I can buy a comparable equipped rx350 2010 or 2011 the 2010 being 4k cheaper. Would the 2010 be a better deal? Any changes worth the extra 4k I should know about?

 

Welcome to CL, jimandkath.

Off the top of my head, the differences between the two RXs are a newer nav version on the '11, no Lexus emblem on the tailgate and a power outlet located in that open area underneath the shifter. The '10 has them buried in the middle console. The one feature the '10 has over the '11 is compass in the rear view mirror. Of course going with the '11 will buy you more time on the warranty. It might just boil down to options and mileage. Oh and some colors were dropped and a few added. Good luck.

 

how long will you keep the RX?
3 years? 5 or even 10?
in terms of features, as Klitz has already enumerated, they're basically the same banana.
so is the 2012 ( use of regular/unleaded has been formally accepted in this release)

 

My thought is the 2010 could be a better bargain if you can find one for les money without the extra miles. If it has an extra 15-20k miles for $4k less, it may not not a better deal. My 2011 had 12k miles and I would have bought a 2010 with similar miles if it were $4k or more less. But I never found one like my 2011 with all the options, so I sprang for the 2011. If you could find one that you know has been parked indoors out of the sun and never damaged, that is worth extra too. So it really depends on what you can find.

 

Did the test drive Saturday. The 2 cars are within 2k miles 13k vs 15k miles and equipped exactly alike; same color same interior. Drove the 10 first noticed exhaust noise and way more tire slap and road noise than I expected. Drove the 11 on the same route within minutes and before I even got out of the dealers lot could tell the difference. The 11 was quieter and more compliant over the same expansion joints with noticeably less road noise. Didn't want to spend the extra 4k but as we tend to keep our cars a long time I got the 11.

 

Congrats. Be sure to post pictures.

 

The 11 also had a safety feature where if the gas and brake pedals are applied at the same time, the engine would be disabled. This feature is not on 10.

 

I'm a newbie with an 11RX350. All OPTions minus rear seat DVD and radar cruise. Bought from surgeon friend with 12k miles 4 wks ago. Have really enjoyed all the threads, you are all succinct, insightful and love the Rx350! I do too. I looked at 10 and 2011 and in addition to the aforementioned minor changes, it has been posited that the IIHS that is insurance safety tests, were totally recalibrated for 2011. Read: tougher standards and by that measure alone, the 11 wins over the 10 if I interpreted the test regimen and resulting specs correctly. Even though the ‘stars‘ are aligned the same for both years, the increased stringency of 11 over 10 model year tests would suggest the 11 may well have added safety margins and or strength built in carried forward. Bottom line, 11 or forward if safety and the testing accuracy by the IIHS is important to you.Also, as many threads have mentioned, the 11 is a much tighter car with most of the kinks worked out eg rough ride, noise, rattles etc. Mine has HUD and ML sound so built In Japan. Totally. Throughout? Vin starts with J . Now is almost ready for 15k service at Portland, OR Lexus dealer. Thoughts from seasoned RX 'ers would be appreciated. Just go easy, I'm new at this.:-)