2009 rx350 or 2008 highlander limited?

[meecha]

Hey all,

Just wondering what you guys would do, or what you think. I am contemplating purchasing a 2009 rx 350 base, or a 2008 highlander limited. With the recent price drops the lexus with all fees and tax is $52787, and the highlander is 55374. these are basically the mrsp prices + taxes, i havent begun negotiating (i will be joining apa when closer to buying) to get a better deal. my question is would you get the highlander or the lexus. it may seem simple to get the lexus as it is cheaper, but there are some extras on the highlander like 3rd row seat, auto tailgait, 3.5" backup camera. has anyone bought either of these or in the same boat about deciding?
thanks

p.s. any experiences with canadian auto associates or have you heard anything about there quality. they seem to have smoking deals on low km imports from the states.

[hightech]

From a maintenance perspective, it will cost you less taking the car to a Toyota dealer then a Lexus dealer. Also, if you go to a private mechanic, they will charge you more for Lexus maintenance (if you can afford the car, you can afford to maintain it).

When I bought my Camry V6, I compared maintenance costs to the Lexus ES for oil changes and standard maintenance, and there was a 30% difference in costs. Toyota sets the labour rates to the avg. price of the car, so the avg. Toyota would cost say $30K vs. avg. Lexus cost $60K.

[c3uo]

Well, we looked closely at the RX vs new Highlander when we were replacing our 2004 Highlander.

First, I actually think the 2008 Highlander feels nicer then the RX. The switch gear is vastly improved and it feels high quality. We were really impressed with the new Toyota's driving position and ergonomics. The new Lexus is (of course) just like the 2004 Lexus RX330 so it's getting long in the tooth. It has real wood (which is MUCH nicer then the fake wood in the Highlander). It has some niceties (auto wipers, etc.) the HL does not. You already pointed out the HL had the back up camera and third row. Both would be identical engines and AWD systems. The redesigned Lexus will probably comes out in the next 6 to 8 months if you can wait (I couldn't as our 2004 Highlander lease was ending).

I think the HL has the edge with the newer design. It'll be up to you if you mind spending more money for the lower end name, fake wood, etc. While it seems that everyone has a Lexus RX today, in a year there will be even more new Highlanders on the road.

We actually just bought a new MDX to replace the old Highlander. It's worth looking at. Slightly rougher riding and louder - but much nicer interior and electronics. We are finding it hard to get used to though. The Toyota's drive so easily, have no blind spots, and zip in and out of traffic - The Acura feels like a tank by comparison and is much more deliberate. Howeever, it handles and brakes SO much better. It is scary how fast it takes turns. It also seems much better in the snow then our old Highlander was (both with all seasons - we have steep icy driveway). I also question if it will be as reliable / durable as the Toyota was.

They're all awesome vehicles. Probably the new HL most impressive at it's base pricing, and loaded up it definately competes with the Lexus and MDX.

[Regin8r]

My parents bought the 2008 Highlander Limited from the US. My inlaws bought a 2008 RX350 Ultra Premium here in Canada so I did quite a bit of research on both vehicles. Essentially, you can get those things in the Lexus like rear passenger camera and power liftgate if you just get the better package.

As mentioned before, the ongoing costs (maintenance, premium fuel). The materials used in Lexus are nicer. But the Lexus styling is starting to show it's age. The Highlander is a much more modern vehicle that has some things not available in the Lexus.

I'll try to highlight some of the advantages of each.

Highlander Advantages:
Larger Cargo Area (tailgate window not as restrictive as the Lexus)
7 Passenger Seating (remote fold down middle row seats from hatch as especially handy for loading snowboards/skis)
Smart Key with Push Button Start (car unlocks without having to take remote out of your pocket)
Puddle lamps (illuminate the ground with lights under side mirrors)
Shiftronic (although not really used much)
Regular Gas (BIG BIG ADVANTAGE)

Lexus Advantages:
Better materials (plastics/wood/trim) internally
Adaptive HID's available in higher packages
Prestige (subjective) of the name
Cheaper tires (17inch on base, 18 inch in higher packages, vs 19 inch on Highlander Limited)
All 4 windows have 1-touch up/down
Mark Levinson stereo is superior to the JBL in Highlander
Has tape deck (does anybody use that anymore????)

[meecha]

thanks for the responses, ive also decided to consider the rav4 as it may just be big enough for what i will need (grocery/costco/to and from work vehicle). now i just have to decide between what i want (big and fancy) and what i need (rav4 would be fine it think). oh well i will go test drive all of them tonight again.

[ricky13579]

thanks for the responses, ive also decided to consider the rav4 as it may just be big enough for what i will need (grocery/costco/to and from work vehicle). now i just have to decide between what i want (big and fancy) and what i need (rav4 would be fine it think). oh well i will go test drive all of them tonight again.

I am getting one in april or may as well. probably get the sport one. limited is really out of my budget.

[i-o_o-i]

does it have to be these 2 cars?
personally, I like the look of the Lexus more, and its a Lexus so I would assume it will end up having a higher resell value.
but, have you considered the Acura MDX? It looks pretty nice, better than the Highlander and RX350

[hightech]

Both engines are V6, and both RECOMMEND premium fuel, so there is not difference in either vehicle for that.

If the cost of fuel or the recommendation of premium fuel bothers you, then you may be out of luck. Most mid tier to luxury vehicles these days recommend premium fuel for optimum engine output.

[GLALNP]

What kind of price are you looking at
for a 2009 rx350 out the door?

One of my co-workers is looking
at buying one.

[navyseals]

If you want that name and luxury you should go for the Lexus. If it's for everyday practical use go with the Toyota. I'd personally go for the Lexus.

[meecha]

well i have now test drove all (350, hl, rav), and i think i am going to go with the rav(v6 limited). sure it isn't as nice as the the other two, but for what i will be using is for it should be fine. also better on gas which is a plus. i think this is the first time i have ever picked practicallity over bells and whistles. hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.:D

[jimmyjamez]

tough choice, but i'm in for the highlander. It's a really good car, test drove the 2008 model when it first came out and was in love with it.


I'm planning on buying one myself sometime this year.

[Askari]

Anyone have APA or CarCostCanada pricing on the highlander?

[B0000rt]

well i have now test drove all (350, hl, rav), and i think i am going to go with the rav(v6 limited). sure it isn't as nice as the the other two, but for what i will be using is for it should be fine. also better on gas which is a plus. i think this is the first time i have ever picked practicallity over bells and whistles. hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.:D

Good choice, the interior looks abit better in the limited compared to the Base/Sport (I have a V6 4WD Sport) since the HVAC knobs are much nicer.

I get about 20-22mpg with probably 60% city driving, alot of short trips to and from the train station.

FYI I got my '07 in the states for $27,700 out the door and the major options were 4WD, Sport, V6 and Sunroof.

The 3rd gen RAV has ballooned in size, so it should be more than enough for hauling stuff if you need it... Rear legroom is amazing, though rear hip room is abit lacking... You'll notice the wierd middle seatbelt arrangement... And if you're going for 3rd row, they're only large enough for children..

[meecha]

Good choice, the interior looks abit better in the limited compared to the Base/Sport (I have a V6 4WD Sport) since the HVAC knobs are much nicer.

I get about 20-22mpg with probably 60% city driving, alot of short trips to and from the train station.

FYI I got my '07 in the states for $27,700 out the door and the major options were 4WD, Sport, V6 and Sunroof.

The 3rd gen RAV has ballooned in size, so it should be more than enough for hauling stuff if you need it... Rear legroom is amazing, though rear hip room is abit lacking... You'll notice the wierd middle seatbelt arrangement... And if you're going for 3rd row, they're only large enough for children..

i won't be getting the third row, too small. good to hear you like your rav. nice price from the states, i think the 08s are inadmissable though for one reason or another. now to decide whether or not get a 09 which if it is the same one as on the internet looks cool, or save money on an 08. will prob make the pracitical choice and go with the 08.

[sixer]

Get the Hybrid, otherwise you'll be at the gas stations all the time with another big suv on the road.