05 470 with 230k

[greenrover]

I've combed over Google and threads here but looking for recent input.
I'm looking at a 2005 GX470, has 229K miles. Timing belt/water pump at 201k. Good service records, regular oil changes.
From what I've found the 05 has the updated vvt-i engine.
My main use would be a trail truck and towing a small camper. Light daily driving.
Any problems with this many miles? I'd be happy if I could get another 100k out of it.
Thanks for any input.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

If the service history and current mechanical condition are good with no rust I would not worry about the mileage. These engines will last almost forever.

 

[VSPro9]

I've combed over Google and threads here but looking for recent input.
I'm looking at a 2005 GX470, has 229K miles. Timing belt/water pump at 201k. Good service records, regular oil changes.
From what I've found the 05 has the updated vvt-i engine.
My main use would be a trail truck and towing a small camper. Light daily driving.
Any problems with this many miles? I'd be happy if I could get another 100k out of it.
Thanks for any input.

i wouldnt worry about the mileage as long as the truck has been cared for. yea your gonna replace some items that wear out, but you should expect that. 475k on mine and its never left me stranded.

 

[jiggletits]

It's almost funny to me that people stress about finding a low mileage GX. Waste of money. The reason this truck has great reviews is the bulletproof "million mile" powerplant. Leather will look like s*** in a GX with 100k or 300k.

I buy and sell these trucks once in a while for profit. I don't keep the low mileage ones because... why? My "keeper" has 273k miles.

Additionally, VVTi is overrated IMO. The power difference is only noticeable in higher RPM, and it's barely noticeable. If all other things are equal (price too) sure get an 05+... if it's several thousand dollars more for VVTi, don't bother.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

Leather will look like s*** in a GX with 100k or 300k.

Quoted for truth. Almost everyone doesn’t care for their leather so it always suffers.

 

[jiggletits]

Quoted for truth. Almost everyone doesn’t care for their leather so it always suffers.

I honestly wish there was a cloth seat option. No leather in any vehicle looks good after 10 years/100k miles.

Cloth on the other hand? s*** man, so easy to clean up. If even half ass cared for they barely show wear even at 200k, 300k. I pressure wash cloth seats on higher mileage vehicles and they come out almost as clean as new.

 

[VSPro9]

It's almost funny to me that people stress about finding a low mileage GX. Waste of money. The reason this truck has great reviews is the bulletproof "million mile" powerplant. Leather will look like s*** in a GX with 100k or 300k.

I buy and sell these trucks once in a while for profit. I don't keep the low mileage ones because... why? My "keeper" has 273k miles.

Additionally, VVTi is overrated IMO. The power difference is only noticeable in higher RPM, and it's barely noticeable. If all other things are equal (price too) sure get an 05+... if it's several thousand dollars more for VVTi, don't bother.

theres a few advantages to the 05+, i think they got some additional bracing underneath, and the front tie downs are able to be used for soft recoveries because theyre welded through the frame rather than to it.

 

[Rednexus]

I have not driven a non-VVTI GX but I have driven a non-VVTI Tundra (actually a bit lighter than the GX) and could definitely noticed the power difference at the high RPMs. I looked for a VVTI GX when I got mine - but I always want more power on my vehicles.

To the OP, these are pretty bulletproof, but with any higher mileage GX I'd still go through and change all of the other fluids (diffs, t-case, transmission) to keep it living a long time. However, I would expect the suspension, if original, to be worn out (shocks/springs/bushings/etc) and will probably need a replacement, which is a good opportunity to lift the GX. These also tow small campers just fine, but really need the 6,500-lb OEM hitch (available at a Toyota dealer), and aftermarket transmission cooler (<$100 mod), and a brake controller ($200 for a Redarc) to be set up for towing.

Mine only has ~151K on it now but still runs absolutely perfect. Coming from non-Lexus vehicles prior to the GX, it requires a whole new mindset to realize the vehicle still has plenty of life left in it at 300K+ if it's taken care of.

 

[jiggletits]

Subjectively, the best info I can find online states that the 05+ GX 0-60 is ~7.5 seconds and the 03-04 is ~7.9 seconds. Not a big difference for most driving, but I do agree that it will pull slightly better at highway speeds.

Earlier trucks also had a 4 speed vs. 5 speed with shorter gearing, other than OD, so 05+ will shift more often while 03-04 will stay in it's best power band longer before shifting.

The 03-04 also had a cable throttle, 05+ is drive-by-wire. Some say throttle response is better in 03-04, I would agree.

Not knocking more HP, just suggesting OP not place too much value on it... I've driven GX's back to back on stock tires and it really isn't that noticeable.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

You’ll notice that power difference with towing and also at high elevations.