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RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

Moving up to year 2010-15 from 2006 RX

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Old Sep 23, 2020 | 12:38 PM
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Wink Moving up to year 2010-15 from 2006 RX

I would like to have input on upgrading from my 06 RX400h to a model in the 2010 to 15 time frame. Mine is excellent, a premium model that
is loaded. I replaced both headlights due to yellowing and it looks like new. I know the RX changed in 2010 and would like to know how folks like
the changes. I will keep my 06 because I will get zilch for it as a trade. I have 175K on it and everything works. Levinson system and all bells and whistles for the 06 version. Thanks for your input.
Rich
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Old Sep 23, 2020 | 12:48 PM
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Premium wheels, Michelin tires

New headlights AFS

Wheels, front quarter

400hybrid .....Wonder about value.....?

Nice SUV, no issues. Bamboo Color. Bra wrap removed.....
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Old Sep 23, 2020 | 04:07 PM
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You car looks mint. Go to the dealer and drive one- take it to a road in bad shape and on the highway. I say this because I own a 2011 and to me is quite loud. And you drive a super quiet car.
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Old Sep 24, 2020 | 04:22 AM
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During the past 17 years my wife has owned a 2000 RX300, a 2004 RX330, and now a 2015 RX350. I DIY the maintenance and repairs on all of our vehicles. Regarding her three RX models, I believe the build quality was highest on the 2004 vehicle. Lexus quality definitely declined for the 3rd generation vehicles.
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Old Sep 24, 2020 | 05:49 AM
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You want to get a 2013-2015 RX350 as they did a mild refresh in 2013, had fixed most if not all of the earlier problems and updated the infotainment system.
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Old Sep 24, 2020 | 05:54 AM
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We went from a 2008 to 2015. While we like the 2015 it isn't as quiet, smooth or comfortable as the 2008. I'm not saying it isn't any of those 3 -- the 2015 is still quiet, smooth and comfortable, just not quite as much as the 2008 in comparison.

As others have said, build quality isn't quite the same. The 2015 already has a lot of rattles and the leather bolsters are already looking terrible. That said, handling is a bit better. It's still no sports car but not as barge like on the 2008.
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Old Sep 25, 2020 | 02:18 PM
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If you are moving from a Nissan Sentra, then the RX is a Bentley, but if you drive a 2nd gen RX, the 3rd will feel cheap, unrefined and loud. I am happy with my car but don't feel I am driving a luxury vehicle. Mine also has 19 inch premium wheels, wish I had 18 inch, maybe smoother ride.
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Old Sep 25, 2020 | 04:27 PM
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Thanks everyone, I am passing on the 2010 to 15
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Old Sep 25, 2020 | 06:25 PM
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I have a 2015 RX. I never owned a previous generation RX. Mine has very comfortable seats and thats why i keep it. The ride however is a bit rough. Researching this forum I have found that the general feeling is that the 2010-15 RX have a poorer ride than earlier gen's because Lexus stiffened the suspension.
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Old Sep 25, 2020 | 08:44 PM
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We had 2008 Bamboo Pearl and now have a 2015. Can’t tell if you had same issues we did but many had clear coat paint peeling on mirrors and center rear trunk, leaking headlights (replaced under special warranty). Also cracks in dash(covered under special warranty) but we sold it before repairs done. Pretty happy with the 2015. I just got tired of all the issues.

Last edited by txcoupe; Sep 25, 2020 at 08:47 PM.
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Old Sep 26, 2020 | 06:20 AM
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I have a 2010 Japanese built Rx350 - with an early build date -- in May 2009 - it has lots of extras - the larger wheels, HUD, front seats with the thigh extension feature, remote engine start, tow prep package, side mirror camera, 12 speaker audio system (with sirius, cd player, input for USB, blue tooth)-- almost everything that was available. I bought this last year (57,000 or so miles) mostly to have the cargo space to move my daughter to college - but I enjoy this car more than I thought I would. I previously owned a 2000 and a 2001 rx300 and a 2004 rx330 -- I find this car to be quiet, reliable, powerful and very comfortable - at or exceeding my prior Rx's. Many conveniences and upgrades from the prior models --each of which was excellent. The driver seat looks worn, but not excessively (the car has 66,000 or so miles now) - commensurate with the age and miles - the paint is beautiful (pearly white) - no rattles or noises. I like the look of the vehicle more than the newer models (including the later 3rd gens with the larger grills). I'm not sure if I lucked out or if those with complaints are an anomaly. You should drive the 3rd generation (for more than the 20 minutes the dealer usually gives!) and see if you like it.
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Old Nov 20, 2022 | 10:42 PM
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Coming from an '06 to a '15 recently myself, I feel the Gen 3 has much better handling in the twisties. The ride feels firmer though still plush. The engine makes louder noise when accelerating at lower rpms. Interior feels much more high-end and luxurious (despite the worn-out seat bolsters.) Unlike others, I actually like the mouse control and find the infotainment system easy to use. I also test drove the '16-19 Gen 4 RX and found the ride softer (before they firm up again in MY20) but I just didn't like the new grill and styling.
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Old Nov 20, 2022 | 11:07 PM
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I feel the opposite. I hate the way my Gen 3 handles and rides compared to my 2008 RX and especially my 2002 Highlander which corners like it's on rails for an SUV. I should add I have Bilstein B6 struts & shocks on the RX350 F-Sport (improved mostly comfort, but helped handling a little too), and TRW with Eibach lowering springs on my 2008 RX. My 2014 always felt like a heavy wallowing boat through corners, no steering feel and feel top-heavy with a lot of body roll, but suspension is good enough to still hold on. Makes sense how they firmed up the MY20s, one example is that they changed the rear sway bar size from 21mm to 22.2mm to try and decrease understeer and make it a little sportier. Toyota is so conservative with their suspension tuning on most cars. Handling and acceleration aside, the 2014 is a very nice place to be inside, although my 2008 is too in its own right.

Could be the 400h has sloppier handling due to the added weight of it being a hybrid.
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Old Nov 21, 2022 | 04:48 AM
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My wife's 2015 RX350 FWD is a bloated land barge compared to my 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited (which runs circles around her RX because it is quicker, faster, more planted, and much more fun to drive). Her 2004 RX330 AWD was definitely a better vehicle than her current RX is. She likes her RX but I am certainly glad it is hers and not mine.
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Old Nov 21, 2022 | 06:20 AM
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Originally Posted by RX in NC
My wife's 2015 RX350 FWD is a bloated land barge compared to my 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited (which runs circles around her RX because it is quicker, faster, more planted, and much more fun to drive). Her 2004 RX330 AWD was definitely a better vehicle than her current RX is. She likes her RX but I am certainly glad it is hers and not mine.
Not surprising that the smaller Outback would be a funnier car to drive. The Lexus in question is about 1000 pound heavier and is FWD. My 2015 Lexus RX350 AWD is very quick off the line and handles pretty well around the curves. The 2015 Lexus RX350 is not as sporty as my RWD sedan with active suspension and V8 engine, but not that bad for a CUV.
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