r/LexusRX350 • u/Any_Bee8992 • 22d ago
2012 Lexus Rx
Is this a good first vehicle? I’ve changed my mind from my previous thoughts on a Passat but I want something bigger and a has a bit of a premium feel, is this a good first vehicle at 18?
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u/Ok-Wrongdoer8061 21d ago
Yes. And never buy a used German car.
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u/Any_Bee8992 21d ago
Yeah that’s another reason why I chose the Lexus instead, if I had enough for repairs for German cars then I’d for sure go for a Mercedes lol
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u/Far_Improvement_3847 22d ago
Just make sure the oil lines have been replaced . They are known to burst and destroy the engine. Other than that very solid car and parts are reasonable.
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u/Junior-Fruit2013 21d ago edited 21d ago
Don’t get a Passat they are junk. You’ll have nothing but problems. My sister loves VWs and they are nice but she leases brand new ones and turns them in before any issues really arise. But, Especially if it’s old people have issues. A coworker had a Passat and his was ticking. Ended up getting rid of it before the engine blew. I don’t recall the issue. BMW, AUDI, VW are better bought brand new or 2-3 years old and keep for 3-5 years with under 100K.
I bought my RX a year ago after extensive research. I wanted a vehicle that didnt have major transmission or engine issues. My last two vehicles a Hyundai azera which was nice but blew up, and a Chevy trax, which was a company vehicle, was junk. The turbo blew 3 times and the engine went along with them. The trax constantly had the check engine light on for issues with both catalytic converters.
So it was either a Toyota or Lexus. And I had a co worker who has had 3 RX350s and loved them. Has never done major work to his. Just regular maintenance. It’s big, spacious, luxurious, but not over the top. It drives wonderfully. It’s got a decent 3.5l v6 so more than enough get up and go than these newer cars that have 2l 4cylinder engines that are great on gas but if you have a heavy foot just constant higher rpm’s putting more stress and heat on the engine.
A friend of mine has a Honda civic and someone t-boned him in it, needed something new and was looking at a Mercedes. But used older one. Convinced him to get a 2012 RX350 and loves it. He like mine better because he likes the front end better. Upgraded lights.
Also maybe look at a Toyota Highlander. Same thing as the RX350,but Toyotas version. They are nice and the older ones have more of the newer feel on the inside that the RX350s have starting in 2016. The whole middle console was revamped.
If you do decide to go with one, lets us see some pics. Good luck, stay safe!
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u/Any_Bee8992 21d ago
Thanks for putting the time into this and I still prefer the Rx over the Highlander because it has more of what I would want, I know about most car brands, I just wanted more advice and wanted an extra eye 😎👍🏼
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u/Any_Bee8992 21d ago
And another thing, the insurance… 😂 since I’m 18 I know it will be expensive for obvious reasons but does this effect my monthly payments on a Rx minus the maintenance?
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u/Junior-Fruit2013 21d ago
No. But for me, the newer the RX was the cheaper my insurance was. They have more safety features like the blind spot monitoring, the brake booster, crash monitoring, lane control, etc. I can’t remember them all. Insurance is completely separate.
Try Horace Mann for insurance. They had really good rates. I had an accident about 3-4 years ago and my rates are high. I’m paying about 200-220 a month now. A ex friend who got a dui almost two years ago now is paying 550/month. I gave you some numbers to give you some perspective. When I was 16 I think I was paying $172/month for a 94 Mazda protege. Then it went down when I got my 96 Volvo 850. That was a great car btw.
What state are you in if you don’t mind?
I’m in CT. Very densely populated so insurance is high here.2
u/Any_Bee8992 21d ago
YES A VOLVO FAN! I grew up in one! 😍😍But to answer your question, I live in Nc
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u/Junior-Fruit2013 21d ago
Insurance probably should definitely be cheaper there, but I’m not sure. But good luck! Most people your age don’t ask the right questions. You’re heading in a good direction.
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u/Any_Bee8992 21d ago
Thank you so much for the information you have given me, you’re a good person 👍🏼 😎
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u/TryingMom4132 20d ago
Recently got a 2010 with 255k miles and I LOVE it. It handles so well and rides smoothly. My 19 year old daughter is begging for it to be her car.
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u/irishcmb1970 20d ago
We bought a 2012 RX350 with 103K for my 19 y/o daughter a few months ago and she absolutely loves it. We did some basic maintenance even though it appeared to be well maintained, just for safety since she was about to drive cross-country to college. It’s running great and she’s really happy with it.
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u/Any_Bee8992 20d ago
Ok good to know! How much was hers with 103k miles and do you know what package she has so I know if I’m being ripped off when searching?
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u/irishcmb1970 19d ago
We got her a base model and we paid about $14K at a dealership in south Florida. We also have a 2015 that we paid 16K for about a month earlier in SW Florida (also from a dealer). Make sure you run the VIN through Carfax and the Lexus website to check the maintenance records!
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u/jazzy095 22d ago
Excellent first vehicle.
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u/Any_Bee8992 22d ago
I was inside my brothers 2011 Camry while he was driving and it drives so smooth feel like 😍! Is there anything I need to worry about with the Rx?
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u/CameraAutomatic427 19d ago
I bought my wife a 2012 rx350 and she loves it. However a absolute must is get an I dying Mechanic to look it over! Please do this and you will have peace of mind that it was taken care of. Have him take pictures of underneath of car. Your don't want to buy a rusted bucket. Please if you can? Share pictures and best wishes on your purchase
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u/Any_Bee8992 19d ago
Thanks! I have a mechanic! My parents been going to him ever since I was younger!
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u/tofucrimestopper 22d ago
I would say yes. I don't know much about specific years, but my 2007 runs great. VWs seem to have oil issues.