Facelift
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
Isn't the hood different on the spindle grill version? And I'm not sure of the left and right fenders. Personally I think you are crazy for doing this....if you wanted the spindle grille you should have bought it that way. Don't forget you are going to have to paint any body parts and that is just more money. And are you actually going to do all the work yourself? Are you certain the new spindle grille and bumper attachment points are exactly the same as the one on your 2011 car? Do not assume they are the same.
Have fun.
Have fun.
I've done some side by side comparisons and it all matches. Mounting points could be different though I'm sure a professional bodyshop would be able to work that out. The headlamps are actually of the same shape and only differ in the cluster of lamps plus LED. It's not that expensive a project if you source carefully for the parts. They don't have to be 100% brand new as long as you inspect them carefully. Headlamps were a ***** to source and I finally managed to secure a pair at an incredibly good price. Focus on the mounts. Make sure they are not broken and also inspect the headlamp for cracks. Last thing you want is to have the headlamps fog up.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
Also for those mentioning that its easier to trade in your car for a new one, i agree but getting like 28k for my RX350 or so and then going to spend 43 - 48K to buy one is not worth it to me. I'd rather try to facelift my RX350 then lose more then 15K trying to get a bumper, lights, and wheels. Parts will be cheaper then 15K thats for sure. Also i know yall will mention its going to hurt my cars vaiue when i do the facelift but if i plan to drive my car into the ground then, i dont have to worry about the value i might lose, but thats just me. Yall may also mention its a hassle, but i dont care, as i'm willing to put time into this to potentially make it happen.
I mentioned all those senerios above because ive heard them all from other members when similar threads were started.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
For me it's worse. I'm in Asia. I paid approx USD165K for my 2010 RX450H and a new 2013 RX450H FSport would put me back USD308K. So a retrofit project is definitely worth the trouble and money.
My project is not overly detailed. The ballasts need to be replaced as the 2010 ones are different. But I'll still attempt to fit the 2010 ones onto the 2013 headlamp just for the heck of it and report back the results. The same goes for the foglamps. I'm pretty sure there's a way to transfer the 2010 light fittings onto the 2013 foglamp assembly.
My project is not overly detailed. The ballasts need to be replaced as the 2010 ones are different. But I'll still attempt to fit the 2010 ones onto the 2013 headlamp just for the heck of it and report back the results. The same goes for the foglamps. I'm pretty sure there's a way to transfer the 2010 light fittings onto the 2013 foglamp assembly.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
For me it's worse. I'm in Asia. I paid approx USD165K for my 2010 RX450H and a new 2013 RX450H FSport would put me back USD308K. So a retrofit project is definitely worth the trouble and money.
My project is not overly detailed. The ballasts need to be replaced as the 2010 ones are different. But I'll still attempt to fit the 2010 ones onto the 2013 headlamp just for the heck of it and report back the results. The same goes for the foglamps. I'm pretty sure there's a way to transfer the 2010 light fittings onto the 2013 foglamp assembly.
My project is not overly detailed. The ballasts need to be replaced as the 2010 ones are different. But I'll still attempt to fit the 2010 ones onto the 2013 headlamp just for the heck of it and report back the results. The same goes for the foglamps. I'm pretty sure there's a way to transfer the 2010 light fittings onto the 2013 foglamp assembly.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
It sure is. Before we actually get to own a vehicle, we need to bid from a limited supply of certificates of ownership and that itself can cost up to USD$70K depending on supply and demand which is regulated by the Government. It's ridiculous.
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
From: California
I completely agree with Evitzee, don't expect any return ( of investment) when you trade in / sell the car.
Even with a facelift, the model year of the RX is unchanged...and the person buying your car will use KBB.
THIS, facelift might even cost you.
I used to do what you guys are doing. put an in dash nav on a non nav unit ( toyota) leather seats upgrade, wheels upgrade etc and i never got my money back when i sold the car.
So unless you plan to "keep the car" and run it to the ground, better think twice.
Even with a facelift, the model year of the RX is unchanged...and the person buying your car will use KBB.
THIS, facelift might even cost you.
I used to do what you guys are doing. put an in dash nav on a non nav unit ( toyota) leather seats upgrade, wheels upgrade etc and i never got my money back when i sold the car.
So unless you plan to "keep the car" and run it to the ground, better think twice.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: NJ
When I read what the rest of the free World pays for our RX's it's mind boggling, Even in Canada it's much more expensive than here in the good ole USA. Am I the only one who dislikes the '13's spindle front ends? I think it looks good on the new IS's but not on the RX.
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
From: NJ
When I read what the rest of the free World pays for our RX's it's mind boggling, Even in Canada it's much more expensive than here in the good ole USA. Am I the only one who dislikes the '13's spindle front ends? I think it looks good on the new IS's but not on the RX.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
From: California
When I read what the rest of the free World pays for our RX's it's mind boggling, Even in Canada it's much more expensive than here in the good ole USA. Am I the only one who dislikes the '13's spindle front ends? I think it looks good on the new IS's but not on the RX.
A humble Honda Accord in Canada is considered premium car already.
If you're buying an RX350, you only have two choices. Base/premium and Ultra Premium.
I like how we can have a sort of ala carte RX Here in the states
The spindle grill will grow on you. It did on me.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas