The 2015 Lexus RX 350. |
I thought not.
2015 Lexus RX 350. |
Lexus maintains that advantage with frequent updates and freshenings, never messing with what works, and by never pricing itself out of the market. Quite the contrary. A 1999 RX 300 carried a base price of $32,950. The U.S. Government's CPI (Consumer Price Index) Inflation Calculator says that's $47,855 in today's dollars. The 2016 RX 350's base price is $40,970. So it is actually more affordable now, despite having 60 more horsepower, getting better mileage---now 18 city/24 highway---and being faster, smoother and considerably more luxurious than it was in year one.
2015 Lexus RX 350 interior. |
Nonetheless, there are available options. In the case of our example, nearly $12,000 worth:
Comfort Package (Xenon HID headlamps, LED foglamps, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats): $1,390.
Dual-Screen rear seat entertainment with navigation (Headphones, audio/video inputs, a 120V AC power outlet, navigation with voice commane, Lexus Enform with Destination Assist and eDestination, SiriusXM NavTraffic, NavWeather, Stocks, Sports & Fuel Prices and the Enform app suite): $4,060.
19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires: $700.
Heads-up display: $1,200.
Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound DVD/CD player, HDRadio with iTunes tagging and 15 speakers: $995.
Intuitive parking assist: $500.
Premium Package with Blind Spot Monitor system (Leather trim interior, blind spot monitor system, one-touch open/close moonroof, power-folding electrochromic heated outside mirrors, driver's seat/steering/mirror memory with three settings, roof rails): $2,760.
Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob: $330.
Cargo net: $59.
The as-tested price, including $910 delivery, processing and handling fee: $55,099.
Undoubtedly, that is serious money. But it buys a capable, comfortable and desirable vehicle that seems never to go out of style and in which you'll likely want for nothing.
Tell me, if you can, the name of one other.