Anyone ever consider downsizing to 1st Gen GX/120?
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I was looking at 4th gen 4Runners (could not find a low mileage limited, and did not like the cheap interior of the new ones) and briefly looked at the GX when I saw used GXs were nearly the same price as used 4Rs, but I just couldn't get over the rear side swinging barn door.
If you can get over the rear door of the GX, sure why not. It sounds like you don't like the size of the 200; life is short, drive something you like, as long as it's financially permitting. Just be aware that the GX is not that much better on gas.
If you can get over the rear door of the GX, sure why not. It sounds like you don't like the size of the 200; life is short, drive something you like, as long as it's financially permitting. Just be aware that the GX is not that much better on gas.
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Agree
Additionally,
I just wish that Lexus changed the door hinge side on the GX. It is made to open for Japan, and not USA, where it opens wrong side form the curb, which is silly.
The sideways door is not as big of a deal that most people make it out to be. In many ways, it's more civilized.
Advantages:
1) It gets out of the way, and doesn't interfere with roof mounted items. I have to watch skis and cargo box clearance with the 200-series hatch and spoiler.
2) It doesn't make the reach into the rear as deep as the tailgate does in the 200-hundred. Often, I have had to jump up onto the tailgate, and crawl in to get at stuff.
3) Sideways swing keeps the door light. No hefting tailgate or hatch into place. Especially on a lifted 200-series where the hatch starts getting up there. Thankfully, the LX570 has a powered lift-gate that the wife really appreciates.
4) It's a nice place to mount a fold down table which could be more useful than using a tailgate as a table.
5) My wife has a Rav4 with the sideways door, and parents a GX470. In use, the side it swings to has never been an issue.
Advantages:
1) It gets out of the way, and doesn't interfere with roof mounted items. I have to watch skis and cargo box clearance with the 200-series hatch and spoiler.
2) It doesn't make the reach into the rear as deep as the tailgate does in the 200-hundred. Often, I have had to jump up onto the tailgate, and crawl in to get at stuff.
3) Sideways swing keeps the door light. No hefting tailgate or hatch into place. Especially on a lifted 200-series where the hatch starts getting up there. Thankfully, the LX570 has a powered lift-gate that the wife really appreciates.
4) It's a nice place to mount a fold down table which could be more useful than using a tailgate as a table.
5) My wife has a Rav4 with the sideways door, and parents a GX470. In use, the side it swings to has never been an issue.
+1 I feel like the 200 is a bit small. It's actually the perfect size between big and handling but kindof small/medium in terms of how many bodies I can fit in the vehicle.
I like the side swinging door on the GX. Wouldn't trade it for a lift gate if one were an option. And I like that it opens from the driver side. GX = winning! 
I wanted a GX sooo badly about a year ago. But '09 was the last year for the generation I was interested in, I looked at a bunch of them and they were all too rusty underneath and had been beat to death. I found a nice one in PA, but it sold before I could get the deposit. I have no interest in the GX460, besides the barn door (which I don't like) I absolutely can't stand that stupid powered 3rd row seat that would be a nightmare to remove and look decent. We would never ever use it, but that raised floor would always be in the way. What a dumb idea to make that standard. Besides, the interior is bland, and let's not even mention that hideous front grille in the latest models.
Battleship
GOLD Star
A set of KO2’s almost eliminated this problem for me. To the point where I almost cancelled the lift and shock upgrade.
My 200 replaced a 2011 MDX, which was 1” wider; so they aren’t as bad as they seem.
My Wrangler also opens that way. So it’s not just a Japanese thing.Agree
Additionally,
I just wish that Lexus changed the door hinge side on the GX. It is made to open for Japan, and not USA, where it opens wrong side form the curb, which is silly.
- Thread starter
- #31
Interesting. This thing came with Revo2's that are a little narrower than stock. I wonder if they are contributing to the float factor?
I don't have any idea what the poster is talking about with rattles and coming apart. They are just as tight at the 100 series and in fact feel better to me on the road. It feels more planted.
Try out a 460, see what you think.
Try out a 460, see what you think.
In case you're a geek like me and like to compare with numbers...
I came from a '12 Tundra Double Cab which was too big IMO, so the LC 200 feels like the perfect size to me. It's definitely not a small rig, but on the trails, it feels at home.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Interesting that despite the 200 being 1.2" wider, it still bests the 100's turn circle by a full foot.
Gvwr on my 2006 v6 4RUNNER is 5580lbs
Good catch. Looks like I pulled incorrectly from the 2WD column. Interesting that payload doesn't change as curb increases by the same amount as GWVR.
Interesting, the 200 has .9" less ground clearance than the 100. I wonder why Toyota went that route?
Yup, cool thing about a 4Runner is that you can build it relatively light. Mine is fully kitted and now weighs 4800lbs.
