I'll attempt to make this long-ish story as short as possible. I'm a car/motorcycle nut. I'm a Toyota nut. I'm a Land Cruiser nut. My 80 series is my hobby; my wife drives a Sienna; I drive a '08 Lexus GS 350 AWD.
For years, I've admired the GX 470 for its uniqueness, strong chops and well-appointed interior, to name a few reasons. Over the past few months, my interest has grown from only admiration to admiration plus realizing its potential practicality (admiration is still the driving factor). You see, I have a 4-year old and 6-month old twins. The minivan is the de rigueur crew hauler, and the 80 series can sub in a pinch. Emphasis on "in a pinch." The GS is cramped, as it is. A GX, while no minivan, would be a step up.
So, I share my newfound GX interest with a fellow gearhead who may or may not have a craigslist addiction. After several rejections--too many miles; wrong color; red flags--one ad barely catches my eye. Keep in mind: I'm not actively looking, and my car isn't listed for sale, nor is it ready (cleaning, oil change).
My friend sent a 2007 with 99k miles; platinum (not sure of the color name) exterior; gray interior and the following comments:
- near perfect condition
- all options, including sport suspension, nav with 2014 map, DVD player, lifetime XM, tow package and 3rd row seating
- all maintenance performed at Lexus dealer
- new water pump/timing belt
- newER brakes and tires
- best offer
So, the above intrigued me enough to invoke the Hail Mary: I emailed (only contact method available) asking if the seller is open to trades for my GS. The seller seems interested. We've exchanged a few emails about the details of my car, and that's it so far.
I'm posting this to get some opinions/info. I'm no stranger to buying/selling cars, but I am new to the GX. I've read about common issues.
- What might the seller be referring to with "sport suspension?" Adaptive Variable Suspension?
- Can anyone tell by the pics whether or not it has KDSS? It doesn't have smoked lenses or dark grey wood interior, so I'm guessing not.
- What is this thing worth, based on the limited info I've provided?
- Aside from the obvious, what questions should I ask?
I realize these are basic questions--questions I see a lot in the 80 series section--but any help is appreciated. I'm just trying to find out if this potential even trade is worth it. Both seem to book out at around $17k.
Thanks,
Matt
For years, I've admired the GX 470 for its uniqueness, strong chops and well-appointed interior, to name a few reasons. Over the past few months, my interest has grown from only admiration to admiration plus realizing its potential practicality (admiration is still the driving factor). You see, I have a 4-year old and 6-month old twins. The minivan is the de rigueur crew hauler, and the 80 series can sub in a pinch. Emphasis on "in a pinch." The GS is cramped, as it is. A GX, while no minivan, would be a step up.
So, I share my newfound GX interest with a fellow gearhead who may or may not have a craigslist addiction. After several rejections--too many miles; wrong color; red flags--one ad barely catches my eye. Keep in mind: I'm not actively looking, and my car isn't listed for sale, nor is it ready (cleaning, oil change).
My friend sent a 2007 with 99k miles; platinum (not sure of the color name) exterior; gray interior and the following comments:
- near perfect condition
- all options, including sport suspension, nav with 2014 map, DVD player, lifetime XM, tow package and 3rd row seating
- all maintenance performed at Lexus dealer
- new water pump/timing belt
- newER brakes and tires
- best offer
So, the above intrigued me enough to invoke the Hail Mary: I emailed (only contact method available) asking if the seller is open to trades for my GS. The seller seems interested. We've exchanged a few emails about the details of my car, and that's it so far.
I'm posting this to get some opinions/info. I'm no stranger to buying/selling cars, but I am new to the GX. I've read about common issues.
- What might the seller be referring to with "sport suspension?" Adaptive Variable Suspension?
- Can anyone tell by the pics whether or not it has KDSS? It doesn't have smoked lenses or dark grey wood interior, so I'm guessing not.
- What is this thing worth, based on the limited info I've provided?
- Aside from the obvious, what questions should I ask?
I realize these are basic questions--questions I see a lot in the 80 series section--but any help is appreciated. I'm just trying to find out if this potential even trade is worth it. Both seem to book out at around $17k.
Thanks,
Matt
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