kjcole

After picking up my 430 from the dealer after the airbag recall my battery no longer charged. Traced it to the alternator failing after it heats up. Dealer agreed to go 50/50 on the alternator and installation (my share will be around $350) even though there's the real chance that this was just a coincidence . (Overall I've been pleased with the dealer). They offered me a 2015 RC350 F-Sport while we wait for the alternator to arrive and get installed today.

There's a lot to like about it! It is a more aggressive car in every way compared to the 430, but the interior is nicely understated and the seats are awesome. Interior design and technology really works well. The touch pad control for, well, everything is just south of the shifting lever and makes you feel like you are driving your iPad. The RC350 RWD is very BMW-like in handling and you feel very connected to the road through the steering wheel. The V6 isn't as appealing as the V8, but the transmission is terrific. Plus, there is no lag between pressing the accelerator and torque showing up at the rear wheels. Comfortable cruising down the interstate, and the adaptive cruise control is just plain cool - speeds up and slows down according to what's in the lane in front of you.

I could see myself in this car!

mandyfig

Nice loaner, you are one of the few, but see that you got hooked...success for them.

2ksoftail

$700 for an alternator???????? WHUT!!!!! I just put one on a dual battery Ford 7.3L Diesel, 200amp.$195 at AutoZone. The dealers are nutz.

LexBrett

How FAST is the RC 350? Compared to the sc430 and in general? Is it 'racy'fast or just ok??

kjcole

Yes dealers seem to fund much of their operation by service. Normally I'd just get a re manufactured OEM alternator and install myself. But $350 and they install worked for me especially since I've had our master bath gutted all summer and I'm just starting to tile the shower. My wife said if I install the alternator then Lexus better tile her shower. Seemed easier the other way around.

kjcole

The RC350 f sport is fast but not track fast. This is the rear wheel drive version and it snaps you pretty good when you punch it, especially in sport mode. No lagging or spooling up. Great exhaust note too. The advertised 306HP is legit and the 8 speed transmission gets it to the wheels without delay. Quickness and handling is a big step up from the 430. The SC430 is polite and refined in its muscle. The RC350 F-sport is refined in a badass, let's kick some BMW kind of way.

The real speed is the RC F with a 5liter V8. That's the in-your-face 'I go as fast as I look' offering. They wouldn't loan that out.

emg2919

Ive got one too, though not the -F version, just the RC 350. My SC430 is also in the shop for a/c repair.

RC 350 is fast, much faster than my 2002 SC430. Maybe my SC430 is just old (150k+ miles) but this thing is amazing. The looks, handling, exhaust, sound system, acceleration, braking. Everything, it is a wonderful car.

Harold57

Did you get pictures?

OBP

Test drove an RCF once sometime back. That NA V8 is wonderful and had a great exhaust note. I told the dealer if Lexus made a car like that with a hard top conv, I would consider giving up my SC430.

tromly

Wow, my dealer only has a ES 350 or RX 350 for loaners, lucky you!