Compare 2010 to 2011
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: California
Compare 2010 to 2011
Hello, I'm considering buying my daughter a used (2010 or 2011) RX 300 or RX 350. She is a single mom and needs reliable transportation for herself and her 3 year old son. My three questions are
1.What are the major differences between the 2010 and 2011 model years, and also differences in the 300 and 350?
2. Are both years and models very reliable and safe?
3. Mechanically, are there any major issues I should be aware of when considering buying a 2010 or 2011 RX 300 or Rax 350?
I own a 2000 GX 400, and a 2007 GX 470; both have been very good cars so far. Thank you very much.
1.What are the major differences between the 2010 and 2011 model years, and also differences in the 300 and 350?
2. Are both years and models very reliable and safe?
3. Mechanically, are there any major issues I should be aware of when considering buying a 2010 or 2011 RX 300 or Rax 350?
I own a 2000 GX 400, and a 2007 GX 470; both have been very good cars so far. Thank you very much.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
Gold4x4, the 300 is the first gen RX (1999-2003). There is minimal differences between the 2010 and 2011 RX350. Brake override and a power outlet under the shifter were added. The 'Lexus' badge was removed from the tailgate. That's about it. For the 2012 MY, fuel requirement went from premium to regular. Otherwise they are essentially the same.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: California
Brake over ride system
I just read about the brake over ride system that Toyota installed in cars after the unintended acceleration law suit, and how in 2011 it was added at the factory. Yes, significant, indeed.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
Depends on how important brake override is to you. I look at it as an additional layer of protection in terms of safety. There was a service campaign IIRC on 2010s. I have the notice somewhere. So some may have it too.
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Intermediate
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From: Alberta
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,208
Likes: 1,735
From: VA
In Canada there was a recall for the oil cooler hose leak. In the US we only got the TSB and extended warranty coverage. Maybe because they sold a lot more vehicles in the US and the cost for a recall would be higher or they have better warranty laws in Canada.
However, most of the time you first notice the failure when your oil light comes on while on the highway, about 30 seconds before you have engine failure because all the oil pumped out through the failed hose! The trick is to keep an eye on the hose and when it starts to seep or look wet, take it to the dealer for replacement.
To inspect it yourself, it is next to the oil filter and can be easily seen with a flashlight if you are on the ground looking up under front bumper slightly off center toward the passenger side. It is the two black rubber hoses next to each other by the oil filter. The hoses are about a foot long. The TSB replaces them with metal hoses.
However, most of the time you first notice the failure when your oil light comes on while on the highway, about 30 seconds before you have engine failure because all the oil pumped out through the failed hose! The trick is to keep an eye on the hose and when it starts to seep or look wet, take it to the dealer for replacement.
To inspect it yourself, it is next to the oil filter and can be easily seen with a flashlight if you are on the ground looking up under front bumper slightly off center toward the passenger side. It is the two black rubber hoses next to each other by the oil filter. The hoses are about a foot long. The TSB replaces them with metal hoses.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 896
Likes: 56
From: IL
Gold4x4, the 300 is the first gen RX (1999-2003). There is minimal differences between the 2010 and 2011 RX350. Brake override and a power outlet under the shifter were added. The 'Lexus' badge was removed from the tailgate. That's about it. For the 2012 MY, fuel requirement went from premium to regular. Otherwise they are essentially the same.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,314
Likes: 1,232
From: IL
The 2010's had two 12v sockets in the center console, the improved 2011 had one there and one at the
front of the lower exposed tray. Both have one in the cargo area. Completely minor change to the
HVAC buttons...hotter/cooler buttons are red/blue for 2011...all white for '10! Also the Lexus Chrome
logo was deleted in 2011 on all models.
front of the lower exposed tray. Both have one in the cargo area. Completely minor change to the
HVAC buttons...hotter/cooler buttons are red/blue for 2011...all white for '10! Also the Lexus Chrome
logo was deleted in 2011 on all models.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,208
Likes: 1,735
From: VA
I added the power outlet under the shifter to my 2010. I bought a micro or mini fuse tap on eBay and ran a power wire from the driver side fuse for the power outlets under the carpet and into the console. I got a generic power outlet also from eBay, drilled a hole in the console piece (it pops out easily) and connected the power outlet, power wire and grounded it to a bolt on the floor. It is black and I have a parchment interior, but you can hardly see it. Total cost was under $20.
