Lexus RX - good or bad (2003-2009)

[Porkis]

Hi Guys,

Been looking at these for some time now, and yes I know that they rank highly on the JD Power surveys etc, but thought I'd see what fellow PHers have to offer.

So, the Rx, 2003-2009 version, what are they really like to live with?, and is there anything I should especially look out for when buying a used one?

[Stu R]

Fabulous cars, very comfortable and a lovely place to be when crushing some milage. But, they're also very very boring. They don't go wrong, ever, and they're far better than most people imagine. Dull as can be to drive.

[300bhp/ton]

Porkis said:

Hi Guys,

Been looking at these for some time now, and yes I know that they rank highly on the JD Power surveys etc, but thought I'd see what fellow PHers have to offer.

So, the Rx, 2003-2009 version, what are they really like to live with?, and is there anything I should especially look out for when buying a used one?

I'm sure these are very good, but I personally have issues with them.

1. If I want a 4x4, then I'd buy a 4x4
2. If I want a car, then I'd buy a car

The Lexus RX seems to be neither. So depending on your view point it's either the best of, or the worst of both worlds. In my view its certainly the latter, i.e.

It's still taller and heavier than a car, so slower, worse handling, less performance, less driving enjoyment and uses more fuel. But it isn't capable of going properly off road, doesn't have that chunky 4x4 sense of occasion that makes driving a 4x4 so much fun and it doesn't look like a Tonka toy.

[Matt UK]

We've got an earlier 2002 model, but Stu R says sounds spot on. Easy to drive, utterly reliable, very comfy. I'd add that it's a bit thirsty, but no more than any other 3.0 auto.

I like ours a lot. The missus has declared that she'll replace only when it 'breaks and can't be fixed'.

[derestrictor]

Good armrests.

[Porkis]

The Crack Fox said:

Unusual review here > http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/general-cars/115874...

That sure is an unusual review!, but I'm avoiding the hybrids .... way too much to go wrong, electric motors, charging circuits, ac/dc convertor thingys .. Urgh, sure they seem to retain their value slightly more than the petrols, but not for me thanks.

300 - how can you of all people not like these?, they're very popular "over there" you know ..although I hear what you're saying they're not a specialist at anything, more of a jack of all trades ... it suits me though, not requiring to go serious off road, but would appreciate some all wheel drive for muddy tracks/snow etc, yet retaining some aspect of road manners for all other times.

[300bhp/ton]

Porkis said:

The Crack Fox said:

Unusual review here > http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/general-cars/115874...

That sure is an unusual review!, but I'm avoiding the hybrids .... way too much to go wrong, electric motors, charging circuits, ac/dc convertor thingys .. Urgh, sure they seem to retain their value slightly more than the petrols, but not for me thanks.

300 - how can you of all people not like these?, they're very popular "over there" you know ..although I hear what you're saying they're not a specialist at anything, more of a jack of all trades ... it suits me though, not requiring to go serious off road, but would appreciate some all wheel drive for muddy tracks/snow etc, yet retaining some aspect of road manners for all other times.

As I say, I'm sure they are good. But I'd rather look at these in terms of fun and enjoyment of driving/owning:





In reality I think they'd do the daily/comfort part at least 90% as well, but be hugely entertaining vehicles to own.


If you want luxury then:



Or AWD:


Or a V8 and AWD:



I guess the best compromise vehicle for me would be a V8 (or turbo V8) one of these:


Although the 5.0 V10 Tdi Touareg also appeals.

[cptsideways]

Faultless cars, or as faultless as your ever going to get. Lexus dealers are also very nice to deal with on the whole.

Slightly bland yes, but thats all you have to be concerned about

[300bhp/ton]

The Crack Fox said:

300bhp/ton said:

enjoyment of driving...

Your definition of 'enjoyment' clearly differs from the rest of mankind 300

Not at all, I think yours does. Try YouTube and find a Jeremy Clarkson review of one of these. Enjoyment isn't just about the steering or HP, it's about how the vehicle feels and more importantly how it makes you feel.

I seriously doubt you could drive a H2 ever without a huge grin on your face. That for me would be enjoyment.

I think Bluethunder has a H2, so why not as them if they think it is enjoyable or not.


If you need an analogy, then I like chocolate milkshake and real ales. Both are fantastic in my book, but I like them for very different reasons.

[andy43]

RX is to my mind very ugly, I've only tried the pre 03 models but they were boring to drive - can't hear the V6 properly although it's not 'that' sort of car, and consumption isn't the best.
But...
Reliability will not be bettered, the driving position is good and high up, it's dead refined and comfortable, all the toys, and they're competent all round. Unlike some of the other suggestions
Owners seem to care about their cars too, from what I've seen. Very rare to find one that hasn't been Lexus serviced to the letter.
10k would get you a good low miles example.

[yellowbentines]

inkiboo said:

...the interior is essentially made of cheese.

What kind of cheese? Some cheeses are very soft and crumbly, some are very hard, some are wonderful handcrafted creations, others are mass produced and bland.

[Porkis]

300 - I take on board your suggestions, but I've done the jeep scene, and wasn't that impressed. An H2/3 would be fun, sure, but out of my leasgue as far as costs/looks/image etc.

As for the interior made of cheese, that's a new one for me ... as the man says what kind of cheese, and of all the things to relate to, why cheese?

So, reliability looks like it's the least of my worries, and as for the torque steer, my understanding is you're referring to the hybriod versions which can be bad for that sue to the motors which drive the back? wheels so no worries, I'm mainly referring to the 350 version .. so the better engine of the model, and it's all wheel drive all of the time AFAIK

Any more info such as anything to check, or anything that I make sure is factory fitted or not?

[yellowbentines]

I'd actually had a look at these recently (online, haven't actually been in one), general consensus is that the hybrids might as well not be 4x4, as the rear wheels are only EVER driven by an electric motor, no connection to the V6 drivetrain whatsoever, and in snow/mud/ice basically the traction control shuts off power to the rear motor very easily to save burning it out/overheating, therefore making it 2WD when you most want or need 4WD.

From SE trim upwards they seem to have every conceivable luxury and gadget imaginable, which appealed to me

[Matt UK]

300bhp/ton said:

The Lexus RX seems to be neither. So depending on your view point it's either the best of, or the worst of both worlds. In my view its certainly the latter, i.e.

It's still taller and heavier than a car, so slower, worse handling, less performance, less driving enjoyment and uses more fuel. But it isn't capable of going properly off road, doesn't have that chunky 4x4 sense of occasion that makes driving a 4x4 so much fun and it doesn't look like a Tonka toy.

True, but for those who want a nice wafty luxury estate size car that can cope with occasional snow and muddy farm tracks it does the job.

[yellowbentines]

300 - Lack of performance? It has a petrol V6 and will hit 60 faster than most SUVs.

Sense of occasion, tonka toy looks? We don't all have the American way of thinking i.e. An sea of cheap grey plastic and fake wood interior and horrific oversize Hummer dimensions = cool...dude.

[sawman]

a few years back I considered an RX hybrid, it seemed very civilised and the hybrid seemed to make sense in the RX. It was pretty dull though. I was amazed how flimsy some of the interior felt - the centre console/arm rest for example. During the same period I tried out vw toureg, murano, subaru tribeca and grand cherokee. Out of all of them I ranked tribeca first, very comfortable and felt more driveable, murano probably 2nd just ahead of lexus.

[Lorne1]

I have an earlier RX300(2002).I have owned the car for 3 years and covered around 30k miles.It's quick enough off the line when you need it although it loves a drink.Commute to work is a mixture of single/dual carriageway and town centre driving and I get low 20's m.p.g.The kids love to travel in it because of the high seating position and loads of legroom in the rear.The stereo/sat nav is pretty good too.Recently had the cam belt changed at the main dealers for £350(Indy quoted £500)and the only other problem has been an oxygen sensor about 18 months ago

[Porkis]

Update ..

Today I bought myself a 2007 RX350 with all the toys ... what a machine !!

Quiet as hell, smooth as a baby's ... toys and gadgets galore and luxury all the way .. okay so maybe I'm just getting old, but right now, it's the best car I've ever owned, but then isn't every car the day you bought it?

Thanks for all the thoughts and comments guys, much appreciated

Jimbo..

[Matt UK]

Enjoy!

[jfbrin]

Pics please?