So, I Bought a New Lexus RX 350 Just to Get the 360 Camera, Now I Have a $770 Car Payment, and I’m Wondering If it Was Worth It

I wanted a 360-degree camera. Now I have a Lexus and a $770 car payment. I love the car, but I'd like to know if it was worth it.

That's what Jude (@_juudeee) says on TikTok, who recently purchased a luxury Lexus RX 350 because she's short and wanted a 360-degree camera to improve visibility and see better. However, now she has a $770 car payment. Was it worth it?

Jude says, 

"I have a $770 plus car payment because I wanted the brand new luxury Lexus RX 350, a big touchscreen, 360 camera, moonroof, auto start, ambient lighting, car play, and more."

Is buying a new luxury car a good option for the average person like Jude, who is a dental hygienist? Do you have to buy a luxury car to get a 360-degree camera system, also known as the Panoramic View Monitor? Those are the questions I will address in this report, and I will also check out other mainstream (non-luxury) cars she could have purchased with a 360-degree camera. 

Imagine driving by the Lexus dealer, seeing a beautiful white Lexus RX 350 sitting out front on display, and taking it for a test drive. The salesperson shows you how the 360-degree camera works, and you love the feature because you are short and need to see around the car. 

You look at the sticker in the window, and the Lexus RX 350 Premium trim price is $53,150 before taxes, title, and license. You have a good job and justify the cost because it's equipped with all the latest luxury features. 

Jude says, "I bought this car in 2023 when it first came out and when they did major changes to the RX350."

She's asked in the comments if getting the 360 camera was worth it. 

"Yes, If you can afford it, of course, Jude says. "I'm short, so I can't see over the hood, so with the 360-degree camera, I don't need to get out of the car to see how close I am."  

The RX 350 Premium Trim Has Extra Luxury Features

• 9-in five-spoke alloy wheels
• Lexus 12-speaker Premium Sound System
• Lexus Interface with 9.8-in touchscreen display
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
• Drive Connect capability with Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant (Hey Lexus), and Destination Assist
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Intuitive Parking Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Auto Braking
• Wireless charger
• Lexus Memory System for driver's seat, steering wheel, and outer mirrors

She Has a Low Interest Rate

Jude financed the car with a 3.1% APR because she purchased it at the end of the year when Lexus had a special financing offer. However, her payment is $770. 

She says, "I had to put $20,000 down to get the add-ons since I didn't want a higher monthly payment."

She has a hefty monthly car payment now and wants to get her new RX 350 paid off quickly. 

"I've been wanting to do two car payments per month because I can pay it off faster! Any tips on how I can do that?" she asks. 

Does the Lexus RX 350 Require Premium Gas? 

She says, "It has to be premium only!" as she frowns. 

Is Buying a New Luxury Car a Good Choice for the Average Person?

Buying a new luxury car is generally not considered a good choice for the average person due to the high price tag, significant depreciation rate, and increased costs associated with maintenance and insurance, making it more suitable for individuals with a higher income who prioritize the premium driving experience and features offered by luxury vehicles. 

Key Points to Consider

• High Cost: Luxury cars are significantly more expensive than standard vehicles, which can put a strain on an average person's budget. 
• Rapid Depreciation: New luxury cars, including the Lexus RX 350, depreciate quickly, meaning you lose substantial value once you drive it off the lot. 
• Maintenance Costs: Repairs and servicing for luxury cars are typically more expensive than for standard vehicles. 
• Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums for luxury cars are usually higher due to their value and potential repair costs. 

Can you get a Panoramic View Monitor in a Non-Luxury Car? What's the Advantage of Having It?

• Yes, 360-degree cameras are available in many new mainstream cars. 
• The 360-degree camera system provides a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings. 
• This feature can be useful when parking in tight spaces, such as underground parking lots. 

Which Cars Have Them?

If Jude had walked across the street to the Toyota dealer, she could have gotten a 360-degree camera in the 2024 Toyota RAV4, the RAV4 Hybrid, and the RAV4 Prime.

Jude could have purchased a new 2024 Toyota RAV4 with the upgraded technology package for about $40,000. She could have saved $14,000 and, with $20K down, had a monthly payment of around $378. So, about half of her current payment, a significant savings. 

Final Thoughts and Questions For You

Purchasing a luxury car is a want, not a need. If you want the latest technology like a 360-degree camera, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof, you don't have to buy a luxury car to get them. 

You can save thousands of dollars by purchasing a reliable, non-luxury car brand and still get all the safety features. 

How About You?

Have you purchased a new car recently with luxury upgrades? Which features do you value the most? Did you buy a luxury or non-luxury car? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota RAV4 story titled; Toyota’s 5 Most Loved Models Don’t Include The RAV4

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jude