4th Generation Regret?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 33
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From: NY
4th Generation Regret?
Does anyone wish they had waited for a ‘16 or wish they had bought a latter year CPO?
It’s really had to find CPO 450h models but every year that you extend your search yields more options. Are there major functional differences between the 15 and 16?
It’s really had to find CPO 450h models but every year that you extend your search yields more options. Are there major functional differences between the 15 and 16?
Driver
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 199
Likes: 20
From: California
I honestly prefer the 3rd gen. RX350's over the 4th gen. models.
I complained about the harsh ride in my 2014, but when I got a 2017 RX350 as a loaner, me and my girlfriend just kept saying, "i'm on a boat!" because while the car was slightly softer over the road imperfections, it would bob up and down over every dip in the road. Of the two, I'll take the rough but solid ride of my 2014 instead of the slightly softer boat-like ride of the 2017.
I am also big on visibility. I like to be able to see out of my cars windows. I like that the 2014 has a bigger windshield and am happy I can see out of the back. The rear of the newer model doesn't have near as good visibility out of the back.
I know everyone has their own taste, but I feel like the new styling doesn't really fit many of their cars, one of which is the RX350. I personally like the look of the 2014 more. I feel like it's the perfect balance... It's nice looking/ classy, but not boring, and it's kinda sporty but not too flashy or over the top. I don't think every car/SUV needs to look like a sports car. That is why you have different model lines. Seeing cars like the RX350 and Toyota Camry all raced out with big rims, grills and spoilers just doesn't look right to me. And I get that Lexus/ Toyota is trying to appeal to the "young crowd", but to me, it just looks like they are tying too hard. I don't mean to offend anyone. I know we all see things differently. That is just my personal opinion and taste.
There is also price to consider. Cars take their biggest hit in depreciation in the first 3 to 4 years, so buying a car that is 3 or 4 years old will give you your best value. While buying a new car will mean that as soon as you drive it off the lot it'll start plummeting in value.
I'm sure there are many arguments for buying the 4th gen. These are just my reasons for going with the 3rd gen.
As far as CPO... all that really means is that they are extending the original warranty from 4 yrs. to 6 yrs. from the original manufacture date. You also get your next 4 recommended services done for free (within 2yr./ 20K miles). So maybe two oil changes and two tire rotations.
I complained about the harsh ride in my 2014, but when I got a 2017 RX350 as a loaner, me and my girlfriend just kept saying, "i'm on a boat!" because while the car was slightly softer over the road imperfections, it would bob up and down over every dip in the road. Of the two, I'll take the rough but solid ride of my 2014 instead of the slightly softer boat-like ride of the 2017.
I am also big on visibility. I like to be able to see out of my cars windows. I like that the 2014 has a bigger windshield and am happy I can see out of the back. The rear of the newer model doesn't have near as good visibility out of the back.
I know everyone has their own taste, but I feel like the new styling doesn't really fit many of their cars, one of which is the RX350. I personally like the look of the 2014 more. I feel like it's the perfect balance... It's nice looking/ classy, but not boring, and it's kinda sporty but not too flashy or over the top. I don't think every car/SUV needs to look like a sports car. That is why you have different model lines. Seeing cars like the RX350 and Toyota Camry all raced out with big rims, grills and spoilers just doesn't look right to me. And I get that Lexus/ Toyota is trying to appeal to the "young crowd", but to me, it just looks like they are tying too hard. I don't mean to offend anyone. I know we all see things differently. That is just my personal opinion and taste.
There is also price to consider. Cars take their biggest hit in depreciation in the first 3 to 4 years, so buying a car that is 3 or 4 years old will give you your best value. While buying a new car will mean that as soon as you drive it off the lot it'll start plummeting in value.
I'm sure there are many arguments for buying the 4th gen. These are just my reasons for going with the 3rd gen.
As far as CPO... all that really means is that they are extending the original warranty from 4 yrs. to 6 yrs. from the original manufacture date. You also get your next 4 recommended services done for free (within 2yr./ 20K miles). So maybe two oil changes and two tire rotations.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 489
Likes: 22
From: CA
Not me, I knew '15 was last year for me - I simply did not care for the styling of the next generation.
It also helped a lot that my CPO 15 came with the right interior/exterior color mix - not available on later models.
In my case the decision was purely aesthetic one though I much preferred the center console design and gear **** of the 16/17.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 33
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From: NY
I care a lot about interior and dash design and almost nothing about the exterior except for truly iconic design; Porsche 911, Jag, Mercedes with the gullwing doors, etc.
i really dislike the gaping mouth grill but not enough to influence a decision.
i really dislike the gaping mouth grill but not enough to influence a decision.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,047
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From: AB
Shaped like old Samurai warrior's helmet....,LOL!
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Joined: Jun 2003
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All joking aside, I do think the Lexus guys are pushing this Predator jaw thing a bit much. But here is the interesting thing. When I talk to some of the millennial colleagues at work, they don't know about the Gen 1 RX or Gen 1 LS. They just think the new grill design is cool. And, They don't like buttons. They want a large display on the dash. So the 4th gen checks all the boxes.
Perhaps I'm getting old.
Perhaps I'm getting old.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 55
From: Ohio
I'm not a fan of both exterior and interior design of the 4RX. The whole flying roof is not my cup of tea.
I had a 4RX350 as a loaner and did not like it. Felt cheaper than the 3RX. The whole standalone screen that everyone does nowadays is just plain stupid.
RX450h has the same engine, same drive train. Similar useless infotainment system. There's a new way to open the rear hatch.
I like the L practicality of the 7-seater.
Other than that, a brand new 2018 GX460 Premium can be had for $45-48K right now with the $4K rebate. I'm more tempted to buy that than the 4RX.
I had a 4RX350 as a loaner and did not like it. Felt cheaper than the 3RX. The whole standalone screen that everyone does nowadays is just plain stupid.
RX450h has the same engine, same drive train. Similar useless infotainment system. There's a new way to open the rear hatch.
I like the L practicality of the 7-seater.
Other than that, a brand new 2018 GX460 Premium can be had for $45-48K right now with the $4K rebate. I'm more tempted to buy that than the 4RX.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 55
From: Ohio
All joking aside, I do think the Lexus guys are pushing this Predator jaw thing a bit much. But here is the interesting thing. When I talk to some of the millennial colleagues at work, they don't know about the Gen 1 RX or Gen 1 LS. They just think the new grill design is cool. And, They don't like buttons. They want a large display on the dash. So the 4th gen checks all the boxes.
Perhaps I'm getting old.
Perhaps I'm getting old.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 582
Likes: 36
From: TX
I don't dislike the 4RX and probably would have purchased one if it fit our budget and other needs/wants but in our case a 2015 3RX 450h fit the bill for us and we have no regrets.
You can poll others but you really just have to sort out your priorities and determine what suits you best. This is a very subjective matter. Definitely test drive, as with any vehicle purchase to help you sort things out.
You can poll others but you really just have to sort out your priorities and determine what suits you best. This is a very subjective matter. Definitely test drive, as with any vehicle purchase to help you sort things out.