Fortunately, I found this forum.

I am in a real predicament and need advice!

I live in Ft. Lauderdale and drove to Philadelphia PA, where I still am, to visit friends. Last month I was hit from behind and my car was totaled. I am in the process of settling the claim with the at fault drivers insurance company.

I would like to purchase an SUV and have been looking online at the Lexus RX 350. Researching vehicles are not my forte, not to mention in these very difficult times. I know that I am interested in a 3rd Generation. What I currently do not know, is what year(s) 3rd Generation that I can afford. From what I can tell, 2010 – 2012 were very similar as well as 2013 and 2014. For 2013, F Sport trim was added, there was an updated front-end styling, and the power liftgate became standard. If that is the case, it would seem to make sense to either look for a 2013 if I can afford it or a 2010. I do want leather seats, which seems to indicate that in models years 2010 – 2015, I need to look for a vehicle with the Premium Package. Please correct me if I am wrong. Reliability is important to me and based on this, is there a better year?

While it certainly is easiest if I bought a vehicle in Philadelphia and drove back home to Florida, I am concerned about purchasing a vehicle that has been exposed to roads that were salted. I understand that cars tend to start rusting after 4 or 5 years in Philadelphia. Alternatively, I can purchase in Florida, where the car may have a few more miles than Philadelphia, but they would be highway miles, and not exposed to the salted roads.

Anyhow, as you can imagine, I have a lot of anxiety and do not know which way to turn! If you can give me your thoughts on a good year and a general range what I should expect to pay that would be fantastic. Also, Philadelphia or Florida?

Thanks so much!

Anovice

 

Can't guide you on model year and pricing but if you have your list of must haves you can confirm whether or not a specific vehicle has everything on your list versus relying on model year. Reliability is not significantly different from one year to another from what i understand.

I'd advise getting any used vehicle inspected by a reputable and good inspector. An inspection will certainly tell you if rust is a concern with a vehicle you're considering.

 

 

You have two sources:
1. JD Power rating
2. Consumer Reports.

You will then have statistically significant data to consider. Don't forget, psychologically speaking, OWNERS tend to - what's the word - overperfect their cars? Just because they are theirs. It's financial and emotional involvement.
I always recommend this, for forum goers. Do not ASK what owners think about their car. Simply read through maybe 10-15 pages of problems and mark what years they are mostly relevant to.
Of course, then you go to a dealership, and simply buy a hot red car with black leather and red stitching, because "it's so kewl"... Like I bought my NX. never in my life did on an impulse purchase ... Now I have it.

 

https://www.jdpower.com/Cars/Award-Summaries

same for 2015

 

If you feel anxious about it, don't do it. I keep on telling my friends that the relationship I developed with my cars were mostly based on stress-free relationships!

 

I went for the 2013 due to the new front end styling. The older face dated it just a bit so sticking with 13+ was on my radar. Blind side (BSM Monitor) was just coming to vehicles in the 13 year model so will be hit and miss if you get it.

Also, mine came with the HUD display...very cool and very nice!

I'm not familiar with the east coast but my gut tells me buy down south in FL. I bought my suburban in WI that was 2 years old. I was amazed how much surface rust was underneath it in that short of time! If you're planning to keep it long term, start with a good, rust free base. Levinson stereos were pretty hard to find too. If you find one, you're lucky!