I really don't know why some have them, and others don't. I just received a 2009RX350 and: no tape deck. I am 'sure' that another one I had sat in did have the tape deck, and it was not the enhanced ("Mark Levinson") sound system. I will ask next time I go to Lexus (and if this topic is still visible, will post what I was told). For the moment, the only thing I can think of is tha the date of manufacture dtermined the tape deck inclusion, probably with the later ones not having it.
The tape deck is standard with the Nav system. When you order the Nav system you get the tape deck and I believe a slightly better set of speakers.
