Any inherent quality advantage to Lexus RX350 or ES350?

Elkins45

Elkins45

Joined
May 7, 2018
Messages
2,692
Location
Northern KY
I’ve caught the “buy an older used luxury car” bug. I’m not willing to waste more than $8-$10k so in that price range I’m seeing a lot of ES350 and RX350. Obviously one is an SUV and the other a sedan but they share the same engine. From what I can tell most of the ES were made in Japan and the RX in Canada. I have an inherent bias toward Japanese production but our two Canadian Corollas were both flawless so maybe that’s unfounded.

In this price range I would probably end up with something from 2007-2010 if that matters. Right now candidate #1 is a 2007 ES350 with 130k and an excellent service history for around $6500 after taxes but there’s also a nice 2010 RX350 with 140k miles that I might be able to talk down to $9500.

Ignoring the SUV vs sedan issue is there something that makes one model more desirable than the other?
 
I maintain a friend's 2015 RX350. With regular routine maintenance, it runs great at 124K miles. Sedan or SUV? Depends on your wants or needs. The ES will be more comfortable for sure. I wouldn't hesitate to buy either one.
 
I am glad you have made this post - as I have peaked at a couple RX350's. Very nice cars, but that tranverse V6 looks like it was hammered in there with Thor's hammer. Is it as difficult to fix basic things like starters / alternators as it looks?

As for the ES350, am I wrong to think that is just a spruced up Camry.
 
SC Maintenance said:
I am glad you have made this post - as I have peaked at a couple RX350's. Very nice cars, but that tranverse V6 looks like it was hammered in there with Thor's hammer. Is it as difficult to fix basic things like starters / alternators as it looks?

As for the ES350, am I wrong to think that is just a spruced up Camry.
Click to expand...
Both are!
 
The early 2GR-FE engines had an oil leak issue; as described above.
But most of those would have failed and subsequently been repaired by now.

Both vehicles used essentially the same drivetrain back then, so the reliability is going to be about even. As long as the vehicles you're looking at have a decent documented service history, I'd say either is a fine choice.

It comes down to your preference of vehicle type and price paid. (I prefer sedans, and most folks prefer SUVs; meaning my preference is accommodated with lower purchase costs because most folks will pay more for a similarly equipped SUV).
 
Either one should be fine. My aunt had a 2010 RX350 with 181k miles and she neglects her vehicles. I have a friend with 215k on a similar year Avalon which is very similar to the ES350. Yes a ES350 is a stretched Camry wearing a suit but so what? A town car is a crown Vic wearing a suit. Even some Bentley models are a VWs wearing a suit. It doesn't have to be a completely ground up separate platform to be a quality luxury car. Being an ordinary car wearing a suit is a good thing, it makes repairs cheaper and fewer repairs.
 
2010 RX is the first year of the 3rd Gen...so you get some tech improvement as opposed to what the 2007 ES has. If the RX has the oil cooler check those lines to see if they are the updated aluminum ones or rubber...if the latter replace. Only other thought is the potential for AWD in the RX, but based on your location I'm thinking that's not a need.
 
Enthusiast said:
Either one should be fine. My aunt had a 2010 RX350 with 181k miles and she neglects her vehicles. I have a friend with 215k on a similar year Avalon which is very similar to the ES350. Yes a ES350 is a stretched Camry wearing a suit but so what? A town car is a crown Vic wearing a suit. Even some Bentley models are a VWs wearing a suit. It doesn't have to be a completely ground up separate platform to be a quality luxury car. Being an ordinary car wearing a suit is a good thing, it makes repairs cheaper and fewer repairs.
Click to expand...
Not really.
 
Vehicles that old prior owner care, driving style , maintenance and luck play into how it will turn out.

Country of assembly is absolutely irrelevant. The part of country where the vehicle driven and idle time(garage vs outdoors) spent its life matters far more!
 
andrew_j said:
Vehicles that old prior owner care, driving style , maintenance and luck play into how it will turn out.

Country of assembly is absolutely irrelevant. The part of country where the vehicle driven and idle time(garage vs outdoors) spent its life matters far more!
Click to expand...
Not always. I had an '05 RX that was Japan built, and there were documented quality differences on the interior that set it apart from the Canadian builds.
 
tbm5690 said:
Not always. I had an '05 RX that was Japan built, and there were documented quality differences on the interior that set it apart from the Canadian builds.
Click to expand...
100%. MIL’s 24 RX was built in Canada and I am not impressed at all. Her precious 13 ES was built in Japan and the build and paint quality are significantly higher. For instance, the amount of dirt in the paint finish is astounding….almost as bad as my Ram.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Falcon_LS
Review: '23 GMC Yukon XL Denali (8,659 mi)
2
Replies
20
Views
14K
97prizm
W
20,000 miles in a CX-5 GT-R
3 4 5
Replies
92
Views
22K
Tshane3000
dave1251
  • Locked
Exxon Mobil
Replies
19
Views
16K
MolaKule
S
  • Locked
Next-Gen Ford Focus unveiled! U.S. and Euro models
2 3
Replies
48
Views
29K
mareakin
The Critic
  • Locked
2008 Accord- Official Specs and Pictures
2 3
Replies
49
Views
21K
buster
Back
Top Bottom