I just test drove the rx350 today and absolutely loved it. Been in the market for a few weeks, trying to force myself to drive everything in the luxury suv class before making a decision.

Had the usual problem ith edmunds listing so many option packages and the Lexus dealers here in Columbus Ohio, only have one type in 100 diff colors.

So i guess before I order one: can anyone list their opinions n the following decisions.

Sport pkg]: 19" wheels- are they nicer looking rims than the stock 18?
What is the VDIM? my dealer had no idea... Said he's never seen a sport
The sport suspension feel that big a diff from stock?
I think ill add this as it's only about 1017 invoice.

Comfort pkg def need this for the bixenon. I really like HID lights. Someone mentioned LED headlamps are those avail? If so are they nicer and how much?

Prem pkg adding it...

Rear ent I don't think i NEED this, but it would be nice to have i guess? I have never owned a car with DVD screens, are they able to play TV with some aftermarket equip? Is that easy to do?

Navlove the mouselike control. That is tops compared to everything I've tested to date. So def adding this.

HUDnone of their cars had this to demo- what are peoples thoughts on it? I have only come across one in the Acadia. Seems like a nice feature so ill probably add it if it's well liked.

Mark levinson audioout of all the cars I've tried the Acura and the audi had great sound systems. I found the stock Lexus to be boring and dull. But alas, they didn't have any ML to demo. Should I drop the 1300 now or find an aftermarket stereo car specialist...I think 1300 sounds high.. Thoughts?

Lux pkg is the semi aniline leather softer and that big a diff ver stock? i see it's only available in the lux pkg. I love the sound of this but for 4k extra... Im trying to justify it... I like the leg extending feature and wish it were availabe on other option pkgs.

Is remote starter extra? Or does that come with the lux pkg?

Am i missing anything? Any other options or parts people like to order? I guess if im going to special order i may as put everything on it now.

Well after loading everything into edmunds.. Im getting the rx350 awd, with sports/luxury/comfort/towing option packages, HUD and mark levinson audio.
Invoices at 47,976... In your experiences are these selling at, above, or below?

And finally any tips on purchasing?
Sorry for the long post with so many questions im a little detail-oriented...

 

As far as color, im going to try and find a Black opal mica to look at, vs the obsidian which is the deeper darker black. I've always had black cars i can't really find myself in anything else.

And interior- thoughts on the lighter parchment or grey vs all black.. I need to compare more I know, off to research. Thanks for the help here.

 

Sport Package: the Rims are the same design as the 19" rims of the non sport package, but they are finished in a special color, almost like a dark gray. VDIM stands for vehicle dynamics integrated management system. It used to only be available on Lexus/Toyota hybrids but they have included it in the sports package. Its basically a stronger traction/vehicle stability control.

Comfort package: pretty much a must have for the heated/ventilated seats/HIDs. LEDs are only available on the hybrid and not on the 350.

Prem package. every RX you will see in the US will have this package at the very least. The price difference between this and the luxury package (notice the two overlap in options so its one or the other) is only a little more than $2000 since you are forced to have the premium package anyways. I got it for the electronic folding side mirrors and the illuminated door sills. Dont care much for the semi aniline leather, so I never compared it to regular leather.

My car is stargazer black which is a new color for 2011. Its a black with metallic flakes, and in direct sunlight, it looks like a bronze black. really gorgeous.

HUD is pretty much a novelty. I got it because it is cool to have, but I find myself looking at the speedo anyways so its repetitive info. A plus is that it will show navi instructions, but how often are you under guidance anyways.

Hope that helps.

 

RXSF summarized it perfectly but I'll add my thoughts on the sport package. It does drive differently than non-sport RXs. The steering has a tighter feel which is something I like. The suspension is also different. Re the rim finish, it is darker and has a metallic finish to them. I prefer it over the chrome.

For the interior, darker is better in areas where it snows. Lighter colors are high maintenance. Just take a test drive in one, you'll see what I mean.

 

thanks for the thoughts. Im pretty much sold on the sports pkg/lux with HUD and black interior.

Thanks for all the answers. Hope everything goes well.

Any idea how well these are selling in ohio? at, above, or below invoice?

if i special order do i lose some negotiating room?

rather than taking one of the "cookie cutters" off their lot with no options

Also any thoughts on getting the mark levinson audio: vs stock. Or just finding an aftermarket audio system? Is it worth the 1200+ price tag?

 

cg13, you can't do luxury and sport packages together. It's one or the other. I managed a discount with my dealer on the special order. Re ML, it's nice if you want to spend the money and forget about it. Add subwoofers and a different amp and it would be better.

 

I would suggest trying to locate one with the ML and semi-aniline if at all possible to see if it is what you desire (vs. the standard audio and basic leather). I test drove a used 2008 400h that had both, and I thought the semi-aniline was fantastic and a lot better feel than the standard leather. However, I did not desire to special order or pay the premium price for that option. The ML was great also, but I chose to go with a year-end purchase where the 2010's did not have that option on the lot (got the standard audio w/ the 12 speaker option).

 

I think the folding mirrors come with the luxury package, not the premium package...

 

^^ yeah i was talking about the luxury package and how it is only 2K more expensive and I did it for the folding mirrors and illuminated door sills

 

Also, the VDIM/Sport Package means your 350 will be built in Japan. If that matters to you.....

It's definitely going to be a special order....

Sandi

 

thanks everyone for the help here, greatly appreciate it!

 

I have a 2011 with everything but rear seat entertainment and Mark Levinson. I wouldn't get the rear seat entertainment because an iPad is so much better. It is more versatile, has a better screen, and can play audio through the stereo system via bluetooth (although that drives me a little nuts to be honest).

I have the 19" wheels too but I would ditch that option. The RX is anything but a sporty car, and all the 19" rims do is make for a slightly rougher ride. On my 2008 M3 I run the biggest, widest rims and tires I can fit but that's for maximum grip. On the RX, I think it was a waste.

I didn't get the Mark Levinson system because this is my wife's care and she could care less about the stereo. On my personal cars, I always go with the best sound system (Harman Kardon in my M3, Bang and Olufsen in my A8) and love to blast my music. So, I would have gotten it if I were driving the car everyday.

I would go with everything else you mentioned though. Make sure you get an AWD if you plan to add a tow hitch since the FWD doesn't have a tow package and is not pre-wired. I needed a hitch to be able to tow a car to the race track. Getting a little to expensive and dangerous to track the M3.

 

I am spoiled by wide-view side monitor (luxury package). Especially when driving other cars and making right turn from stop.

 

^^ really? I find it useless. I rarely remember to push the button on the steering wheel, and I also find it quite blurry.

 

Semi-Aniline leather is a higher quality than std leather. Rather than using heavy surface dyes, the semi-aniline leather is dyed throughout. Also helps the leather retain its natural feel over years of use.