Is it normal for the 2010 to be "heard" when it's idle. This is my first luxury car and I thought for the amount of money I was spending that it would be as quiet as can be. As a matter of fact, the tester I drove at the dealership was so quiet that I didn't even know it was turned on. But then I later found out it was most likely a hybrid which is supposed to be quieter.

So before I go back to the dealership and mention this at my 5K service, I wanted to know if it's normal to hear the engine when it's idle.

 

valve "clacking" is very noticible before engine warms but overall the engine is noisier than RX330 which had timing belt. It is noisier overall compare to few others I have compared/test drove but noise itself is subjective to individual and I am now use to hearing “click-clack” in the morning.

 

the 3.5 liter is notorious for sounding like a diesel when you are outside. When you are inside the cabin and the engine temp is normal, it should not be so loud as to be intrusive.

 

What you're hearing is 'not' valve clacking. In fact, you probably don't hear them at all. In the 2010 Gen III model both the 350 and the 450h get a totally new engine family that doesn't use a belt for driving the valves anymore. They're chain driven and yes, it makes a little more noise but once warmed up much less. Also your maintenance will be much less at around 100,000 miles, no belt to replace or adjust. The cam chain is life time and no adjustment is necessary. Unrelated but you also have the new low-friction engine that uses the 0-20w oil. It's designed for less maintenance as well and more economy.

 

No click-clack here. It does start up a little rough first thing in the morning, but smooths out very quickly. This is normal, as the engine is set up to run hot, not cold; as the multitude of parts that make up an engine expand or contract, and oil circulates to fill those gaps, you can expect some roughness (a lot less than days gone by, I might add). The big 460 V8 runs a lot rougher and longer than this engine...

 

That is what bothers me at first but after 6months and 6k I get used to it and it is good. So, that is normal.

I also didn't notice that noise when I test drove the RX (did 3 times) until I took it home. It may be noisier at the dealership comparing to our garage.

 

I think Lexus intentionally left the engine a little more throatier on purpose. To be more appealing to the male buyer. I would have preferred it quieter but I have gotten used to the subtle noise. Not bad, just not dead quiet.

 

Interesting you should mention the valve clicking, mine does that to.