Hi Everyone,

I currently have a 2017 Kia Sorento 2.0 Turbo, but as more and more reliability issues keep popping up (which haven't really impacted me yet so far), I'm getting nervous about owning it. With that being said, I'm considering getting a 4th Gen Lexus RX 350 used. I was hoping to save myself a lot of time digging around on the internet, hoping that some of you folks could highlight some of the pro's/con's you've experienced with owning these vehicles. I've seen lots of older RX's driving around with 300-400 000 km on them (200 000+ miles).

Thanks a lot!

 

Search the forum for issues - you can't miss them. We have a 2017 purchased new and now roughly 60K trouble free miles on the clock.

 

I have a 2017 and no issues, dealer did all the updates/recalls. Good to move up.

 

Good to hear. The interesting thing I've noticed is that I can get a 2017 RX 350 for the same price as a 2017 Toyota Highlander with similar Mileage, and the RX 350 has significantly more luxury. Mechanically, they are very similar. So it seems like the RX 350 is the way to go. I just have to research maintenance costs a little more. Ie. how much it costs to replace brake pads, rotors, belts etc. to see if those costs are similar to Toyota, or if they're substantially marked up because they say "Lexus".

 

As far as I know there is no $$ difference in parts as they are all Toyota, the only place where there may be a difference is in the labour cost with Lexus perhaps a tad higher.

 

During 2020 I searched online for a good used RX. I had specific requirements and I expanded my search coast to coast limited to the 48 states. The basic price for a 3 year old RX with 35,000 miles was around $35,000 (US). Using those parameters now the price is around $40,000. Yesterday, a friend told me the dealer offered him cash and would retire his lease if he turned in his car. Low mileage car with only 16,000 miles. He couldn't say no. The dealer then listed that 2019 RX on the lot for $47,000.
Never did find exactly what I wanted so I special ordered a new 2021 for $57,000. You may still get a deal if you act quickly upon finding something.

 

Zero reliability issues with my 2018, at 40K miles. Personally I would stick to 2018 or later, in Gen 4 -- the telemetrics service on the 16s and 17s is 3G and will soon be dropped:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...es-update.html

 

One of the reasons I am waiting for a 2022 450h to arrive any day now. I think the value of my 2017 will be going down next year!!

 

Service at a Lexus store will cost more. They tend to have better ancillaries, like spas or cappuccino bars, etc. They also do a bit more like wash the car and have loaners available. If that's not important to you, most everything basic outside of warranty can be done at a Toyota store. Parts are mostly interchangeable and are generally labeled Toyota as well. If not interchangeable, the Toyota guys can get them from their local Lexus store. I had to replace a TPMS sensor and the Toyota ones don't work, so they got one from the Lexus store. Parts price the same, labour lots less $$. Some dealerships actually share the same building, making it hard to justify the price of the work. How do we know or care what tech works on the car (Lexus VS Toyota) for simple things like oil changes?

 

Ywgflyer - I agree with JasDmw. We took our 2011 RX350 to Toyota for maintenance. Nothing out of the ordinary for nine years. Typical prices. Now we have a 2021 RX350 with only 5K and one free oil change completed. No maintenance issues. Having said that, you will probably get top dollar for your Kia Sorento, but may have your work cut out for you as you look for a reasonably priced older Lexus. I'm speaking from Northern California where car prices are through the roof anyway. I would ask strangers driving these high mileage Lexus cars how they like them. You will get an honest opinion from an owner. Best of luck in your search. Ray A.

 

Had a 2016 RX350 for 4yrs as a lease and put 30k on it when I turned it in for a 2020.
Zero issues just routine maintenance. Didn't have to replace brakes or tires during the lease.
I suggest if you're purchasing it from a dealer pay a little more to have them CPO it or consider an extended warranty.
No matter what used car you purchase some repairs can be expensive.

 

My pic................
https://www.lexusofwayzata.com/certi...f92d0de4d6.htm

 

then the Highlander is overpriced! I’ve owned several Highlanders and while similar the quietness and reliability of my Lexus beat them hands down. If you are worried about Lexus dealer repair cost, just take it to a Toyota dealer. They are glad to work on the Lexus at much cheaper labor rate. I’ve owned a Lexus Of one type or another since 2009 and other than the occasional recall they have never been in the shop.

 

Heads up, the 3G system on 16's and 17's is going away very soon. As mentioned stick with 18 and above.