Landcruiser vs. GX 470 (1 Viewer)

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E

ebod

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As per my prior post, I am about to buy a 2004 LC for my wife. As this is a big purchase for me, I figured that I should do a sanity check to see if there's anything else that we should be considering and the main contender is the GX 470. Here are some factors that affect the decision:

-- We'll probably keep my wife's old car (a 2001 Suburban) as an extra car, so we will have room when we really need it.

-- We have three kids, so my wife's daily driver has to have room for at least 5 (preferrably 7) people--some of them kids.

-- I don't really do any hard core off road driving. As much as I like to think I'll start, in reality the most I'll do will be hauling my dirtbikes to/from/around the riding area and some ski trip-type stuff.

-- The Lexus is almost $10,000 less expensive than the Land Cruiser.

While I know this is a Land Cruiser board, I'm hoping for some objective opinions (especially in light of the Toyota/Lexus relationship). Thanks in advance.
 
I will objective as possible.

The first thing that comes to mind is the size. The GX470 is much smaller compared to the Land Cruiser. Not that a LC is big, just bigger than a GX. I would suggest going to Lexus Dealership and parking a LX470 next to a GX470 and climbing in and out of both and take the kids and let them do the same. I took my 100 series to lexus dealership and did the same thing and the gx felt much smaller.

Give me the prices on each. I have seen over and over the '04 LC going for $54k new (completely loaded), the gx is close to $50k. For a $10k difference I would go with the Lexus but for just $4k I would go with the LC.

Last but not least, the dealership experience. Toyota treats you like purchased a tercel even thou you dropped $50k and the Lexus dealership treats like a king no matter what you purchased. Not that you would visit either place often but just a another item to consider.

Regards,

uzj100
 
Would the lexus dealership you are considering be throwing in any period of free maintenance or any service perks?
 
The GX is a Land Cruiser, re-badged for the U.S.

Drive both. Let wife drive both. Load the kids in both. Buy the one you like better...the one that better meets your needs. Both are top-shelf vehicles.
 
[quote author=uzj100 link=board=28;threadid=16162;start=msg154643#msg154643 date=1084308264]
Last but not least, the dealership experience. Toyota treats you like purchased a tercel even thou you dropped $50k and the Lexus dealership treats like a king no matter what you purchased. [/quote]

Ain't that the truth! I never woulda believed it if I hadn't experienced it myself. I get the BEST service when I take my 450 in (for warranty work) at the Lexus dealership. The level of service from my local Toyota dealership is so far off that it's not even in the same solar system.
 
[quote author=tabraha link=board=28;threadid=16162;start=msg154680#msg154680 date=1084310687]
Would the lexus dealership you are considering be throwing in any period of free maintenance or any service perks?
[/quote]

Prolly not, but if you get a CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicle, they'll cover a bunch of stuff. On mine they said they'd cover everything, bumper to bumper, except the clock and anything "chromed". So far it's proved true.
 
Things I like about GX470
- Rear door which are easier to use for loading/unloading.
- The size are better for everyday use if you dont use the 3rd row seat. The 3rd row are a joke on GX470.
- Available Kinetic suspension which would help articulation a lot.
- Came with torsen diff.
- Better departure angle
- Better fuel economy

Things I like about Land Cruiser
- Good size 3rd row seat.
- Long travel front suspension compared to most IFS
- Parts are a lot cheaper than lexus
- Better approach angle
- good stong tailgate to sit or load long cargo.

I will get a GX470 in a few years after the price come down quite a bit.
 
If you like a nice car, easy to park, plenty of power, the GX470 [Aus 120 series cruiser but we dont get V8] and want Lexus service, go for the 470, as they drive very nice NVH is greatly improved, 285's will fit if required, and they have a great turning circle, parking size, vision.

If she is currently driving a suburban, the 100 may be ok size and parking wise for her, but you still dont get the Lexus service.
 
I've looked at the same options. If you are considering the GX470 you need to look at the Fourth Generation 4runner. The 4runner is made in the same factory on the same assembly line as the GX470, they just put a different body on the GX470. Personally I like the looks of the 4runner better than the GX470 plus it lists for $10K less than the GX470 with the same equipment. The 4runner/Lexus is a new in 2003 vehicle, it has all the new technology while the 2004 LC is based on 1998 technology. They all share the same engine and 5 speed transmission, I like the front coil springs on the GX/4runner versus the torson bars on the LC. The new GX/4runner is quicker than the LC100 and will get better gas mileage. I would look at the 4runner unless you want to pay 10K more for the Lexus service. Check out this site for more information www.toyota-4runner.org They have information showing comparisons. Think about it, when you look at a LC100 and a LX470 it is the same as comparing a new 4runner with a GX470. Same deal. My choice is the Toyota, unless you have the money to throw around.
 
I dont think you can compare forskinner and gx NVH etc, and the GX was a new design totally in 03.

After all, they saved 10k somewhere in the build cost from your sums :slap:

And resale is another thing to take into consideration.
 
[quote author=the shed guy [Aus/CAC] link=board=28;threadid=16162;start=msg154937#msg154937 date=1084327266]
I dont think you can compare forskinner and gx NVH etc, and the GX was a new design totally in 03.

After all, they saved 10k somewhere in the build cost from your sums :slap:

And resale is another thing to take into consideration.
[/quote]

Darrin you are mistaken, USA is different market for Toyota than OZ. I've driven both and NVH are the same as comparing the NVH of the LC 100 series with the LX470. Like I said the GX470 and 4runner are identical except for sheet metal. The 4runner has aluminum trim versus the wood trim on the Lexus, personally I think the aluminum trim is cleaner and more modern and the wood leather look is dated. I also like the Reas shock system that can be optioned on both the GX470 and the 4runner is great. Plus in the USA the 4runner has a higher resale value to original price than any other Lexus/Toyota product.
 
[quote author=Garth1 link=board=28;threadid=16162;start=msg154723#msg154723 date=1084315394]
The GX is a Land Cruiser, re-badged for the U.S.

Drive both. Let wife drive both. Load the kids in both. Buy the one you like better...the one that better meets your needs. Both are top-shelf vehicles.


[/quote]

wrong, the GX is based on the 4Runner platform, not the L/C - the LX 470 is a rebadged L/C.

anyway, the GX 470 actually has more front and middle seat room than the L/C or the LX 470 - where it really gets smaller is in the 3rd row seating, the GX is just plain tiny. if you're gonna carry anyone around who's either not a midget or under 8 years old, forget using the 3rd row seat in the GX 470

the GX 470 is gonna be a little peppier under foot than the L/C or LX 470, almost 900 lbs lighter with basically the same drivetrain, and you will get a better warranty and much better sevice from the dealer buying the GX 470. the GX will also have better resale value if that's a consideration at all.
 
[quote author=jjbodean1970 link=board=28;threadid=16162;start=msg162387#msg162387 date=1085337655]
wrong, the GX is based on the 4Runner platform, not the L/C - the LX 470 is a rebadged L/C.

anyway, the GX 470 actually has more front and middle seat room than the L/C or the LX 470 - where it really gets smaller is in the 3rd row seating, the GX is just plain tiny. if you're gonna carry anyone around who's either not a midget or under 8 years old, forget using the 3rd row seat in the GX 470

the GX 470 is gonna be a little peppier under foot than the L/C or LX 470, almost 900 lbs lighter with basically the same drivetrain, and you will get a better warranty and much better sevice from the dealer buying the GX 470. the GX will also have better resale value if that's a consideration at all.
[/quote]

Wrong. The GX and 4Runner are both based on the LC 120 platform sold overseas.
 
With a nine welded cross member frame it sure feels solid. This model reminds me more of the FZJ80 from a size stand point. It is within a couple of inches. But that can mean all the difference, depending on the women your talkin too. :)
 
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