BlueHy

I have a 2005 RX330 with 67K miles on it. In very good shape but 8 years old so I've been considering trading it in for an RX350. Today I have a loaner 350 and though it's newer with a few more options (nav and ipod connector), I'm thinking I like my 330 better. The 350 just feels much larger even though I realize it isn't. It made me think I should look at something other than the Lexus SUV though I've had a Lexus for the last 15 years so can't imagine driving anything else.

Last Saturday I went to the dealer and drove a 2010 RX350 with 19K miles on it. They were asking 38,990 and told me the price wasn't negotiable. Has anyone ever heard of this? I told the sales rep that for $20K and my car I would buy it then but he didn't seem that interested. This was indeed a very strange experience.

kitlz

Welcome to CL, BlueHy. I moved your post to the 3rd gen forum because we have a few former 330 owners here that switched to the 350/450h, myself included.

I can't help you on the price but I will say there is more to the 3rd gen RX other than feeling larger. It does especially in the cabin. Even the steering wheel seems bigger. And has more features like you said. It's very different than the previous gens. I've had them all. Now it was hard for me to part with my 330 after 6+ years. I don't regret it though.

When you say you might consider something else, what are you looking for exactly in an SUV? There are a few comparisons between the RX and other vehicles in the FAQ section on top of this forum. Don't worry, we'll help you.

Rainbird

I can understand their lack of interest. Your vehicle is worth about $13k on dealer trade-in. The 2010 model is a third generation RX350. My understanding is that the 3rd generation model does look and feel different. Keep looking for a RX350 within the 2007 - 2009 model years. These models would look and feel the same except more power and many other refinements.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

We have an 08 rx350 fully loaded and at first when we got it, i wasn't a fan but i now love the thing. We got a fully loaded loaner last year a 11 rx350 and i liked it, it felt a lot more refined and the seating was more suv'ish then minivan i guess you could say. That being said, i think i like the 08 more in term of looks and driving. The 08 just seemed more nimble, maybe because it was narrower? Regardless, if you like your car, but want some improvements, 08-09 rx's are your best bet. Essentially the same car, but more powerful, quicker, and possibly more options

SGLexus

Might e interested in buying the rx330 let me know! A friend is interested!

Sevn86

In regards to your statement in price and how it is none negotiable. I ran into the same problem with every lexus dealer in my city. I went to over 5 of them and all said they were not going to negotiate. Finally went to one that was willing to negotiate a bit and was able to get my 2010 RX350 with 21k miles fully loaded from $38,780 down to $36,780 before taxes and fees. Its not the best deal but from what was out in the market this was the cleanest most loaded car for that price. I had found on at a lexus dealership in north Houston who wanted 43999 +TTL for a RX that had 30k miles and had less options then mine. I was very shocked and you bet i got out of there faster then lightening.

billy44bo

You could special order one and get what you want in it and try to sale your car outright to someone else and save 3-5k that way on the deal. That is what we did and yes the car is a lot bigger on the inside but only a few inches on the outside.

2011RX350

"went to the dealer and drove a 2010 RX350 with 19K miles on it. They were asking 38,990 "

I think you can do better. I bought a loaded CPO 2011 RX350 in February with 12k miles for $39k and got 48 month Lexus financing at 1.9%. I had to buy from an out of town dealer i found on eBay, but so what? If you shop around, you should be able to do better. Sell the RX330 yourself. These cars have plenty of demand. The last time I traded a car to purchase a new one was 1972 and I am not going to do that again. Thats my advice and I'm sticking to it...

MX5NES350

I try to do the same. If you have another vehicle to use and do not need to rely on the trade a private sale will get you a bit more than trade. The only flip side is sometimes dealers do provide a deeper discount on the vehicle you are interested in since they might be able to make some money back on the trade's retail.

I did a trade of my ES on my current RX because of that very reason. With the mileage I had on it plus the flooded market for those cars I wasn't going to be looking at a huge benefit. Actually, it would have been around $300 or so and my time was worth more

Marqevans

I agree the 3rd generation definitely feels bigger at first but you get used to it quickly. The improvements are worthwhile also.

svofan1

...all I can tell you guys is that I had a 2011 Acura MDX that I bouhgt in Sept 2010....well I just traded it in with 17k miles...and I got my "dream" a 2012 RX 350......after carefull considerations (trying to get most for my MDX and the possibility of a divorce,which can be expensive...<S>) I decided to go for it...my MDX was nice no denying that, but the confort of the Lexus is unique
I had SUVs for the last 20 years since my wife loves them,(the bigger the better she is 5 feet tall)..One of the RX best feautures, amomg others, is the front seats and how easy is getting in an out...,and I am 5'9"..which is not tall...but the door frame on the Lexus is wider and the seats are bigger in my opinion of course, I do not want to ruffle any feathers of possible admirers if Acura...

zoombie99

You do know that Lexus dealers are dumping their inventory of new RX in view of the 2013 arriving now. They have deals with no interest here in the NY metro area. Considering you would get a brand Lexus at no interest with a new 3 new warranty, there is a value over buying a pre owned.

Marqevans

I believe one or two year old Lexus's are over priced compared to new. I have now leased my 7th RX and actually have a payment that is 10 dollars less a month than it was in 1998 when I leased the first RX300. Each time my dealer called me and asked if I was interested in breaking the lease for a new one with the same payment because they wanted my car for their used car inventory. Unless you are going for a 5 year or older model I would seriously consider a new one with all the incentives.