Let me just state for the record, cars are one area that I believe a little splurge is in order. Cars aren’t as easy to DIY and fix up as homes are ๐ That’s the major reason why I’ve always tended to opt for luxury. I like a car to be safe, comfortable, perform well, look good and have some fun bells and whistles.
I’m thinking a smaller sized SUV will suit our needs best. We definitely want something with AWD or 4WD. I also would like a car with built in GPS, heated seats and a back up camera. Do you guys have any recommendations? The Mr has done a lot of research on the matter at hand and one of the brands that rated at the top of his list was Lexus. So I reached out to them about doing a review post. We decided to try the RX 350 first because it was on the top of our list.
We recently took a trip to Tahoe and figured it would be the perfect time to drive the Lexus RX 350 to see how it handled. I must say it was the perfect car for the trip. When you take a seat you’re enveloped in soft and cushy leather seats – almost like sitting in a club chair! And the drive was unlike anything I’d experienced. I felt like I was riding on a cushion of air that protected you from bumps and dips in the road. I’m used to tight car-like handling so that definitely took a little bit of getting used to. By the end of the week it had definitely grown on me.
Now let’s talk about some of the bells and whistles…The RX350 had some fun really fun extras:
seat coolers
Deanna says
I've never been a huge Lexus fan but absolutely LOVE the Audi Q5 and Q7! Have you looked at those?
Reichel Broussard says
Yes!!! The Q5 definitely ๐ I hope I'll be able to review one on the blog. Crossing my fingers. Thanks Deanna!
I Do Faces says
I've had my mini suv the Cadillac SRX for almost 4 years. I LOVE my SRX its so easy/nice to drive, very safe and has all the features the RX350 does. I have 2 children 6 & 3 and the SRX has been perfect for them through all the baby/kid stages. There are air vents in the back which is MUST here in AZ. Not to mention the service the dealership has is A+. Just another option for ya, the Lexus is sure nice tho ๐
Reichel Broussard says
Oh good to know! The Cadillac wasn't on my radar…but now it is ๐ Thank you!
chickpea8 says
Hi Reichel, I'm a long time subscriber and fan of your blog posts, but to be honest lately the number of product placement promotions you have been doing has been a turn off…and now vehicles? I understand that this blog is your livelihood, but I feel that I am force fed enough advertising throughout my day either on the sidebars of blogs or through pop ups that blog entries is just one more place I'd rather not see them. Sorry, but I have unsubscribed to your blog as of today.
Reichel Broussard says
Sorry you feel that way chickpea8! The car posts are truly because I want to review these cars in order to make an informed purchase AND to get my readers opinions and share mine as well. I wasn't paid to write this post. Car hunting is basically what's going on right now in my life. That's part and parcel when reading blogs, as we aren't a company, bloggers are real people. And yes, I love home deals, but I also like to share what's going on in my life as well.
Emma (Glitter and Gold) says
Try the Mazda CX9 – i think you will be surprised!
Reichel Broussard says
Yes that was one the Mr really like too! We'll definitely give it a shot ๐
Bethany says
For starters, I always, always consult Consumer's Reports about cars.
I've had 2 Lexus, a car and an SUV. Both purchased new and neither had any problems. The 1st, a car, we kept for a few years until my hubby wanted an SUV. Our RX350 was purchased 14 yrs ago and we still have it, use it to haul firewood, etc (it has a hitch). It has 270,000 miles and still runs like a dream. Other than normal maintenance, we've not had any problems. Well, except the leather seats in the front that get well-used. The leather is thin but any tears have been easily repaired by an upholsterer. Oh, and the radio antenna doesn't open fully. I forgot that. When anyone inquires about the RX's age or miles, people don't believe our reply. It looks that good still.
We bought a new BMW SUV (I think the 3 series) a year and a half ago but I don't like it near as much as the Lexus. It already has some rattles, we've had some electrical issues too. If we had to do it over again, I think we'd have purchased another Lexus.
Reichel Broussard says
Okay, that is SO good to know! I love that you're Lexus is still going strong. That's amazing. They really seem like such good cars ๐
Bethany says
p.s. be aware that the new run-flat tires are great until you have to replace one. Cost us $500 for one tire! And, updating the GPS maps cost about $500. And, the fancy on-board communications are initially free but then run about $400/year. All adds up.
Reichel Broussard says
o.m.g. ouch! The cost of those tires are crazy. I had no idea!
gina says
Acura MDX and/or RDX. I'm on my 2nd MDX! Love it and I'm not even toting kids around anymore.
Reichel Broussard says
Those two are definitely on my list ๐ I hear that they have nice interiors!
Nelson Bartley says
I really really wanted a Lexus but in order to save a few thou my husband convinced me to go with the Mercedes GLK350 AWD. Nice little car but the MOST uncomfortable seats ever. I hate the car because of the seats and I have had many phantom issues with it. (In 2.5 years it has spent over 6 weeks in the shop-covered by warranty but still….). Everyone I know with a Lexus LOVES it. The Audi was nice too…would have preferred that over what I ended up with. My husband has been driving BMWs but they also have uncomfortable seats (not as bad as my Mercedes but close) and he has had AC issues and electrical issues.
Also, check whether the car needs Premium gas. My MB does and that's an extra 30-40ยข a gallon for the life of the car. Lexus does not require Premium.
Reichel Broussard says
Interesting to know about the Mercedes. We've never owned one before, but I was thinking we should try it. lol. And SUCH a good point about the premium gas! I forgot about that little factor!
4DsfromLHP says
I second the Acura MDX. Just bought my second one last month. Had my first one for 8 years!
Reichel Broussard says
Repeat customer! Says a lot ๐ Thanks!
Megan says
I have a Volvo XC90 and love it. I love the third row. Repairs are not cheap, though.
Reichel Broussard says
Volvo! I've always been a fan. I'll have to check them out ๐ Thanks Megan!
Cozy Cottage Slipcovers says
Off topic- I love all the luggage in the back of the SUV in the last picture. LOL
Reichel Broussard says
Ha! Thanks ๐
Tonia says
I love my Acura RDX. I've had it for 7 years now and have no plans to replace it. I don't have one bad thing to say about it. It's fun to drive, extremely reliable, and maintenance is reasonable. I've only had to do routine maintenance. It hasn't needed any repair work. We are looking to replace my husbands 11+ year old Acura and I've been shocked by some of the average maintenance costs of other cars. The MDX is really nice too. I've driven one as a loaner, but it was too big for my needs.
Reichel Broussard says
Okay, I've been hearing nothing but good stuff about Acuras. I've never driven one – I'll have to remedy that ๐ Thanks Tonia!
Therese Jacinto says
Hi reich!
We have had our rx 350 for nine years now and have NEVER had any problems with it. Of course we make sure it gets its regularly scheduled maintenance. It still runs like a dream. We were not married yet when we purchased it and it's definitely grown with us as a family, with enough room to spare. It's safe, pretty efficient and truly luxurious. The service you get when you go in for maintenance is exceptional – AND not as expensive as BMW or Mercedes. Can't wait to hear what you guys end up choosing!
Reichel Broussard says
Okay that's so awesome. 9 years?! I can't imagine…lol. It's definitely at the top of the list, that's for sure. If only the one we'd end up getting would be as nice as this one ๐ lmao
Mary C. says
Interesting to read all the comments. Family members have owned MOST of the luxury brands mentioned above over the years. We had a Lexus and it is indeed all you appreciated about it HOWEVER (and it is a big however) it costs a fortune to maintain. Required services are more frequent than many brands we've owned and much more expensive. As a matter of routine, my daughter when car shopping asked what the different routine services cost once the car was out of warranty and at what mileage they were recommended. That fact was very eye-opening and many salesmen said no one had ever asked. The back door on the Lexus is too heavy for the automatic lift and this failed four times (two were out of warranty)-ouch. The trim that runs down the side blew off the car going down the interstate (it was replaced and blew off two more times) Entire Mark Levinson audio system went out one week after warranty ended. The tires don't wear well under very conservative driving. Defrost system doesn't work effectively to keep window clear in warmer weather. interior trim and leather is not the quality you would expect. Cracks formed all over dash. Oh, and the sunroof leaked. These are just a few of the issues. In the waiting room of the dealership I always got an earful from other owners with similar problems. It is lush and comfortable but we found it very expensive to maintain after all it really is just a Toyoda Highlander underneath it all.For me, it was the required service maintenance costing double the cost of Mercedes maintenance that was the final push to get rid of it. I noticed one commenter didn't like her Mercedes GLK. That is the model my daughter eventually decided on – she had been driving the Lexus and declared it was breaking her bank. Months after purchase she was hit in the GLK by a BMW SUV travelling at 45 mph. She was sitting still and the other driver was distracted. She walked away completely uninjured. The BMW driver went to the hospital and the BMW was totaled. My daughter didn't even get a bruise from her. Her doctor was so shocked after examining her, that he went that afternoon and bought his wife a GLK! Plus, she is getting 46 mpg and Mercedes gives you roadside assistance for life! Forever! No more AAA.The lesson here is everyone has their own experiences and you have to decide what is most important to you – for me it is safety first and then quality and long term costs beyond purchase price. Ask the right questions-not the obvious ones.
Reichel Broussard says
Wow Mary – What a wealth of information. You're so right about the maintenance costs. I can't believe the service costs more than Mercedes! You can be sure, I'll be researching that now with each car, lol. I'm learning so much, I'm so grateful for the help!
Suzy Handgraaf says
We recently traded our Chrysler Town & Country van for a Lexus RX350 and I love it! The van was fully loaded with all the bells and whistles, but it can't compare to the Lexus. I have found it to be a wonderful highway car. Very comfortable and roomy.
The Four Fays says
We own a 2016 Acura MDX AWD with Navigation and LOVE, love, LOVE it. This is our second MDX. If I didn't think the kids would tear up the Q7, I would've splurged on that. ;-D