Anyone ever consider downsizing to 1st Gen GX/120?

[427Monster]

Are you seriously comparing a GX470 to a 200??? At least compare a GX460. I currently own both. I use GX470 to haul compost, leave at airports, and give rides to my son's dirty, messy friends.


I'm only going to address your 3 concerns.

1. 4.7 vs 5.7 no contest. Mpg is not much different.
2. GX has "comical" body roll, even in lowest height and sport setting.
3. GX is fugly.
4. $15-20k is way too much for a GX470, even a really nice example.

No doubt GX is nice.......but compared to a 200??

4 months in on 200 ownership and I'm starting to think this sucker is just too damn big. It's enormous and it doesn't hide its bulk well. Gas mileage is comical. You never lose sight of the giant hood bulges and A-pillars and the ride is so, so floaty. I don't recall the 100 series feeling this "big". Though it was also a big vehicle, it "drove smaller" FWIW.

Having previously owned a 4th Gen 4R V8 I'm finding myself yearning for that size vehicle again. That was a terrific V8 and yet that platform still had a truck frame and fairly modern appointments having run from 03-09. I never really looked at the GX from the same era before, but aside from that ridiculous side-swing door they seem REALLY nice, and the styling is actually not as polarizing as most modern Lexus designs. And attainable for less than half the price of a nice used 200. We're talking 15-20K for a really nice example. I certainly would not miss the payment on the 200.

My 200's CPO warranty is transferrable which should make it a really appealing used buy. I can't believe I'm thinking about this but it's starting to really make sense. Thoughts?

 

[coleAK]

I had a GX loaner for almost a month when Lexus dealer messes up a PM on my ‘13 LX and had to wait for parts... anyway as others have said MPG is almost exactly the same. That really suppressed me as I expected the HX to be noticeably better. That said if I didn’t tow a 7k trailer I would have bought a GX instead of my LX. And after driving that one I would have been completely happy. It drives/handles tighter, is slightly smaller, and still feels solid and well built.

 

[overl4nd]

4 months in on 200 ownership and I'm starting to think this sucker is just too damn big. It's enormous and it doesn't hide its bulk well. Gas mileage is comical. You never lose sight of the giant hood bulges and A-pillars and the ride is so, so floaty. I don't recall the 100 series feeling this "big". Though it was also a big vehicle, it "drove smaller" FWIW.

Having previously owned a 4th Gen 4R V8 I'm finding myself yearning for that size vehicle again. That was a terrific V8 and yet that platform still had a truck frame and fairly modern appointments having run from 03-09. I never really looked at the GX from the same era before, but aside from that ridiculous side-swing door they seem REALLY nice, and the styling is actually not as polarizing as most modern Lexus designs. And attainable for less than half the price of a nice used 200. We're talking 15-20K for a really nice example. I certainly would not miss the payment on the 200.

My 200's CPO warranty is transferrable which should make it a really appealing used buy. I can't believe I'm thinking about this but it's starting to really make sense. Thoughts?

I own a GX 470. I have also driven a LC 105 (Diesel) in Caucasus mountains on a trip extensively. And yes the LC is very big.
If you do not need the size the GX470 can had for real low price. However remember, the 460 is mode modern and you may want to take a look at that

Other points

1. If you do not get a non nav version (which is rare) you are more or less stuck with stock radio. There are bluetooths solutions available like BT-45, but they do not hold a candle to 2011+ native bluetooth music solution
2. The 5 speed and the 4.7L give you similar fuel economy as the bigger LC
3. There is mo MTS, or crawl control if that's your thing
4. If you like rock crawling, you will bust your rear diff. Thats the achillis heel

That said, you can get a 2006ish 120-130K mile sample for less than 15k, and then all it take is another 2000$ for lifting and removing the air bags. So you can actually build a very nice vehicle less than 20K with lift and armor. It is really a nice truck

But then again, if you desire something more modern, look at 460. Go for a 2011+ model. These can be had for less than 25K easily, and are 6 speed, and very little investment can give you crawl control and MTS

 

[Chocolate]

Skinny RLCAs on the GX (nice GX though)

 

[TeCKis300]

^That looks incredibly fiesty and angry! Complete 180 from its confused frumpy roots. Dare I say that's an almost perfect size overlanding/backcountry toy that I would be happy to rock.

 

[tbisaacs]

I run with a lot of GXOR folks here in Seattle area. The GX is almost a goldilocks sized rig and plenty capable for most people. The 470's Achilles heel is it's fragile 8" diff. The 460 got the 8.2" and is a bit more durable. If the hatch swung the other way we would have seriously considered a 1st-gen 460 (before the goofy lexus grill).

 

[KLF]

That stupid built in power folding 3rd row seat that sucks up all that space just ruined the 460 for me. Not a fan of the rear door either.

 

[TeCKis300]

I like the LC split hatch. Yet IMO, the swing door gets a bad rap. It's actually preferable in its own right in many ways. My wife has a Rav4 with a wrong way swing door. In practice, the swing door is an non-issue. Lighter to use. Faster to use. Easier to reach into the bay. Which way it swings has never been an issue.

LC's can't use a swing door lest it acts like a giant swinging wall on account of its size.

For smaller cars like the GX, FJ, Rav4... Toyota knows what it's doing.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Had a 2009 GX470 for 5 years and then sold it to buy a 2010 LC after the GX was damaged in a hailstorm.

My perspective -

1. GX was far quieter and the interior had nicer materials than the 200. Not a rattle, creak, or squeak with 120K miles. Seats in the GX were more comfortable too.
2. GX mpg was 18 mpg with oversized tires, no matter how I drove. I get 12-16 in the 200 with oversized tires, depending on city vs highway.
3. GX felt nimble. The 200, not so much.
4. GX rear door and cargo capacity both stink compared to the 200. The thing I don't like about the swinging door is that stuff falls out when you open the door on an incline.
5. While not as powerful as the 5.7, the 4.7 in the GX470 was a joy to drive. I've driven GX460s and 5th Gen 4Runners and hated the lack of power off the line.
6. I don't find either hard to park, but the GX is mildly easier.
7. Tech-wise, the 2009 GX and the 2010 LC are basically the same, although the Mark Levinson stereo sounds much better to my ears than the LC's JBL system.
8. Take your pick on maintenance - (4.7) Timing belt, radiator, and alternator vs (5.7) Starter, radiator, and water pump

GX470s have their pros and cons. Anyone asking the question of whether they might like one should definitely check it out.

 

[TeCKis300]

Had a 2009 GX470 for 5 years and then sold it to buy a 2010 LC after the GX was damaged in a hailstorm.

My perspective -

1. GX was far quieter and the interior had nicer materials than the 200. Not a rattle, creak, or squeak with 120K miles. Seats in the GX were more comfortable too.
2. GX mpg was 18 mpg with oversized tires, no matter how I drove. I get 12-16 in the 200 with oversized tires, depending on city vs highway.
3. GX felt nimble. The 200, not so much.
4. GX rear door and cargo capacity both stink compared to the 200. The thing I don't like about the swinging door is that stuff falls out when you open the door on an incline.
5. While not as powerful as the 5.7, the 4.7 in the GX470 was a joy to drive. I've driven GX460s and 5th Gen 4Runners and hated the lack of power off the line.
6. I don't find either hard to park, but the GX is mildly easier.
7. Tech-wise, the 2009 GX and the 2010 LC are basically the same, although the Mark Levinson stereo sounds much better to my ears than the LC's JBL system.
8. Take your pick on maintenance - (4.7) Timing belt, radiator, and alternator vs (5.7) Starter, radiator, and water pump

GX470s have their pros and cons. Anyone asking the question of whether they might like one should definitely check it out.

I agree with all of that having a GX in the family which I've spent lots of time with.

I get you're comparing the GX to the LC as those are the vehicles you've had. I'm sure you know the GX's daddy is the LX. LX interior is a notch above both. The Mark Levinson Reference another, as it's one of only two models (LS is the other) to get it.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I get you're comparing the GX to the LC as those are the vehicles you've had. I'm sure you know the GX's daddy is the LX. LX interior is a notch above both. The Mark Levinson Reference another, as it's one of only two models (LS is the other) to get it.

Point well taken. I like my LC but I think I'd like the LX570 even more. (We need a "tip my hat" emoji)

 

[Yossarian]

For smaller cars like the GX, FJ, Rav4... Toyota knows what it's doing.

Could you please expand on that thought? I find the split tailgate of the full size LC brilliant. That said, the barn door, which I don't like, could be tolerable with window access for most of the time.

 

[TeCKis300]

Could you please expand on that thought? I find the split tailgate of the full size LC brilliant. That said, the barn door, which I don't like, could be tolerable with window access for most of the time.

Sure.

The GX, FJ, Rav4 are all semi-compact and narrow rigs. Dimensionally, the relatively narrow swing door is not so large as to swing on a huge arc. Not unlike a normal passenger door. Many many vehicles use a swing door on account of it being faster access, more durable (no struts), and easy to reach into. I'm sure we've all had to jump up onto the tailgate to reach into the cargo hold. Wife's wouldn't appreciate doing that.

The Mercedes G uses a swing door. Majority of commercial rigs use split swing doors. There's inherent advantages. Albiet disadvantages too.

Don't get me wrong. I love the split tailgate on the 200-series. I wouldn't want anything else and It's the right design for the application.

Just that I don't knock swing doors as I think it's the right design for the GX, FJ, and Rav4.

And lift gates are great for the 4Runner, Highlander, RX, etc.

Consider when the 200-series is paired with rear tire carriers. It's probably 5-6 some steps to fully get at the rear compartment. Some have realized the huge inconvenience this is for a daily driver after the fact, while others put up with it on account of it being more expo.

WAF - wife acceptance factor... No friggen way.

With a side swing door - I'll let the video speak for itself

 

[CGP]

My brother has a '15 GX460 and it is great. He lives in an urban area and his wife works downtown so size is obviously important too. I was actually thinking about getting one as well but couldn't bring myself to be car twins with him. For the money (used ones are cheap and plentiful) i don't think there are many better suv's out there. Doesn't the 470 have belt driven timing? That and teh dated looks would steer me toward the 460 every time.

 

[JLee]

My brother has a '15 GX460 and it is great. He lives in an urban area and his wife works downtown so size is obviously important too. I was actually thinking about getting one as well but couldn't bring myself to be car twins with him. For the money (used ones are cheap and plentiful) i don't think there are many better suv's out there. Doesn't the 470 have belt driven timing? That and teh dated looks would steer me toward the 460 every time.

The 470 does have a timing belt. For a ~$1k service every 90k miles, the 2UZ will run basically forever:

Here's What A Toyota Truck Looks Like After 1,000,000 Miles - Jalopnik

Toyota is going to dismantle and study this 2007 Tundra pickup truck, which single-owner Victor Sheppard put over a million miles on in less than a decade. It’s still standing strong with the original engine, transmission and paint job.

jalopnik.com

 

[Tex68w]

Been kicking around the idea of picking up a 460, throw some 32's or 33's on it with a 3" lift, wouldn't be a bad step up from the 4Runner.

 

[SchobTime]

I threw some 265/65/18 Nitto RGs on my wife’s 460 with some Fuel trophy wheels .. they are about the tallest tire you can go without a lift, I want to say they are in the 31.5x11x18 range. Looks much better then the stock Bridgestone Dueler s***e

 

[Recon Aircrew]

Regarding the size, that’s a personal thing. However , it is smaller than a Tahoe and easy to park IMO even in the garage I use at work every day. I had a 4-Runner previously and found the cabin to be way too cramped. I think the Land Cruiser is the perfect size. Again, all personal opinion (and I’m like 6’ 2”)

I agree about the soft stock ride. It’s like a boat. I now have the BP-51 suspension on my ‘13 with 285/65/18 Nitto AT’s and I think the ride is fantastic! So much so that I just ordered the same for my wife’s ‘16 (with BFG 285/16’s) after having mine for installed for about 18 months.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Pookguy]

I've only test driven the LC but it seems like dimension specs they are the same size as a MDX/X5/Q7 and not in the same size as the Tahoe/Yukons. I always see the LC put into the large SUV category, yet based on specs, it is more like a mid?

 

[tbisaacs]

I've only test driven the LC but it seems like dimension specs they are the same size as a MDX/X5/Q7 and not in the same size as the Tahoe/Yukons. I always see the LC put into the large SUV category, yet based on specs, it is more like a mid?

LC200 is 112" wheelbase, current gen Tahoe is 116". The large SUV category is more based on body-on-frame construction rather than a certain wheelbase class, right? MDX/X5/Q7 are all cross-over based architectures—unibody, multi-link rear, struts in front etc.