Opinions please,
Presently have a 2007 RX350, been awesome, no issues, just considering a change. I'm looking at a 2013 model. I've seen a few, and the perforated seats seems to deteriorate quickly. My 2007 leather seats still look like new. I think the 2013 is not real leather? Do the F sport seats hold up better? It might be nice to have a newer car, but is this a mistake? Any options that are trouble some? Really don't need all the options, if they are there fine, but just the premium would be fine for me. Any recommendation on year, options , durability appreciated. Help me spend my money....wisely please.

 

My wife previously had a 2000 RX300 and a 2004 RX330. They both had far superior leather than her current 2015 RX350 has. It is simply too thin and the overall quality is significantly diminished. So if the durability of your leather interior is of great importance to you, prepare to be disappointed.

 

The 2013 is very reliable except for the crap leather seats as mentioned above. I have refinished mine myself with kits purchased online. They looked like new afterwards.
You can check the service history of any dealer work on a Lexus at https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/

You can learn about Lexus leather here https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...s-leather.html

I refinished my seats with a kit, which is basically paint with a clear coat from www.leatherrenew.com

 

The leather isn't as durable with the 3rd generation as it was with the 2nd generation. It isn't the perforation that is the issue in my experience as much as it is the bolsters but even those tended to wrinkle on our second gen. The quality of the 3rd gen leather wouldn't hold me back from getting a 3rd gen if I had to do it again. I can't speak for you -- you have to determine if that's a dealbreaker for you. You can refurb if/when it becomes a problem, reupholster, etc.

 

I just purchased a 2010. That year was a cutoff for me to have smart Key / pushbutton start and Bluetooth cellphone feature, optional 19 inch wheels, and a better looking front compared to early models and not as radical as the current design. I do have a crack in the leather on the drivers seat back. I will take it to a premium upholstery shop and see if they can repair or replace. The leather seat back from Lexus a bit expensive, but is only the drivers seat that needs work. all other in very good shape.

 

Thank you for the feed back, I decided if the seats are the only issue, in a few years I can get them redone. I was on the hunt for a 2013 to 2015, my preference on front end styling. I found a pristine 2014 F sport fully loaded I could not pass up. I certainly did like the approach angle on my 2007, I will not be blowing through snow banks with this one, LOL.