Shintsu

I am looking to buy an RX350 for myself. I'm a single guy who needs something that can haul some stuff but I like luxury and have really been eyeing up a lot of Lexus cars but it looks like an RX is what will make sense for me for now. It seemed to me when I see most older RXs driving around that women are behind the wheel, but less so for this newer style - plus I like the looks even more. I test drove an RX330 and found it decent if a bit lacking in power. I'm coming from a Z06 Vette and a 6-speed Maxima, so I think it's going to be an adjustment with any SUV save an FX35 (which I cannot find in my price range).

Anyway, I feel strongly about having a dark color and not a light one. My perfect combo is AWD, black exterior, black interior, HID headlights, and navigation. My price range is at or under $16k. I don't mind 100k-130k miles or so, I know these tend to last a long time.

I found one that almost ticks all the boxes, but here's where I'd like some advice from those of you who have owned or do own one of these. I found a '10 RX350, black on black, but no navigation (I can live without this, it's not crucial I just think it's cool) and more importantly I'm pretty sure it has the non-HID projectors as they're toward the outer edges and the HID projectors are on the inner edges. It has just over 100k miles, very well kept, diff fluid changed, etc. It looks gorgeous paint wise and seems perfect, except the lack of HIDs. I have thought about doing aftermarket headlights, like some of the ones I've seen that have the LED DRL strips in them and are in a blacked out enclosure like this. If I am wanting to do that, am I better off to get one that does not have the HIDs or to get one that does have them? I would very much want to do an HID swap at some point. It's just under $16k price wise. Here are pics of it.


I found another one that also looks very nice, it's not black it's Truffle Mica. Looks like a really nice color even though black is my preference. Interior however is parchment, certainly not my preference. I don't think it's ugly or anything, I just love the black interior as it looks very executive. Anyway, this one has equally good service history, did have one minor accident but it sounds like it hasn't impacted anything on how it drives. This one has the HID headlights and the navigation. What I don't know is if it has AFS or how I can even tell. Would I want this? Would I not want this? That's my question on this one. Based on some posts I read here while lurking it sounds like I might want to buy one with non-HIDs if I want to put custom headlights in it. It does feel odd to me to buy a Lexus with non-HID after my Maxima does have HIDs though. Here are pics of it.


I'm not sure how much the navigation adds to the experience, I more than anything just like the cool controls and stuff. I'll probably keep using my phone for directions, unless it's worth it to upgrade the nav so it's current. Thoughts between these two? Prices are the same, both are 2010, within 10k miles of each other, and well maintained. I just want to do my best to make it not look like I'm "borrowing my mom's car" or something.

vlad_a

Stock HIDs have auto-leveling in them, which is not something you can do with aftermarket.
Never mind beam patterns due to HID bulb lighting up entirely, unlike the filament inside the halogen one.
Projectors are not as affected by it, compared to reflectors, which light up the sky and annoy all the drivers around (you know it, you've seen those people!).
I would find a vehicle that already has HIDs in it, it being a must-have feature for you.

F250

Welcome to CL.

Aside from the bread crumb trail, personally, I have consider the Nav system as almost useless. I, too, was fascinated with the center console mouse component, but have come to wish it were made into something much smaller so that extra storage or an extra cup holder could have been bilt into the console. I MUCH prefer using Waze on my phone over the legacy 2010 Nav system in my RXh.

We bought our RXh back in August of this past summer with 72K miles on it, and the prices you have found are better deals what what we found, but I believe that is due to yours having more miles and it being almost 6 months later. Make sure to look for shock and strut leaks and also look to see if the cars have the known oil cooler hose leak.

Shintsu

So was I correct in my inspection of the two that the black/black RX has non-HID and the Truffle Mica one does have HID? I saw a video showing there is an AFS Off button on the dash but can't see any such button on these. Was that something only available on the older RX that you could disable it? I'm the kind of person who likes messing with my headlights/tail lights, I'd love to make them have the look with the LED DRLs like the '13+ do and I found where they sell those aftermarket. But looking at the projector position, it looks like in the above case it would work for the black/black RX but not the Truffle Mica one.

Also I see what you mean for that oil cooler hose (that's a particularly stupid thing to do). Is that easier to see from the top or bottom? If it's been replaced proper it would be all metal correct? Is it all 4 shocks/struts that would typically leak or just front/back?

F250

I'm not a headlight guy, so I can't speak to those issues. You already know more about it than I do.

The "upgraded" oil hoses are 100% metal. Easy to tell if it's been replaced. Then again, either of those engines may not even have the external oil cooler or associated hoses... my '10 RXh did not come with it. Easy way to tell is to see if the vehicle has the Towing Prep Package, and don;t rely on just seeing a tow hitch receiver on back because they are often installed aftermarket (and even at dealers) for bicycle racks -- that was my situation... complete with both tow hitch and transmission cooler, but NO oil cooler. I'm not sure how easy it is to see from above, but to even see from below, you have to remove the plastic skid plate shroud. I would insist on it, though, especially if they are at dealer lots.

Any of the four struts/shocks can be leaking, but if they will put the car on a rack for you, it's easy to see everything underneath in just a few minutes.

ColAngus

x2 for "the navigation sucks". Don't let it sway your decision.
Also, don't put a PoS HID kit in that can't aim correctly and scatters light everywhere with no clean cutoff. Those people aren't people. I wish someone would build a fence to keep them away!

Shintsu

Well, I was more wanting the custom headlights for the look with the LED DRLs that didn't come until the '13+ years. The aftermarkets are by Anzo and not cheap, so I don't think they're the eBay specials you are probably referencing (And I do know exactly the type you mean).

I was asking for general advice somewhere else since I am actually considering a few other vehicles, one being an Acura MDX with Advance package and another which is a BMW X1 xDrive 28i which is a tad more expensive but also 3 years newer. For anyone who has owned multiple RX or otherwise, how long would you keep it before selling? I hear from people these are reliable and need very little in the way of maintenance beyond the standard stuff any car needs (oil, tires, brakes, etc.). Being a Toyota based product, they seem to be perfectly content to go very high miles yet the people I was discussing this with seemed to be distrusting of vehicles with 100k+ miles on them and implied that I'd be better off to look at something newer and lower mile. My current '03 Nissan just turned over 155k miles, I checked my records and I have not taken the car to any repair shops in the last 2.5 years (No issues or anything that would require it). Recently just went somewhere to get a leaking tire fixed, but that was it. I also don't drive it easy, though I can say it is starting to make some mechanical sounds from the front end that have me becoming more concerned about the long term for it. But I also know prior owner abused the car much more than I (learned this after the fact) so that is certainly a factor, being a manual transmission also I'm sure helps since it's easier to tear them up than an automatic.

Problem is that's pretty much nothing but Nissan Rogues, Jeep Patriots, and Ford Escapes. My old car now is a Nissan but I hate the direction they went and I don't like the looks of a Rogue or their CVT. Jeeps seem like they're not reliable, nice, or (IMO) good looking at all - tons of cheap horrible plastic. Escapes, eh I would never consider the old ones, the new one - which is just the Euro Kuga - can be made to look better and I test drove (as part of some free Ford event) a 2.0 Ecoboost Escape and it had pretty decent power. Problem is I have never thought of Fords to be reliable, at all. And inherently a turbo engine seems less reliable than something like the NA V6 in an RX350. Plus it's Ford we're talking about here, in my experience not known to be long lasting vehicles that hold up well. I had a newer style 5.0 Mustang GT a few years ago and remember one day adjusting my seat back and the entire plastic handle came off in my hand. The car had around 22k miles at the time and was only a couple years old (I bought it used), but seems very representative of how Fords are to me. It didn't do anything bad while I owned it, but I owned it only with very low miles and sold it after putting maybe 3,500 miles on it.

I looked at an older 4th gen 4Runner that had 198k miles on it, the engine bay was covered in dust and cobwebs but started like a charm, idled fine, didn't make any odd sounds. I test drove it and it ran fine, had decent power, all was good except 4WD Low which from disuse the actuator had seized. I feel those same people would absolutely have a coronary at the thought of buying something with 198k miles, but I feel I've consistently seen 4Runners with 250k, 300k, even 350k miles and have heard claims when I was looking around that some users had gotten much much more miles out of them with the original motor. What is it that people have such an opposition to mileage for if it's been properly maintained? Both of these RX's have a thorough service history including transmission fluid flushes, differential fluid flushes, and other various items. I looked at a relatively cheap Denali XL with 208k miles that also ran wonderfully, it was just too big and the mileage would be too awful for me to drive something like that. It too had excellent service history including differential fluid flushes (this seems to be something often not performed as I've looked at service histories of used cars).

Any thoughts on the mileage?

EDIT: Still wonder about the mileage, but I added the black/black RX on Lexus Owners to see its service history as it seems the most appealing to me despite lack of HIDs. I can see that the rear shocks were leaking at around 70k miles and they were subsequently replaced at that time. Doesn't say anything about the fronts, so I am going to guess that if any would be leaking it would be front and not the rears. It looks like the two previous owners were very thorough about the scheduled maintenance. The vehicle has almost 103k miles on it now and it had the 100k mile service performed at 101k miles. Given this very extensive service history, do you guys think if I look at it and notice no issues or abnormalities that it would be worth the expense to have it inspected by this same Lexus dealer that just did the 100k mile service? I am imagining this inspection is not cheap and considering the location of this one is quite far from me it will greatly complicate matters if I have to try and arrange an inspection. I might after purchase do an inspection like that but at my local Lexus dealer just to be sure, but is that being excessive? It was just in not more than 2k miles ago. Nothing indicates any issues that were recurring. To correct, the differential fluids were flushed on this one at very low miles - around 25k - and hasn't been done since. Not sure how frequently this should be done? Would that be a cause for concern for anyone?

By comparison the Truffle Mica RX was a one owner, but it had an accident in the left front (no airbag deployment). Subsequently I see the A/C was checked and later on it was recharged, then checked again so I wonder if it could have an A/C leak now. The service history seems to indicate one side keeps blowing hot while the other is cold - nothing like this is on the black/black RX. Seems they identified that it had slight leak from the evaporator and needs evap, exp valve, and dryer replaced - which the owner deferred (So I wonder if it ever got fixed?). It had new Michelin tires mounted at 98k miles and since it sits at 110k so might be better for wear there. Interestingly registration noted it as tan...I'd hardly call it tan...but it has the HIDs and navigation (not so concerned about the last bit). If I swap to the LED DRL headlights on the black/black RX, I will just leave the halogens in. Basically if that black one had HIDs it would be totally perfect (unless the lack of differential servicing or transmission flush are problematic). Thoughts given that?

Also, did any of you cross shop an FX35? I like the very aggressive exhaust and engine note and the more performance oriented nature of the FX even at the cost of storage space, but they're few and far between and naturally do get worse gas mileage. Since this is my second car and my other is a Z06, I don't really need this to be fast or anything but far from me to object. Plus that FX exhaust is intoxicating.

F250

The differential fluid flush issue would not concern me at all, but that might become a negotiating point if you feel otherwise (i.e. have it done as part of the "make ready for sale" effort).

In terms of the wreck and indications of continued and potentially never completely repaired A/C issues, I would walk away from the Truffle altogether. I've been through front corner collision issues on a vehicle where the accident had never been reported, and when my son had his accident, the repair costs were extra high to correct for the hidden hatchet job done on the previously unreported accident. The damages were hidden behind the external front fender and the internal engine bay coverings, so there was no way to even discover the unrepaired damages until the shop pulled off his fender for replacement. NO FUN!!... and unless you know the car's specific accident details (family member, friend, talk to the repair shop who did the work, etc.), you just never know what you're getting into and what may surface later.

As for the color error on the registration, as long as the VIN matches the Lexus build info exactly, and the color you actually see in person matches what Lexus calls it, I would not worry about the notation discrepancy at all... registration details are entered by people, people make mistakes, and you can get it corrected when (if) you register it yourself.

Obviously, the HID's are really important to you, but I just don;t see letting that be a really strong decision-making point between these two particular vehicles, at least not given what you've shared along with my own particular set of priorities.

As for the FX option... it was never on my radar for multiple reasons, most of which don't really fit into this thread's discussion.

Personally, if everything looks good underneath, I would be inclined to purchase or not strictly based on my own inspection and research and avoid the cost of an additional inspection. I say that because you've already compiled a great deal of info, and the maintenance history appears to be quite thorough and regular. You really don't need to get hung up on the oil cooler line, either, because Lexus does have an extra warranty replacement process for that known problem (if it even applies to that vehicle). Just get it in the air and look for any signs of fluid leaks underneath, and then I would either pull the trigger or move on and be patient until the "perfect" vehicle comes along.

If, on the other hand, you really feel that another set of professional eyes are necessary for your decision, find a reputable independent Lexus specialist shop (not a Lexus dealership) and get the extra perspective from someone who doesn't have a dog in the hunt (trying to sell you up to a different vehicle, oversell costly additional/unnecessary repairs, etc.).

Droid13

The AFS on/off feature is selectable using the steering wheel menu/page button (right beside the up/down/enter toggle button). Pressing this button continuously will call up the snow, eco, and afs mode selections. Then you use the toggle/enter button to change the setting.

On the 2010 model, AFS with HID gives you auto-levelling and the side sweep lighting while turning. It's pretty cool to see the headlight aim sweeping then re-centering around corners, but practically, it's really only useful on dark country roads.

Another feature that may or may not interest you regarding lighting, is auto-hi beams. I'm not sure if this is standard with HID and AFS, but if you see what looks like a small forward facing camera behind the rear view mirror, then the vehicle has this feature. It's fun to use driving dark roads, but it's not perfect either and sometimes requires human intervention.

Shintsu

Yeah, I realized as I was typing it all that the Truffle one was looking less appealing the whole time. I looked at other RX's I found online under $20k and it seems few have such a thorough service history. Also I am guessing that Mark Levinson system is an uncommon option along with the automatic wipers and the power folding mirrors. Out of about 25 RX's I looked not a single one had any of those features. I tend to obsess too much when I find out what I could have thinking that nothing less of that will be any good. But I was totally content with the RX until I knew there were more things that could be added. Being practical about it, I don't think it's worth it to try and hunt down the absolute perfect one on a budget. I'll probably find one with power mirrors and it will be bronze or something (A disliked color for me) and the reality is I just think it's cool. Just like the auto wipers, I'm more than capable of knowing when to use them, it is of course a luxury option just for the convenience. I think I can manage without it.

I feel strongly about the color combination, it really sells it for me. I would like HIDs, but if it came down to would I rather a car with HIDs that wasn't the exact colors or the colors without the HIDs I think I'll go for the colors. I don't even necessarily drive at night that much. And for me I like the cool look more than I think they help me see better. My Vette is from the era of old halogen pop up lights, people decry them as being horrible and everything yet while I prefer HIDs I don't find them so objectionable. There is something very nice though about that warm up, and the whiteish/blue light they give off. But I think if I keep holding out, I'll be waiting a long time. The RX will be a second vehicle, a companion to my Vette and I do begin to have concerns that my old Nissan may be showing very early death rattles. Or maybe I just have new-car-itis and I want to get something else now

On a scale, I'd put the FX35 on the sporty side and the RX on the comfortable and luxurious side. The FX seems to have some gadgets, but the ride is not as soft or smooth, nor does it have the same cargo capacity. Given I was looking at 4Runners before, I think I should go for the capacity over the looks - especially considering FX35s I've seen cost more and are usually '09 models with more around 120-130k miles and less features. I would be very happy with the sound and performance of an FX, but not for the additional cost - plus I feel good being able to look up the service history so easily with Lexus and it seems like while Infiniti probably offers good service I don't think anyone matches Lexus. I just love this newer style RX, I had figured if I ever was going for one I'd probably end up with the previous generation. They look decent, but the newer look really is great. It certainly helps that on a budget the '10 RX looks close enough to the newer ones that the uninitiated will just think it's a brand new Lexus

I'm going to set something up to check it out this weekend and make the trip, so nothing set in stone yet. Is there anything I should listen for like tire noise, wind noise, etc to see if I'm ok with it? On my previous Mustang GT I had no idea this low oscillating bass noise that I heard at highway speeds was just a normal thing. Took to the Ford dealer and they said nothing seemed out of the ordinary. It also had this habit of if you were going say 20 mph, let off the gas, then pushed the gas again (as one might do going through a corner that you didn't brake through) there's a *clunk* sound I'd hear from the back end and feel through the drivetrain. I could let off and push the pedal and consistently make it do that, and it was an annoyance. It was due to the two piece driveshaft Ford used. Things like this are what I'm curious to know of on the Lexus, though I feel it will have far less than the Mustang did (Far from it that any Ford could be compared to a Lexus, let alone even a Lincoln).

F250

I understand everything you've shared and your perspectives. I, too, can obsess over details to the point of missing the bigger picture at times. After all, I AM an engineer, and just can;t help it!

Just as a tidbit.... On your two-piece Ford drive shaft, I have a similar setup, albeit much heavier duty, in my '02 F250 Superduty. When us Superduty folks start hearing "the clunk", all that is required is to break down the drive shaft and re-grease the slip yoke where the two shafts go together. Some last longer than others before they start clunking. I re-greased my slip yoke once at about 200K miles before it ever clunked, and then once more at about 275K miles when it was just beginning to "clunk" a tiny bit.

Shintsu

Interesting, I figured the only way to get rid of that was to get a one piece driveshaft and they were costly. I wasn't satisfied with the power and fun factor with the automatic transmission in that car. People were always saying, get the auto, it wins drag races, blah blah - that's fine if you're gonna do that. But if you're like most people who just putt around town, I'll say in that things case it was not enjoyable enough for me. Maybe the manual is better for that, but I question the durability of it compared to the automatic. I had no doubt that auto would last a long time, it just ended up making me enjoy driving my manual Nissan more than the Mustang even with its extra power and V8 sound. It was a 2013, I never could get it to do better than a 5.1 sec run to 60 mph which is not quite the 4.5 sec I was expecting.

The Mustang only had 20k something miles on it while I had it, but it had been in a pretty serious front end collision (I'm intimately aware of the need to inspect a car even if it looks perfect because of this). No telling if that didn't end up causing the clunking prematurely.

Droid13

Me personally, using a phone for navigation is ultra-lame cosmetically, but necessary sometimes. Like looking into the cockpit of a commercial airliner while boarding and seeing the pilot stick his phone to the windscreen and log onto Google, wtf? But yes, obviously phone navigation systems are superior to the built in nav simply based on always being up to date with maps and traffic, access to street views, etc. I use the built in navigation 90% of the time when the situation is ordinary to avoid fuddling around with phone mounts and charging cables and being able to watch the map on a nice big screen, but yes I do resort to using my phone under special circumstances (worried about traffic, accident re-routing etc.). Depends on your nav needs will judge if you'll enjoy on-board nav or not.

As for looking like your Mom's car, LOL, yes there have been past discussions in this forum about the "implied masculinity depreciation" of driving an RX. I think most guys that drive an RX (as I feel), think the RX looks great, has the desired features, and very versatile for life's daily needs. Somewhere along the line, checking all the boxes became feminine (oh the ridicule and shame of driving a car with room for 5 AND doing a grocery run!) . Coming off of a Corvette, you know you feel like a cool dude driving a car that serves a single purpose - looking good while driving fast (been there, done that) . But, psst, a little secret, women drive Corvettes too. Now before you go and burn it now that you know the truth , I'll tell you there is only one thing about any car that truly makes it feminine. A pink paint job!!! (or maybe neon green too) . All those who would tell you differently are projecting their own insecurities on to you. So, man up on the manning down from your Corvette, and get something you like, and modify how you like because YOU like it, whatever that turns out to be.

vlad_a

Looking at your other vehicle choices, they are all RWD platform ones. RX is FWD. Have you driven one to make sure this is the right type of a car for you?
If you're into modding, and sounds like you are, RX may not be the best fit. 4Runner or FX would be a better choice.
I like the RX, but I wouldn't want one as a DD for me.
Some options for its replacement I'm looking at are the 4Runner Limited, Lexus GX and Audi Q7.
4Runner has such a low depreciation rate that it would cost only half to operate than the other two, as well as the RX.

Shintsu

Yeah, I mean my own self observation confirms the female bias on the RX. I noticed in various threads and places across the web, usually the men chime in with saying their wife has the RX and they drive a GX or something because they prefer the truck ride. But invariably they always say they enjoy driving their wife's car and it gets better gas mileage. Or the guy will have the IS/GS to the wife's RX. That's the thing, I was looking at GX470's before, but they're just so big and that V8 is a lot of gas to feed for not hauling anything around but me. The prospect of getting 13-15 MPG was not appealing to me considering it isn't fast nor sporty or anything (not like a car anyway). Pretty sure there are a fair number of guys driving those that do it just because it doesn't have the stigma of being a mom car. Same with 4Runners, the more off-road capable your SUV is the more "masculine" it is and vice versa for lack of off-road ability. Despite the fact that most people never off-road anyway...

I can't ever tell for sure though. I know some people lavish the idea of luxury to mean just buy whatever you want and to hell with the expense on anything (including gas) even if you don't tow or haul. It is certainly a definition of luxury. I found a very cheap Navigator as well as a few Escalades, but those things are barges. I'm sure they drive like a big mushy thing, which is good for the luxury part, but 10-12 MPG is pretty ridiculous for just hauling myself around. Some seem to tow or haul 7 adults, in which case it's just a more luxurious option to a Suburban or Expedition but there's no chance of that for me as a single guy needing that much people hauling capability (If that many people need to go somewhere, those bums can take their own cars )

It's why I like the black/black look. Just my observations, but most RXs have a light interior color and often have light exterior colors. Definitely for the '04-'09 RX, very rare to see them in black. Probably because women are more practical about black being a PITA to keep clean. Guys I figure don't care, and also like washing their cars a lot and will put up with it. Plus I've read a lot of reviews from professionals and individuals and it seems like women prefer lighter interiors because they feel more open and less claustrophobic. Heh, as I read through the service history on the black/black RX I saw one service note that said "Customer states he is going on a trip and wants the vehicle inspected prior". Could of course just mean he took his wife's RX to get looked at before they went out, but it might have just been his.

Anyway, too much pseudo-psychoanalysis. But it seems it's manly to drive stuff that gets awful gas mileage, and it's girly to drive anything that is more efficient. lol, what a notion...

P.S. I'm sure there are women who drive Vettes, though to be fair they usually aren't in a Z06 since they only come in manual I have tried on several occasions to teach my mother to drive stick on my Nissan and she has absolutely no interest to do so, and my dad had tried in the past and she never could quite get it down. Can't forget the "real men drive manuals" stigma with any performance vehicle, I'm guilty of preferring manuals heavily when given the choice in most cases but the automatic is not always so bad. The new Camaro SS's 8 speed auto and the ZL1's 10 speed auto are both great and I'd be happy to drive either of those over the manual (which is slower too!)