First Year Reliability?
10-08-15, 01:01 PM
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
First Year Reliability?
Ive been watching this model and I completely love it (still need to convince the wife still)... but I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on first year reliability and if that would apply here.
Are there enough "completely" new things on this model that would warrant a wait until the 2017 models come out?
Are there enough "completely" new things on this model that would warrant a wait until the 2017 models come out?
10-08-15, 01:08 PM
#2
LS not as reliable as it was so hopefully RX is not going to follow same pattern.
10-08-15, 02:04 PM
#3
Lexus Champion
I would not worry.
My IS is the first year of the new style, though admittedly the engine is not new. I have not had one single problem with my IS.
The new RX does have a significantly revised engine, but it is using technologies already used on other Lexus engines, so I think it should be fine.
My IS is the first year of the new style, though admittedly the engine is not new. I have not had one single problem with my IS.
The new RX does have a significantly revised engine, but it is using technologies already used on other Lexus engines, so I think it should be fine.
10-08-15, 02:27 PM
#4
No, I don't play soccer!
daveylin, I've had the first year of each gen RX since it came out in 1998 with nary an issue during the initial 12 months of ownership. Lexus has introduced features and options over the years but I wouldn't be concerned about reliability on the '16. Many are enhancements of existing ones. And even if there is a problem, it would be covered under warranty. The old adage about waiting a year does not apply IMO.
10-08-15, 03:40 PM
#5
Rookie
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone.
For the new features/options they roll out, it seems as it will always be a waiting game for that... I was going to buy an RX when the current gen rolled out and said to myself Id wait a year because of reliability, then a year later i wanted to wait for the refresh, then after that the 16 was rumored... so here I am years later and still without an RX...
Time to stop waiting!
For the new features/options they roll out, it seems as it will always be a waiting game for that... I was going to buy an RX when the current gen rolled out and said to myself Id wait a year because of reliability, then a year later i wanted to wait for the refresh, then after that the 16 was rumored... so here I am years later and still without an RX...
Time to stop waiting!
10-08-15, 05:38 PM
#6
Pole Position
daveylin, I've had the first year of each gen RX since it came out in 1998 with nary an issue during the initial 12 months of ownership. Lexus has introduced features and options over the years but I wouldn't be concerned about reliability on the '16. Many are enhancements of existing ones. And even if there is a problem, it would be covered under warranty. The old adage about waiting a year does not apply IMO.
There are few things in life I can depend on these days; after years of dealing with erratic service and time-wasting annoyance from Cadillac, MB and BMW products, Lexus began spoiling me in 1992. I'd be crazy to venture outside this luxury of quality and reliability that Lexus has provided me for over 20 years.
So bring on all the new tech and gadgetry; spectacular cars and a fantastic dealer (Flow Lexus) have earned my confidence (and my business) due to their proven track record.
10-09-15, 05:35 PM
#7
Lead Lap
think of it this way. Do surgeons learn to suture in one go? No it takes them a while. Same thing with 1st year reliability, regardless of brand you will mess up the first couple of tries, and learn to make urself better.
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10-09-15, 07:52 PM
#8
Lexus Champion
After getting the 2013 GS350 F-sport and getting the 2015 when the lease ended, I probably wouldn't get a first year model again. Lots of little things that Lexus worked out and improved. I remember the 2013 having many rattles from the first few weeks of ownership to the end of the lease, and quite a few TSBs. The 2015 also got some upgrades such as dual-pane windows as standard which helped with wind noise (common complaint of the 2013). If you could wait, I'd recommend waiting until the second model year.
10-10-15, 07:24 AM
#9
Never heard of any car, of any make, that wasn't improved upon after the first year. Everything mechanical, especially with electronics has bugs that have to surface before they're fixed. Might be less obvious in brand such as this, but is a given.
10-10-15, 09:25 AM
#11
Like Anita, I bought a 1st rear re-design RX450h and it had no issues at all. In fact, I had the 1st one in GA and it was built May of '09, the 1st month of production so it was literally 'ground breaking' technology. The only significant recall was when the mat and throttle legal issues were going on and wish I'd never let Lexus 'cut' the bottom quarter off my throttle pedal 
.
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11-15-15, 06:44 AM
#12
Driver School Candidate
My dad taught me as a young boy his three rules of buying cars:
1. Never shop for or buy a car in the rain
2. Never buy a first year vehicle
3. Never buy a Dodge
I have followed those rules all my life and they have never led me wrong. I added my own with never buy a car at night
As for the first year vehicle rule I will say that some manufacturers are more willing to make first year buyers their guinea pigs. With Lexus vehicles being more reliable as a whole I'd venture the chances one takes buying one of their first year cars would be less than say a Ford or Chevy.
I am in a good position as I have a year left to go on my current car before I will be back in the market for a new vehicle (of which the RX is one of the contenders). I will be selecting from the 2017 models and that will have given a chance for a couple of new models to have a year of manufacturing process refinements to be integrated into my new car.
1. Never shop for or buy a car in the rain
2. Never buy a first year vehicle
3. Never buy a Dodge
I have followed those rules all my life and they have never led me wrong. I added my own with never buy a car at night
As for the first year vehicle rule I will say that some manufacturers are more willing to make first year buyers their guinea pigs. With Lexus vehicles being more reliable as a whole I'd venture the chances one takes buying one of their first year cars would be less than say a Ford or Chevy.
I am in a good position as I have a year left to go on my current car before I will be back in the market for a new vehicle (of which the RX is one of the contenders). I will be selecting from the 2017 models and that will have given a chance for a couple of new models to have a year of manufacturing process refinements to be integrated into my new car.
Last edited by VinceCL; 11-15-15 at 06:50 AM.
11-16-15, 04:55 AM
#13
Instructor
The issue is not just about first model year reliability but more about first model year features for the same price. A prime example would be the 2013 GS350/450h.
Here is the list of features missing in the 2013 GS but is available for 2014 and 2015 at no extra cost OR as an option.
1. Full carpet trunk versus partial covered trunk. Including the hinge, the 13 model had exposed hinges and bare metal trunk roof. The 2014+ model have much nicer trunk.
2. Powered Trunk...2014+
3. Power folding side mirrors....2014+
4. Birds eye view navigation and next genteration navigation version....2015+
5. 8 speed transmisson..2014+ the 2013 only available in 6 speed.
6. Backup camera reverse guidance line that ALSO show trajectory (Lines that Move) 2015+
7. Dual pane front widow glass with water repellant coating. 2014+
8. 19" wheels standard....2015+ 2013 and 2014 will have 18" standard and 19" optional.
9. Automatic heated and cooled seat with the option to MANUAL control of the seat temp settings...2014+ the 2013 will only have the auto mode where Lexus cpu will decide if you need more heating or cooling by lowering temp after a wile.
10. LED fog lamps....2014+ the 2013 uses Halogen bulbs.
11. NVH the 2014+ model years seem to be quieter and smoother according to members post in the 4GS forums.
12. HD Radio Traffic....2015+ The 2013 and 2014 gets its traffic info from XM radio which cost money to subscribe to and still offer limited usability compared to free HD Radio Traffic.
13. More usb ports....2015+
14. Better lookin spare tire...2014+ the 2013 spare tire donut is painted YELLOW. Which I think is really ugly. My 2014 GS has a much nice all BLACK spare.
As you can see first year models are missing quite a bit of tech and features some major and some minor. but i think these features should be available on a first model year regardless. Thats why I waited for second year model to buy my GS and loved my decision. I do like the rx that much to buy its first model year.
Here is the list of features missing in the 2013 GS but is available for 2014 and 2015 at no extra cost OR as an option.
1. Full carpet trunk versus partial covered trunk. Including the hinge, the 13 model had exposed hinges and bare metal trunk roof. The 2014+ model have much nicer trunk.
2. Powered Trunk...2014+
3. Power folding side mirrors....2014+
4. Birds eye view navigation and next genteration navigation version....2015+
5. 8 speed transmisson..2014+ the 2013 only available in 6 speed.
6. Backup camera reverse guidance line that ALSO show trajectory (Lines that Move) 2015+
7. Dual pane front widow glass with water repellant coating. 2014+
8. 19" wheels standard....2015+ 2013 and 2014 will have 18" standard and 19" optional.
9. Automatic heated and cooled seat with the option to MANUAL control of the seat temp settings...2014+ the 2013 will only have the auto mode where Lexus cpu will decide if you need more heating or cooling by lowering temp after a wile.
10. LED fog lamps....2014+ the 2013 uses Halogen bulbs.
11. NVH the 2014+ model years seem to be quieter and smoother according to members post in the 4GS forums.
12. HD Radio Traffic....2015+ The 2013 and 2014 gets its traffic info from XM radio which cost money to subscribe to and still offer limited usability compared to free HD Radio Traffic.
13. More usb ports....2015+
14. Better lookin spare tire...2014+ the 2013 spare tire donut is painted YELLOW. Which I think is really ugly. My 2014 GS has a much nice all BLACK spare.
As you can see first year models are missing quite a bit of tech and features some major and some minor. but i think these features should be available on a first model year regardless. Thats why I waited for second year model to buy my GS and loved my decision. I do like the rx that much to buy its first model year.
Last edited by AL13NV8D3R; 11-16-15 at 05:17 AM.
11-27-15, 05:21 AM
#15
Pole Position
I would not worry about the new RX because it is a Lexus after all. It will be under warranty so might mean a few trips back to the dealer to get warranty work complete. Lexus placed ninth in the J D Power survey on initial quality, This is when they survey owners of a six month old vehicle to see how many problems. In their dependability study when they survey owners at the three year mark, Lexus has been #1 for four straight years. Consumer Reports for 2015 rated Lexus #1 in reliability for the second year in a row. I would much rather own a car #1 in reliability at the three year mark when the warranty is getting ready to run out than #1 at the six month mark.
