Howdy Gents,

It looks like this summer I will be looking for a new 2015 RX 350 to replace my 2012.
I really didn't want to trade so soon, but I'm planning on towing my Goldwing cycle to Florida
in the fall in a enclosed 7' X 12' trailer, weight approx. 2800#, bike included.

My present '12 does not have the towing package and my dealership says it's only rated for 2000# max.
If I got a new 2015 w/towing pkg., I should be fine seeing it will be rated to tow 3500#.

Can anyone tell me, is there a big change between '12 and '15 years?
How about the road noise that is transferred back into the cabin which to me is pathetic for a unit that expensive, has that been resolved yet?

I haven't got around to a test drive the '15, and did see the 2016 coming out next year.
Unless it rubs off on me, that redesign for 2016 is to radical for this old goat.

Cheers!

 

I've owned my new 2015 RX for 5 months now with a bit over 4,000 miles. I'm also a bit surprised and somewhat disappointed by the road noise. I did take it for a test drive, but nuances like this don't become immediately apparent. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my new Lexus but there are minor annoyances that cause me to question its value considering the purchase price. I'll close out this reply before I get too far off track from your original question.

 

I had a 2014 RX450H as a rental for a few days and I was surprised at the amount of road noise, in that it was louder than my ES350 is. It seems to me that the design of the cabin causes the noise to reverberate inside and that amplifies the noise. Perhaps with the liberal application of mass loaded vinyl over the wheel wells to block excess noise and 3M Thinsulate or melamine foam to absorb the sound waves inside the cabin, thus preventing the reverberation, it would be a quieter ride. Other than that, it was quite a nice ride.

 

Amazing detail in this thread, by Bert:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l-listing.html

Although it is specifically for the 2013 RX450h, *I believe*, the non-hybrid related data applies to the 2013 350, as well.

 

Yup, thanks justin1203 -- that post should help with a lot of the specifics, but as an overview off the top of my head: The major mid-life refresh in 3rd Gen came with the 2013 which beyond a list of tweaks with items like the head unit update, it includes what I'd term the "first gen spindle grille" on the front end, new BSM option and some color variations. You additionally have the new F-Sport variant of the RX350 if you prefer those items and styling, or can add just the F-Sport appearance look to the RX if that turns you on. Beyond those things that became possibilities with the 2013s, the '14 and '15 have much more minor tweaks compared to what happened with the '13 -- most not even highlighted in marketing materials and only discovered upon close inspection of the owner's manual, e.g. on the '15 you have turn signals much like what the Germans have had for years so you can tweak the stalk quickly and let go, and they'll flash a user-defined number of times (vs holding the stalk up or down while you do a lane change as some of us have done for eons). I read almost every post here in the 3rd/4th Gen RX forums, and don't have the impression there has been any change in cabin noise levels in the refreshed 2013-15 3rd Gen vs what you know with your 2012 -- brand and model of tires make more of a difference than anything (check other threads for tire noise discussions, including the tire sticky at the top of this forum).

I'd classify a change from a '12 to '15 is one more of "refinement", not something you're going to find is a world of difference from what you've come to enjoy with your 2012. There have been a number of threads with questions like yours recently, so a quick search may reveal more comments as well. The 4th Gen 2016 as you say will be a whole different beast, but it's "late 2015" availability likely won't meet your schedule to purchase this summer.

Good luck in your pursuit.

 

Thanks
It will take a while to get a custom to the ridicule looks of 2016 RX 350.
Something tells me I should wait, but would have to winter in Florida w/o my Goldwing,

I just wish it was a easy choice

 

I went from a 2012 to a 2015. There is no difference in road noise. Maybe the 2015 is a little noisier because I now have 19" wheels with Dunlops as opposed to 18" inch with Michilens. I love the blind spot monitor on the 2015. The stereo for some reason on the 2015 sounds much better.

 

Road noise? What road noise?

The RX is one of the quietest vehicles I've ever driven, and I've driven a lot!

Road noise is entirely dependant on tyres, tread depth and road surface. quiet tyres, deep depth and a good road surface = nil road noise

The only time I get road noise, it's because of the crappy roads

 

I agree. Road noise is caused by the tires on the vehicle. With my previous vehicle, I had two seats of wheels/tires: 18" all-season tires for winter/fall and 20" summer tires for spring/summer. The noise between the two was a night-and-day difference. The 18" all-season was quiet, while the 20" summer tires were loud and created a drone/hum sound.

 

Could you just rent a truck to tow the bike, or have it shipped? Just from how you described your needs it seems a little extreme to buy a whole new car to accommodate a one time event. Unless of course you are looking for an excuse to upgrade anyway.

 

I have been pricing a transportation Co's to transport my bike and getting prices around $800-$1000, one way.

It will be hauled both ways down and back in spring.
For those transport prices I can buy a trailer and haul it myself.

Also, a 2015 RX 350 is not my #1 choice to buy and haul my bike.
That 2015 Toyota Highlander is cheaper and larger is one sweet ride and will haul 5000#...........

 

Does the trailer need to be enclosed?
Something like this will keep the overall weight around 2K LBS.