Another help me decide, 03 LC or 05 GX470...

[cobra2top]

Here is the deal, a few months back I was looking for a 100. Nothing was out there so I just continued to drive my DD. Well, that thing needs to go so I am looking at a few and narrowed my decison down to 2 rigs:

03 LC - LOADED with everything including Nav and factory DVD (have kids), 70K miles full serivce records, new tires, brakes, etc. It's ready to roll and my favorite color, dark grey (a plus).

05 GX470 - NOT LOADED, no navi, no DVD, 3rd row, 70K miles, all service done.

Both rigs are the same price and buying from a dealer friend (getting a good deal on either).

I have not drove the 100 but have the GX. The GX drives very nice, and it has the adjustsable suspension. I know I need to get behind the wheel of the 100 for the final decision.

Anyone have a opinion on the difference between the 2? How does a LC ride without the adjustable suspension? I read that the non AHC suspension is a plus due to the high cost of repair that I will have to pay at some point as I plan on keeping this thing a long time. One day when it is time possibly trail it. I know about the LC, not sure how capable the GX would be (Prado is pretty good on the trail?)

Ok, let me know your thoughts. I expect this to be biased which is fine by me!!!

Note, purchase will be completed Wednesday if all goes well.....

 

[uragon]

03 LC is better made and bigger. If paying Lexus tax, might as well get LX470.

 

[uzj100]

We have a 00 LC and 03 GX.

The LC is wider, slower, heavier and drives more like a tank. I prefer this over the GX. Highway mileage about 15.

The GX is loaded, nav and third row and rear climate control. The GX is pretty quick. The ride is a little choppy with the shorter wheelbase. My wife really likes this vehicle. The interior is so nice. It also gets 19 to 20 on the highway. She uses this to haul our children and their friends around and uses the 3rd row all the time.

Between the 2 you are comparing, I would have to recommend the 03 LC for the following reasons.

Rear AC - very nice - I am not sure where you are located however in NC, rear AC is a must have in the LC and GX
Third row - great for hauling children around

If both were equipped the same then I would say it comes down to how you like a vehicle to drive. More Abrams M1 or more sporty.

Hope this helps.

 

[gaylon]

I had my 2000 UZJ sitting next to a GX last weekend. My brother is a 4Runner guy who really wants a GX, so I spent a few minutes going over the two trucks. The GX is a LOT smaller. I cannot imagine loading it up with the dogs a weeks worth of gear... That said, if I wanted to buy another truck -keeping my 100 - I would strongly consider the GX for better mpg, faster, etc.

 

[SWUtah]

Not even close get the 100 series. I've owned 2 4runners and 3 100 series. I think the new 4runners are better then the GX but neither compare to the 100 series.

 

[cobra2top]

Sorry about bringing this one back up from the dead, but the purchase has been made and unfortuantely the won this round. In the end I knew that even though this was to be my car she will have the keys more as we have 2 little ones and to be honest I rather them surrounded by alot of steel. I get the "hand me down" car, hers, a 98 GS400 with 90K that to be honest runs like new still and is pretty quick.

We test drove the 03 LC and I really liked it. She drove it and felt it was too big and slow.

The 05 GX was nice and she really liked the way it handled, drove (soft riding) and the size. I did not like that it was missing alot of options. You are buying a Lexus you should expect every option. We ended up taking some time to search for the right one and last week we bought a 05 GX470, 65K miles, fully loaded with everything including navi and rear dvd (factory) and 3rd row. All service done with brand new tires and brakes. The price ended up being the same as the 03 LC and 05GX we looked at and got a OK trade in on my DD.

I am feeling a little more comfortable with the purchase after reaserching the GX. I know you know this but the GX is a Prado (Landcruiser) in Austrailia and S. America. I Youtube'd Prado and there are some amazing videos of these things tackling everything. I know this thing will spend the next 5+ years tearing up the mall and school parking lots, but some day I can see it becoming more of a trail rig once it is done it's daily duties.

Only unfortunate thing is there is not a strong following like here for the 100's. I search for a forum on the 120's are mostly for the Prado and anything on the GX is still discussions about how to work the naxi or bluetooth. I hope as the price of these 120's come down to affordable levels more will buy them and start modding and hopefully more suppliers will begin to support it.

Anyway, I will still be lurking around here from time to time. I dont know, I am use to driving a truck so if the GS does not fit my daily needs I may sell it and pick up a early 100 or possibly a 80.

Thanks to all that provided some great feedback on this decision. I appreciate everyones knowledge and opinions!

Well, here are a few pics of the new rig:

While I was posting the pics, I found one of "my" new car. I guess I can not complain. Just need to get use to sitting down in a car instead of climbing up into a truck.

 

[ginericLC]

I like the GS I'm not a huge fan of the GX though. The lack of cargo space makes it not very utilitarian.

 

[SWUtah]

Been where you are done that you are not happy with your decision. You will be back to buying a LX/LC in a few years. Enjoy the GX470 that is the right choice for you right now but not the right choice for you emotionally. What the hell the wife is driving it anyway so when you do get the 100/200 series it can finally be yours.

 

[BManning`]

I'd look at it this way:

• your GX is a very capable trail vehicle with little to no modification; do what I'm doing with my 100-- find its limits in stock form, make your upgrade plans as you go
• smaller size can be a plus off-road
• sportier to drive day-to-day
• like 100, still very unique-- especially if you take it off-road
• numbers on trail will grow as prices drop; aftermarket may develop

I love 100s, and you may choose to buy one someday, but there's no reason not to enjoy your GX. Don't be afraid of it; it can handle taking the kids to the mall and do some fairly technical off-road driving.

 

[cobra2top]

Thanks all. We have had the rig for a few weeks now and really like it. Drives nice and had pretty decent pick up. It feels like this thing is going to run forever (fingers crossed!!!)

This weekend we are heading into the moutains and I may pull it off road to see how it performs. Just simple trails at this point as I dont want to beat it up too much this early. Still want to "feel" it out and gain some confidence with it. Even though it looks and feels good, all service done, new this and that, because it is used you really never know what to truely expect. After a few months I will take it a little deeper on the local trails. I will be the only Lexus out there!