I've only seen one RX in the wild with boards and my wife and I immediately agreed they didn't improve the appearance. Unless you have a very, very short passenger I really don't see the need for side boards on an RX, the vehicle isn't that high.

 

No kids. My wife is 5'3". We didn't have any problems with the 2004 RX 330 (although it was probably at the very limit) but this one is just a little taller and she is a bit uncomfortable with that extra height. It is a stretch for her to climb in and she has to slide down off the seat to get to the ground. My sense is that it will eventually wear on the seat to slide down off of it that way.

I realize the vehicle's height won't be an issue for most people, but it is for some. I don't like the running boards and won't use them, but I want her happy and comfortable with the car too.

 

No offense, I prefer the look of AcornRX's side step much better. I had a similar nerf on my 02 RX years ago and it does look more like an aftermarket product. Back then, the nerfs were more popular.

 

These running boards scream Aftermarket because they're either short OR extends way out. They look good on a RAV4 though.

 

Sorry for the delayed response, been busy with work and the 8 month old toddler. I find the boards I have both functional and good looking; they don't stick out enough to interfere with me getting out of the car (I'm 6 ft) and usefull enough for my 5'4'' wife to get in and out.

My only gripe is that they are about 1 inch or so apart from the frame (these are aftermarket not oem - Lexus if you're reading you might want to make some of these) but it's not that noticeable. I've had them for about a year and no problems up to now. They were a bit of a pain to install since the instructions were not very clear so there's some figuring out to do but overall it's a DIY.

 

Thanks for sharing more of your experience with your running boards. I definitely think yours are the best choice. I had hoped the all-black ones would be more subtle but I think all subtlety is lost since they stick out so far. Alas, I would prefer none at all, but I think I will get a set like yours because they look much better than those I installed and will help my wife's ingress/egress. It is a shame they made it taller than the 330. It is only a touch taller, but just enough to make it tough for her. As I mentioned before, I want her completely comfortable with the car so I think these are necessary.

Thanks again.

 

As it turns out, we decided to try again and look for a true "running board" like AconRX as on his car. Sadly, those and pretty much everything else we find only fits the 2010 through 2012 model years. They changed the bottom surface of the car in 2013.

Here is the latest set I tried, which according to both the site and the sales rep I spoke with, should work for a 2013 RX. The accessory shop I worked with said "no way, not even close". So I am out the shipping for another set of boards that just plain don't work. The company did give me a modest discount in the price since the first set wasn't satisfactory and they had made it clear up front that they wouldn't take anything back once installed. (I didn't press for a refund but they seemed to feel bad for me anyway).

http://www.carid.com/2013-lexus-rx-r...-11058943.html

Anyway, if anyone knows of a style like those AconRX has that will fit a 2013-2014 RX, please do let me know. Until then - it looks like I got my way and the Nerf Bars are gone.

Doug

 

Not sure if this picture represents a 2013 RX or not. But I do know these bars are new as I was just at the shop last month and he brough them down off the wall to show them to me. But I wasn't looking for side bars on my 11 450 (had front/rear push bars installed - Its NYC, sue me)

But Try Broadfeet



http://www.broadfeet.com/side-bars/running-boards/

Contact Us 718-302-1787Broadfeet Motorsports Equipment


Give them a call, guy is excellent to deal with and tell him about the change for the 2013 and see if they have installed on any yet. He'll tell you if they fit.

 

^Those running boards look good. They fit flush to the sides. I'd say that's a '10-12 RX based on the rims. And I don't blame you for getting front/rear push bars. No sense of getting bumper rash. It beats those ugly mats hanging out of the trunk any day. Yeah, go ahead and hit me now

 

I know these don't match the picture attached to the link I provided above, but these are a dead ringer for the actual boards that arrived. I will definitely need to call first because I think they are the same as those Black Horse boards.

I will certainly check them out. Thanks.

 

do you have photos of the bottom of the rx? trying to install it myself, but I don't see any opening for the screws.

 

GREAT pictures! I salute you in taking them off.

 

Thanks for the contact info ! I sent an inquiry for my wife's F-sport. My wife (5'2") and 6 yr-old son struggle getting in and out. I'm sure my 1.5 yr-old son will appreciate it too when his time comes to start buckling himself up.

 

I thought of sharing the following info for those who have yet to decide on the running boards for 3rd generation RX350. I personally tried the tubular 3" Nerf bars first but to me it added more inconvenience as those ones didn't go flush with the body and projected out. Somehow I lost the front end caps on the tubular side steps and manufacturer couldn't provide me a replacement. Finally I came across a very reasonably priced good quality running boards ($170 including shipping) from a US manufacturer. below see the link.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400593897193?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
You can also email directly to customcorvetteaccessories@gmail.com for additional info.

These ones are similar to the running boards posted by AconRx but from a US manufacturer not from China

 

Can you please post pics of the whole car? I would like to see how it affects the overall look.

Thanks,
Eric