2004 Lexus GX470 Fuel Question

[sandiegokid18]

Hello, I am in the market for a 2004 GX470 and met a seller that told me he normally fills up the truck with regular gas but sometimes (not sure how frequently) fills it up with premium to help clean out the engine...?

It was kind of a shock to me since I haven’t heard that before but is this out of the ordinary? I have tried searching around for any information. but haven’t found much. Thanks in advance!

 

[Dharma Dude]

I have heard people do this. It probably doesn't hurt but I suspect little to no benefit. I only ever use regular in my 2005 GX

 

[GXO]

03 and 04 are spec'd to regular. Premium won't hurt, especially infrequently. Mid grade works great too (I have an exhaust and headers so it runs great). Want to see a GX sing? Find some 88 ethanol free.

 

[CarolinaGX]

A lot of people think that the higher octane fuels have a better cleaning property, which is incorrect. I have been running 89 in mine because of the VVTi but recently have changed to 87 to see the difference. So far, no difference noticed after 1 tank.

 

[sandiegokid18]

Thanks for all the replies! Glad it isn’t anything to be worried about.

I’m hopefully going to join the GX family next week. So far everything is looking pretty good. Looking at a white 2004 GX470 with 194k miles. A lot of repairs were made 35k miles or less on it like the timing belt, new radiator, lower control arms replaced, new rear shocks & airbags & CV Boots.

Anything else I should be looking out for? Seller is asking $8200 for it. Thanks!

 

[GBinAZ]

Make sure the sunroof works and make sure the diff lock works, two things I forgot in my excitement to get a GX. See if he has records of the transmission fluid being changed.

 

[sandiegokid18]

Thanks for the comment. I will absolutely make sure both work!

Looking at the service records, the transmission fluid was done ~26k miles ago 2 years ago.

 

[CarolinaGX]

Don't drive on the pavement with the diff lock on. Just confirm that it locks