire production lifecycle. It isn't driven by a model year.

Granted they may add a new color, tweak a wheel or use a different tire in 2011,or introduce another feature but don't expect major differences in quality etc.. between something bought now vs 3-4 months from now. Sometimes they do implement features midstream like Enform.

 

I have had 3 Japan built RX330-350. Zero issues. My 2010 RX350 from Canada (ordered and requested Japan built but?) has been a disaster. Front bumper fell off week 1. Cosmetic issues everywhere. Hood and doors out of line with body. Who knows what is next?

My future Lexus' will be Japan built. If I buy another Lexus.

 

I guess I'm biased. I'll always look for Japan-built one if there is such option. In the past 20 years, there have been numerous issues/difference between them. I'd say majority of J-built cars seem to have higher quality.



However, one of friends stopped looking for J-built cars 'cause 2 of his cars were bad. Luck or bad luck? I dunno.

 

The sales manager who sold me my 350 made a point of saying that it was from Japan and not Canada.

Made it seem that JP > Canada in terms of quality.

 

Just received my Japan build RX and have yet to notice any of the rattles others have mentioned or the bumper issues. But only couple days old.

 

Very curious. If you can, may I know what RX PKGs you have ordered? I guess it's not the "regular" RX, right?


Did your dealer provide you any good discount? Thanks.

 

Only the base, sport or rear entertainment versions come from Japan, as well as the hybrids.

 

Nope, didn't get any considering order was back in August and there were none on the lot that weren't already called for. Be easier to tell me what I didn't get... but in any case its Comfort / Luxury Pkg's, LED H/L, ML, HUD and most of the bell's and whistles.

I did start to notice a minor rattle, which I believe is coming from the rear cover, but am prepared to felt line the groove to get rid of the annoyance.

Edit: Forgot to mention, it is the Hybrid version.

 

Well, Hybrid is J-built for sure. (Oops, I thought you're having 350...)



Earlier when I was searching for new SUV to drive, Lexus dealers did show me all the choices, C-built or J-built, but the discount wasn't that great. Once I decided to buy RX, C-built RX has been everywhere. There were a few of J-built ones, which were all full-loaded. I have to either special order my own (J-built with Navi/Comf/Prem + luxu) or get whatever they have already in the lots.

Anyway, I did the regular purchase with the huge discount... it's C-built.

 

If you don't mind sharing, what kind of discount were you able to negotiate?

 

Why not!?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4776821-post3.html

Plus, I got $3K additional from my trade-in, free parts, and 5K/10K services free.

The price varies from area to area, and time to time.

Lots of ppl here have done better than mine.