best year and what to look for?

[jeremy56]

Hey guys I'm in the market for a GX...maybe. I have an 80 that I just rebuilt and my wife is in need of a vehicle. Her vw diesel is part of the buyback going on and we should get out of it by fall. I have some time to research the next vehicle and I'm leaning toward the gx 470 or 4runner. I would hope to take off road mildly as in exploring the sw as we do pretty regularly.
What are opinions on most reliable, most economical (if such a thing), best case scenario to find used in the next few months and pull the trigger on.
Thanks
Jeremy

 

[LastPlace]

Check this link out. Lexus GX470 It lists the differences between the model years. 05+ for a little more power, 07+ for upgraded Nav and AUX input, 08+ for upgraded interior and exterior bits. Personally, I've been trying to find an 08-09. Mostly due to not liking the Pre 08s yellow section on the taillights and the lighter yellow colored wood trim. I know it sounds stupid and nit picking but it's personal preference.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of the model years. Probably the 4 most important things to look at are your budget, mileage of vehicle, vehicle's maintenance history (90k should have timing belt and water pump done), and amount of rust underneath. But I haven't seen as many people emphasize a rust free vehicle as much as the people on the 100 forums.

Other options to look out for on a vehicle:
OEM tow hitch (rated higher towing capacity compared to aftermarket)
Nav or Non Nav (currently with nav can't be upgraded to aftermarket system without losing AC... hard to find non nav)
Sport package with KDSS (needle in a haystack)

 

[JLee]

If you find a sport package, you have black wood and don't have the lighter colored stuff.

 

[jeremy56]

Thanks for the feedback, this kdss, is it something that wears out and makes aftermarket suspension harder to deal with or irrelevant?
And is there a way to tell without calling and asking everyone?

 

[Bluetribal]

Personally, I've been trying to find an 08-09. Mostly due to not liking the Pre 08s yellow section on the taillights and the lighter yellow colored wood trim. I know it sounds stupid and nit picking but it's personal preference.

Ha! But you can deal with those horrible looking lights in the rear bumper on the 460's! Too funny!

 

[Onefastrx7turbo]

 

[rstl99]

... and amount of rust underneath. But I haven't seen as many people emphasize a rust free vehicle as much as the people on the 100 forums.

Although the OP lives in NM and rust will never be an issue there, I second this criteria for anyone in the rust belt reading this thread and contemplating a GX470. I've looked at 2-3 specimens before buying mine, and some similar year 4Runners (who share the same chassis more or less), and was disappointed to see the amount of extensive rust underneath (frame members, axles, brake lines, brake backing plates, any exposed bracket or hardware, etc.). Whatever paint or rust-proofing is applied by Toyota-Lexus at the factory is not able to keep up with winters and road salt up here in N-E. Most buyers of such a vehicle would look at the nice paint (they rarely rust up top) and lovely interior and never think of peeking underneath. It's always the first place I look at! Thankfully up here where I live there are products and services (rust-proofing shops) to help keep the rust at bay if not too serious to start with, but it's surprising how few people spend the money on this. I've owned a few 60 series Land Cruisers that rotted away on me underneath which is one reason I'm so anal about chassis rust on any vehicle. Not to mention the unsafe aspect of having a rusty brake line go on you when you least expect it (happened to me too, back in the days).
Hope this helps.

 

[MightyBombJAC]

Thanks for the feedback, this kdss, is it something that wears out and makes aftermarket suspension harder to deal with or irrelevant?
And is there a way to tell without calling and asking everyone?

I was able to find a 05 Sport Package without navigation. That gave me everything that I could ask for. The black wood interior, VVTi engine, KDSS, and an upgradable radio. It took me about 6 months of searching to find it though. Still haven't seen another one like it. But to answer your question, The KDSS doesn't seem to have any reliability issues and there are plenty of parts that fit with the KDSS. I've seen some great builds utilizing the KDSS.