Hey guys,
Wife is getting out of her Prius and wants a 3rd gen RX 350. I have a GX 470 and Land Cruiser. Wondering if there are particular years or trim levels that are superior or ones to avoid? Read somewhere that AWD can be a bit problematic, but I haven't substantiated that...she also doesn't need AWD. Also, are there suspension issues at all? My GX 470 came with Active Height Control (AHC) that I had to rip out and swap springs in...don't really want to deal with that on my wife's car. Also, anything to look out for when examining the car...i.e problem areas? thanks in avance!

 

Get 2013 and newer as it was refreshed that year. By then the earlier suspension issue with rear shocks leaking had been resolved, same with the tow package oil cooler hose as they had replaced the rubber hose with a metal pipe like they should have done in the first place.
The RX does not have AHC, it is a normal struts and springs and shocks suspension.
There are no AWD issues, just do the maintenance.
Just look for one with NAV and ventilated seats which then means you have most of the more popular and common option packages.
You can look up the dealer service history on any vehicle at https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/
just sign or up and enter the VIN. It is a great source of information about the trim packages etc.
The Lexus site lets you search for certified used vehicles in different geographic areas but only searches dealers. I like to use cars.com as you can set you mileage distance from home and limit vehicle mileage etc.
Happy Hunting.

 

Thanks for the info...2013-2015 is the target. Any imperical or anecdotal data to suggest the the Japanese variants (vin beginning JT) are any better than the U.S./Canadian variants (vin 2T)?

 

Any issues [if any] with assembly will be of little consequence with 7+ years on the road. The biggest factor now will be the TLC provided by previous owner(s).

Salim

 

There is a known cam tower leak on the 5.7 U.S spec Tundra engine. The 5.7 LX570/Land Cruiser Japan built engines do not see this cam tower leak with the same frequency...maintenence irrelevant item. Likely no observable difference, just wanted to check first. I doubt most owners even know or care they're made in different facilities.

 

How is your search going?

We are looking to sell our FJ Cruiser and pick up a 13-15 AWD RX. What prices are you seeing out there?

 

Why do you want to sell your FJ Cruiser? It should be a much more versatile and capable vehicle than an RX AWD is.

 

Change of plans. Just got back from Yosemite...took my 94 Land Cruiser. The old cruiser is so great, but built a bit beyond what I use for these days. Rock crawling days are long gone so I'm going to sell it. Wife wants my GX 470 instead of a newer RX 350. My GX has 2" lift and 33's with BFG KO2s. It looks sweet and robust! I'll likely be buying a GX460, LX570, or 200 series Land Cruiser. We both prefer the body on frame SUVs so I'm going to invest my $$ in what I know I'll like and keep for 10 plus years. Search is off!

 

Sounds like a good plan. Good luck in whatever you decide to go with.

 

^This

Although I did opt for finding a Japanese version, but mine is a 450h