GX470 as a daily driver, should I expect lots of day to dayissues? (1 Viewer)

[jewish4WD]

Lets keep this short if I can for you guys. Im sure you all hate newbie threads.

I read through some threads and people dont seem to be talking about day to day stuff but more so larger-ticket items and engine and trans replacements stuff like that. And there are a couple of comments always saying that you should only DD a car like this if you are very hands on and okay with regular issues.

Whats the consensus here? Obviously it will on average have more issues than a brand new lease, but how often are we really talking here?

If I get a nicely maintained sub 125k and Im willing to pay for any big ticket items like belt etc if they need to be replaced, am I really looking at multiple issues a year that would require immediate fixing if I were to DD this car?

 

[TahoeLX450]

Lets keep this short if I can for you guys. Im sure you all hate newbie threads.

I read through some threads and people dont seem to be talking about day to day stuff but more so larger-ticket items and engine and trans replacements stuff like that. And there are a couple of comments always saying that you should only DD a car like this if you are very hands on and okay with regular issues.

Whats the consensus here? Obviously it will on average have more issues than a brand new lease, but how often are we really talking here?

If I get a nicely maintained sub 125k and Im willing to pay for any big ticket items like belt etc if they need to be replaced, am I really looking at multiple issues a year that would require immediate fixing if I were to DD this car?

Probably one of the more reliable vehicles ever built. I bought my Lexus maintained GX at 100K and now at 148K not one issue. Oil and other necessary fluids, air and cabin filter and rear brake pads that's it. I did have an airbag recall fixed by Lexus for $00.00 and given a loaner GX460 for four days for $00.00...and they filled my tank up too.

I tell this all the time here on MUDD...my friend has a Lexus maintained GX with 380K that he still uses for a DD.

My question for you: Why not get a more economical car for a daily driver and keep the GX for comfortable road trips and off road exploration. IMO one might want to keep the DD miles low and the fun miles high on a GX.

Lastly, if you buy a well maintained GX with 125K the timing belt/water pump SHOULD have already been done...

 

[jewish4WD]

My question for you: Why not get a more economical car for a daily driver and keep the GX for comfortable road trips and off road exploration. IMO one might want to keep the DD miles low and the fun miles high.

Lastly, if you buy a well maintained GX with 125K the timing belt/water pump SHOULD have already been done...

Eventually whatever car I get wont be my DD (2-3 years max) but for now I want whatever I get to be my DD but I dont drive a lot so im not concerned.
I want a car that is capable of a lot but at the same time is comfortable and great to drive every single day. And unfortunately Im picky when it comes to cars.

My first thought was a Wrangler and I am still entertaining it just think the used prices are too out there for what you get. I feel I can build out a really badass GX that looks better, drives better day to day, drives better to surf spots, drives better to hiking spots within 3 hours, is more unique and will last longer without $$ than a Wrangler and still have money to spare.

The 3 cars im currently considering are Jeep Wrangler used at around 30k max, Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 (not a very big fan of looks, but need to test drive) and then a GX470 or GX460.

I want a car that is great to drive everyday, very capable, and respectable to others. I have a little bit of an image Id like to keep up to people in my industry when I leave valet and things like that from meetings. I think a lot of the other options that aren't what I just mentioned are either A) not that respectable or B) too big for me like a truck.

 

[MrTorgue]

FYI my (at the time of purchase) 169k mile ‘08 GX470 drove and felt better than the ~125k and ~158k GX470 I drove. The mileage doesn’t matter. Routine maintenance and service history matter. Drive it, research the history and look at the mechanicals on a lift and you’ll be fine.

~171k now and not a drop of any fluid leaks and I have zero issues anywhere mechanically. Steering is tight, suspension is good and engine is strong. My only complaints are related to the Toyota crummy interior build quality.

 

[jewish4WD]

FYI my (at the time of purchase) 169k mile ‘08 GX470 drove and felt better than the ~125k and ~158k GX470 I drove. The mileage doesn’t matter. Routine maintenance and service history matter. Drive it, research the history and look at the mechanicals on a lift and you’ll be fine.

~171k now and not a drop of any fluid leaks and I have zero issues anywhere mechanically. Steering is tight, suspension is good and engine is strong. My only complaints are related to the Toyota crummy interior build quality.

Ill do that and make sure to drive them all. I saw your thread about looking up the history and going to use some of the advice there if I end up picking a GX as my car of choice. I actually havent seen people complaining that much about the interior, infact the fact that it is indeed a Lexus is one thing people love about this car compared to Jeeps for example. So what are your complaints even tho its a bit off topic

 

[Mahalol]

The leather interior will show signs of wear/cracking, especially on the drivers side from "sliding out" of the rig. Another thing to consider is a cracked dash. There was a recall on it so you might be lucky to find a used GX where the owner took it in to have it replaced for free. The recall has expired.

 

[jewish4WD]

Id say thats a given on any car that old for the most part but yes Ive seen in the photos. Do you have a recommended shop around here since I see you are in LA area @Mahalol

 

[Sgn2bapt]

Buy for the maintenance history, not for looks.

Lexus - Dashboard Light

Get long-term reliability information and rankings for Lexus and other vehicle manufacturers using the Long-Term Quality Index.

www.dashboard-light.com

One of very few autos to score 100% reliability. One of three Lexus' to score 100%.

 

[corkybuchek]

I've got an 06' and I DD it everyday (not so much now because of quarantine, was doing about 250-300 miles a week) at 148k. Its been in the family since new and its never once left us stranded (unless you count a dead battery). I like to stay on top of maintenance just for peace of mind, but how often you'll be addressing issues or in the shop is very dependent on previous service history and PO(s). I rarely take mine to the shop other than big ticket items (think timing belts, wheel bearings, etc.). Really buying used is much more about service history and previous owner(s) rather than pure mileage.

All in all, the thing still feels like a tank, engine is strong and pulls as hard as it did new. Gas mileage isn't great, I'm getting around 14-16mpg lifted on 285's with 87 octane gas, but gas is cheap, it looks cool, and I genuinely enjoy driving it. I expect this car to outlast my interest in it, could easily see it going 400k.

 

[MrTorgue]

Ill do that and make sure to drive them all. I saw your thread about looking up the history and going to use some of the advice there if I end up picking a GX as my car of choice. I actually havent seen people complaining that much about the interior, infact the fact that it is indeed a Lexus is one thing people love about this car compared to Jeeps for example. So what are your complaints even tho its a bit off topic

Other than the previously mentioned dash / door panel issues the plastics are pretty hard and brittle so extreme care needs to be taken when you are needing to take them off. Also mine rattles and squeaks a bit. Nothing some felt and foam won’t take care of when I get around to it.

What Jeep are you looking at? I just sold our ‘19 Grand Cherokee and the interior was one of the best I’ve ever had. We both miss it. I cannot comment on the older Grand Cherokee models but I’m sure any around 2012+ would be pretty sorted if taken care of. Chrysler upped their game around 2011 and had some great interior materials and designs since. My three Dodge Chargers (‘14, ‘16, ‘18) and the Grand Cherokee were a testament to that. Obviously older Jeeps are going to have interior issues before this...and those older interiors are plain ugly in my opinion

 

[Single track rd]

I'm also new to this form. I purchased a 2005 GX470 couple years ago and have documented all that I have had to do to it since then. I did all the maintenance items, timing and serpentine belt, Amsoil fluids from front to back,got rid of the rear airbags and TPMS,etc.
Now for what has broken: the driver's visor separated, the clock spring broke, the gas cap quit sealing, I had to reboot the axles, and it's currently sitting waiting for coil packs. The right bank catalytic converters have failed, or are below threshold, (whatever !) and of course that threw a code,but that cost $8.00 to fix!
I also have a Jeep, and I've only changed two starters in decades of ownership. That being said, I absolutely love my GX and it's perfect for what I bought it for. It drives fantastic, looks amazing (now, dont care for them stock) . I cant tell you how many compliments I get on it......now if I can just resist bolting 1000 lbs of accessories on it like my jeep!!

 

[jewish4WD]

What Jeep are you looking at?

Wrangler or Grand Cherokee V8 (both used)
Im not the biggest fan of the Grand Cherokee looks wise but I need to drive one to see if it changes my mind.
Wrangler I originally thought were bulletproof as well, so I was like oh **** it I'll just go grab a few year old JK with 80k miles and its NBD. But at least what my research has led me to believe that Wranglers do have legit chances of turning into money pits. That then made me be like ok then I guess I really need to spend near 30k to get a low mileage one and just not sure if I want to spend that much on a car that will eventually just be my "fun" car and not my DD. And again I know this sounds shallow but I literally see 50 Wranglers a day here in LA.

Im still doing my research on all my options but one of my main ? marks on the GX470/460 was the day to day reliability. I knew they were bulletproof as far as how long they would truly last without engine replacements and s*** like that, but am I going to have things going out here and there, small leaks here and there just constantly. That was my big question mark. As long as thats not that bad. I like the GX looks better, the price is better, the way it drives is better, the road noise is better, and with a few upgrades I assume I can do just about every trail that a Wrangler could without serious upgrades to the Wrangler also.

Thats where my thinking brought me to the GX as my platform

 

[jewish4WD]

.....now if I can just resist bolting 1000 lbs of accessories on it like my jeep!!

What type of jeep do you have and whats the mileage? It sounds like your Jeep has been more reliable so far compared to your GX. Not that if you put 300k miles on both you would pick the Jeep but just saying. It sounds like youve had to do more than most people on here on your GX.

Im really torn. If I knew for sure I could get away with just treating my GX just like any other car I purchased as far as doing regular maintence, treating her well, and I wouldnt have to have any worries day to day I think I would pick the GX 9 out of 10 times over the Wrangler which is my other main option. I would be saving a lot of $ and I think I would enjoy the driving experience a lot more.

 

[jewish4WD]

The V8 takes 87? @corkybuchek

 

[jewish4WD]

So quick Q which im sorry to be repetitive. I saw a lot of people in other threads saying to use lexus as service history. Im finding a lot of them the history dies off pretty early into the mix. Are you using Carfax or who for the rest of the history? If the car didnt get the big ticket items done at lexus is that a no-no for you for that car? Whats the best way for me to evaluate the history of this car. So far I only found one car out of 5 near me that had service records at lexus that went past 70k miles

 

[D21FJ60]

www.lexusdrivers.com is what people are referring to, free to create an account and you simply take the VIN of the vehicle you're interested in and add it, and any work done at a lexus (and i think toyota) dealer will show up.

Wouldn't rule out a car that hasn't had things lke TB/WP done at dealer, that's just a negotiating point. AHC service would be for more scrutiny.

What kills the 2uz-fe engine is neglect of the heating system- but this is easily addressed upon purchase with replacement of heater hose Ts, water pump and coolant flush and replacement with OEM red toyota coolant. Granted if you don't put enough oil in it, that will be detrimental as well.

The thing that will affect a vehicle, not just a GX, is intermittent driving. Or short driving, as this will not allow the engine to warm up and lubricate properly therefore having the potential for gaskets to wear out quicker.

 

[Single track rd]

Its true that my gx had had a number of things go wrong, but look at the severity of them. None of them would really strand you, although the coil packs and resulting miss would be hard on the emissions system. I bought the gx for 2 main reasons. We have spent a good amount of time in the desert around anza borrego and the salton sea the last two years and my Cherokee is way overkill for the trails we end up doing. Also day after day of 12 hrs driving/ hiking time is uncomfortable in my jeep (it's a 99). I know the new wranglers are radically more comfortable..but like you, I am tired of seeing them. And I love jeeps!
Second reason, the v8. I needed a vehicle to pull the 6500lbs that the gx can. Even though it's only for short distances, that much trailer would kill my jeep, it's got extremely soft suspension and truly insane wheel travel. But I cant tell you the joy it brings me to do trails in 2wd that new $45k Rubicons have to use 4wd to get through!

 

[corkybuchek]

The V8 takes 87? @corkybuchek

Per Lexus, no, but I've been filling up with 87 for the past year and half and no issues.

Edit: I'll also add that taking a potential GX in for a pre-purchase inspection is a great idea. My mechanic in Austin is a toyota 4x4 specialist, and he can spot things that most others would totally glance over. I think they run a couple of hours, so maybe $2-300, well worth it so you know what you are getting yourself into.

 

[jewish4WD]

www.lexusdrivers.com is what people are referring to

Ya for sure, and what im saying is that out of the 15 cars I looked up last night, 3-4 had no records at all, and then out of the 10+ that had over 100k miles, 75% of them had no service records past 70k miles at Lexus. I would say its pretty common that once the car is totally off warranty people are more and more likely to stop going to Lexus.


Obviously paying for carfax for each car would be ludicrous

 

[trifenix]

you use lexusdrivers to get a feel for the vehicle and how it was taken care of. Most of the history will drop off after 70k. From there you can check the condition of the vehicle and you usually can tell if it has been taken care of or not. It took me a few months to find my 2006 with 85k miles. As others have stated, it needs nothing but mpg is 14-15 lol.