Greenlawn

I have a first world problem of needing a new "work" car.

I travel about 5K/month for work, so I've always owned some type of sportier sedan. A few years ago I bought a 370Z for fun, and a creature comfort equipped Maxima for work. Still have my old F250 for motorcycle racing and general crap hauling duty.

Have decided to upgrade the work car, and would like a wagon or sport sedan. Must get at least mid 20s MPG, have some snob appeal, be somewhat fun to drive, and support my cycling habit.

Looking for a wagon or small sedan.

Love my wife's 4 Runner, and know that Toyota has best in class reliability. Intrigued by the F Sport as it appears that it could fit my criteria.

Have not had the opportunity to drive one yet.

Two questions:

2015s appear to be in my price range of mid 20s. Prices spike in 16 with the redesign. Know that it was more than just bold new graphics - but what critical features am I giving up if I pursue a 15?

Handling didn't get great reviews. Any decent mods out there to help remedy that? Not looking for sports car handling, but would like something in line with some of the other sport SUVs.

Clutchless

You are not giving up much regarding critical features with a 2016, just more of your critical money.

There are no suspension mods to improve handling. The F-Sport is as good as it gets with this model. You could add (and this will start another argument) HRM wheel spacers. That is what I did. They are easy bolt on over the original wheel studs and add 25 mm width to the track on each side. http://trakplus.com/

It made a difference in reducing body roll and improving cornering. I have the 5065600. You can get them for less than the prices listed below. Just hunt around online. I got mine from ECS Tuning for about $126 a pair.

2013 Lexus RX335 Type XU3

Bolt
PatternCenter
BoreBolt /
StudThread
TypeSpacer
TypeSpacer
ThicknessNotesPart NumberSug. Retail5/114.360.1Stud12x1.5DRM20mm8 4065600$159.95 PairDRM25mm8 5065600$159.95 PairDRM30mm6065600$179.95 Pair

smknkeyz

I drive about the same monthly for work, and bought my F Sport for the very same reason. I was sick of the 4 door sports sedans and wanted a bit of change. It's been a great choice! Get either!

Greenlawn

It was my understanding that besides a body redesign, you got an eight speed transmission among some other relatively large items when you went to the 16. Is that not the case?

Good to hear - how many miles have you put on it?

smknkeyz

Just rolled 114k and nothing but tires, brakes, oil/fluid changes so far. Brakes were because I wanted slotted/drilled rotors and better pads.

Greenlawn

Airbalance

N4TECguy

Why did you buy a Lexus? Yugos have 4 wheels too.

MstrWayne

Hi,

I just got my 2014 Lexus f-sport yesterday.

drove only around 100 kms yet, but really loving the corner handling and steering feel. I know I haven't driven the car much and it is still the honeymoon period. But I am comparing it with other cars in the Family. (Porsche Cayenne 2011, Merc ML 350 diesel, Merc GLE diesel, GMC suburban, RAM 1500)

Taking the turn feel most comfortable in Lexus, then Porsche, then Merc GLE. ML350 and suburban and Ram 1500 are just great for highway, very hard to drive in town.

To answer your question, I am loving the handling of it. No complains.

Fpan87

Any Rx 350 F sport owners (from 2013-2015) experience almost bottom-out when going over big road unevenness or a decent size cradle on the road? Sometimes my car dips pretty hard when going over road unevenness.

vfr700f2

All 2013-2015 F-Sport have the 8sp too. The non-F didn't. For 16+ all models do.

IMO, although the F is no BMW X5 handling-wise, there's nothing offensive about the F's handling as a near-luxury midsize SUV. You could get something european, but with your mileage accumulation, you'll be paying for your mechanic to get a new Lexus of his own.

Motor Trend wasn't impressed with any RX: