Newer member here as I have posted some other questions more recently. I don't have much experience here with the Lexus model SUV's per say but not a stranger to Lexus/Toyota in general having owned a 00' GS400, 01' IS300, 96' 4 Runner, 08' ISF and current owner of an 08' Rav4 I4 a 12' ISF. So I am asking for some opinions since I am a car guy. Is there a discernable difference between the VVTI and Non VVTI engine? Is it worth looking for one or the other? Thanks in advance
2005 GX470 vs 2003/04 GX470 (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter MickeyBob
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Thanks guys and girls. Just like any other Lexus Forum. Have some simple questions from a newbie and he/she doesn't deserve a pot to piss in. Lol.
The GX section of Mud isn't as active as say the 40, 80 or 100 series sections - it sometimes takes days to get a response. If you want instant replies, check out the GXOR facebook group.
Per your original question, I have an '04 and have no experience with the later models so I can't comment on differences but I've been really happy with ours. From my time here lurking on Mud it doesn't seem like one is necessarily better than the other and I wouldn't let it impact your search more than things like maintenance history, rust, KDSS, Nav, etc.
Welcome to Mud, and good luck with your search!
Per your original question, I have an '04 and have no experience with the later models so I can't comment on differences but I've been really happy with ours. From my time here lurking on Mud it doesn't seem like one is necessarily better than the other and I wouldn't let it impact your search more than things like maintenance history, rust, KDSS, Nav, etc.
Welcome to Mud, and good luck with your search!
Vvti has a bit more power but a properly maintained 03-04 keeps up just fine. Plus...not secondary air and a metal intake.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for responding. I have had many Toyota/Lexus vehicles VVTI and non VVTI, but never in a truck and the thing is that it very hard to discern VVTI and non VVTI in vehicles that are different. So an 0' IS300 an 00' GS400 and an 08 and 12 ISF are all different. Thank you for the reply
Two other places with goof info are:
lexusgxor.com
And
www.toyota120.com
I say go with the one with the best maintenance records with acceptable mileage
general:purchasing [GX Offroad]
And
Lexus GX470
www.toyota120.com
I say go with the one with the best maintenance records with acceptable mileage
- Thread starter
- #7
Appreciate the reply. Often enough a 35 hp increase is substantial. But like anything else I guess it depends how it distributed. Doing my research I haven't seen anything that would be pro any version vs the other. But just thought I would ask.
- Thread starter
- #8
Two other places with goof info are:
general:purchasing [GX Offroad]
And
Lexus GX470
I say go with the one with the best maintenance records with acceptable mileage
Thanks for the info and the links. I have been torn between the GX and LX. And not sure yet which one to choose.
If you need the room and your trails are open the LX. Otherwise the GX.
The VVTI hp difference is most noticeable to me accelerating from 45-50 to 70-75mph. Like merging into traffic from an on ramp. I agree maintenance records and condition are the ultimate guide on buying a specific vehicle. Good luck in your hunt
I'm too trying to decide 100 vs 120. I have an 80 on 37's and we just traded the wires 16 4Runner for a 19 Camry.
The deals on 120's make it a hard choice.
The deals on 120's make it a hard choice.
- Thread starter
- #12
If you want a very clean 1999 LX470 let me know I know where one is hiding
I started cross shopping GX and LXs before a nice GX fell into my lap..one thing I could be wrong about is the adjustable height suspension in the LX seems to be on all 4 corners and seems to be a complex system. The easier the better for me who likes to save some coin doing what mechanic work I can myself.
470SNC
03 GX470
Ive had a 06 and now a 03 and honestly cant feel the difference in power. The 06 has slightly nicer interior but relatively the same. Either or you cant go wrong.
I've only ever driven '04s, but ended up putting a deposit on an '05.
Here is what I know...
05 with VVTi is rated for more HP and 1 more highway MPG.
05 has the secondary air pump, which the 03/04 doesn't have. These often fail, and should be bypassed.
05 doesn't specify premium gas which the 06+ does, even though it has the same engine.
I've read, anecdotally, that the 03/04 have a bit more low-end grunt which is countered by the 05 making more power up high.
I don't think either engine will make a big difference. I think maintenance records and vehicle condition will be the most important.
Here is what I know...
05 with VVTi is rated for more HP and 1 more highway MPG.
05 has the secondary air pump, which the 03/04 doesn't have. These often fail, and should be bypassed.
05 doesn't specify premium gas which the 06+ does, even though it has the same engine.
I've read, anecdotally, that the 03/04 have a bit more low-end grunt which is countered by the 05 making more power up high.
I don't think either engine will make a big difference. I think maintenance records and vehicle condition will be the most important.
I thought premium was required in all, no?
The owner's manual for 05 (and 03/04) states:
Fuel selection: Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended.
The 06 manual states:
Fuel selection: Select premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher for optimum engine performance. However, if such premium type cannot be obtained, you may temporarily use unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87 (Research Octane Number 91).
xlx
SILVER Star
I’m running 87 octane in my 2003 with no issues at all. I’m running BFG KO2’s LT 265 70 17 and get 16-18 mpg.
So my 04 looks like 86 is good
. Wonder what changed, if anything....? Compression?at least you didn't get the generic DO A SEARCH response
and listen, i've found this forum to be immensely knowledgeable, but we're mainly a bunch of old farts... so it takes a while for us to fire up our internet machines and check in.
anyhow, 120 is a great rig... i opted for the '06 b/c i wanted to additional power, but there's a simplicity to the non-vvti engine that is nice... plus, there are rumblings about AIP failures, worth reading about:
forum.ih8mud.com
and listen, i've found this forum to be immensely knowledgeable, but we're mainly a bunch of old farts... so it takes a while for us to fire up our internet machines and check in.
anyhow, 120 is a great rig... i opted for the '06 b/c i wanted to additional power, but there's a simplicity to the non-vvti engine that is nice... plus, there are rumblings about AIP failures, worth reading about:
06/07 Air Induction Pump Failure & Bypass
Hi all, I figured I should post this in case others run into the same problem as me in the future. I bought an 06 LX470 with 96k miles last month from a Lexus dealer. Long story short, the secondary air induction system pump failed with code p2445 (Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck OFF...
forum.ih8mud.com
