Cruiter

Click on my signature link. Starfire Pearl w/o rails

sleepysurf

Just got my FWD Rx 450h, which comes without rails. I wanted them mainly for cosmetics, and am contemplating adding them, but from what I've read they (theoretically) cut gas mileage a tad, and might add some wind noise. Just wondering what those of you who have removed them think. Has anybody changed their mind and put them back on? The naked roof looks a bit strange to me right now, but I suppose I'd get used to it.

MEP7557

You will get used to the look. I have not had second thoughts at all. It's so easy to wash. I think it makes the RX look a little more unique. The wind noise and drag come into play when you add the crossbars. You should check with the dealer but I believe it is over $1500 to buy just the rails.

Good luck and welcome.

jskennedy

haven't noticed a difference in sound or mpg after removal of my racks

i think either case would be too negligible to notice

i do prefer the topless look

if you decide you want rails, pm me, i have a set collecting dust

jfz219

I really like the clean look without the rails. I even took a hair dryer to the badging on the rear hatch.

jskennedy

ditched my branding also

just used a plastic putty knife

i painted the chrome logo the match the body color

i painted the front chrome logo black to match the grill

Johnny

Next time guys, pour some hot water out of a kettle, and use fishing line (monofilament) to de-badge your car. Using scrapers or anything else risks scratching your paint finish.

jfz219

The hair dryer is so effective that all of the adhesive stays on the badges, leaving no residue on the painted surfaces. It works is seconds. I store the badging in a plastic, zip-lock bag for future reuse. No tools come in contact with the painted surfaces.

sleepysurf

I asked my Lexus dealer Parts guy how much the rails would cost. He hemmed and hawed, then sheepishly said ~$2000 retail for rails and all parts, but they would "work with me" to get the price down to $1500! For that kind of $$$, I'll definitely get used to the "naked" look!

Wow, that's really going to the extreme! Guess that gives you a "stealth" Lexus! Any pics?

gr8330

If you want rails I'm sure there are plenty of us that would sell you ours at a great price. I would also bet that none of them are very old or have ever been used.

sleepysurf

Thanks! Will keep that in mind. However, the "naked" roof is likewise growing on me!

kitlz

For the price the dealer quoted, having a naked roof would more than grow on me. My '99 did not come with the roof rack. They were extra like a lot of other things back then. It's funny looking at pictures of my old RX300 but I can't quite bring myself to remove them on the '10. They virtually match with the tungsten pearl paint too.

blueplanet

I have been reading people taking roof rails off from RX450 AWD, but anyone tried to attached them to RX450 FWD? Do you need to drill the holes yourself to achieve that?

BTW, anyone care to give me a price on the rails you took off and no longer needed?

I have a new AWD w/o the rails. Thinking about adding rail might give me options to carry extra luggage which my growing family might need .

Thanks.

gr8330

The holes should already be there. I would consider selling mine, they were only on the 450 for a couple of weeks. What do you think they are worth?

Edit: I also have the cross rails.

MEP7557

The holes are there. You have to remove the plastic caps and the brackets below. Make sure you have the seals on the bottom of the roof rack braces and you use the bolts with rubber washers that come with it, if you don't you will get water in your RX.

Good Luck. I would sell you mine but I already sold it.