Deciding between 2 '04 GX470s---Little Help?

[ewrk1989]

Hi, All:

I've combed the forums and determined that so far, there doesn't seem to be a good solution in the event that the touchscreen system fails on a GX470. I don't care about the nav, but I DO care about the HVAC controls.

I test drove a very nice 470 today with only ~144xxx miles, and a very good service history. Even the undercarriage was doing well, just some rust around the trailer hitch welds. Great interior, and priced at $10.5k, which I intend to negotiate down. The touchscreen worked great, but I'm concerned if it were ever to break--I'm buying used and "cheap" hoping to make this thing last another 7-8 years or until it dies (300k miles maybe?)

There is another 470 (same price, ~155xxx miles) in the area that does not have the integrated nav/hvac/touch screen but the service history is not as great. Not as many oil changes showing up, has had rotor problems, leaky radiator, drive shaft sticking, leaking CV boots. Customer had declined everything except radiator replacement (this is all according to the Lexus Service History).

What would you do--trust the integrated nav on the well maintained vehicle? Or force the dealer to repair all the items on the other vehicle and negotiate down a whole lot?

Thanks!

 

[bap5340]

My recommendation would be to go with the GX that is more mechanically sound. Patience can be rewarded. I found a GX470 sport without nav (after 18 months of looking actively). My decision was driven by a desire to update the stereo to current technology. The GX is a great platform that is a joy to drive. If you opt for the non-nav truck, It sounds like there is quite a bit of catching up to do mechanically. You will want to address all of those issues.

I understand that failures on the nav screens are rare. Fortunately the Temp up and down for both driver and passenger are hard buttons along with the Auto button, and the Fan OFF button. Hopefully if you lost the screen you could still alter the temps. The auto button will drive the fan.

I recommend you call these folks and ask about failures and how they manifest in the Lexus head unit. Stereo CD DVD Navigation Plasma LCD TV, DJ Equipment Repair. I have no personal experience with this company, but they list repairs for many Lexus vehicles.

 

[mtwilly87]

I agree with bap5340. I don't think I've ever heard of a touch screen failing. I've got a nav unit and it's not that bad. My mounted iPhone is the source of all of my music and navigation needs. There are some people reverse engineering the nav unit to try and replace it with a non nav climate controls and thereby allow you to put in an aftermarket unit. I wouldn't let a mechanically solid and good vehicle go just because it has the nav unit, but that's just me.

 

[JLee]

I agree with bap5340. I don't think I've ever heard of a touch screen failing. I've got a nav unit and it's not that bad. My mounted iPhone is the source of all of my music and navigation needs. There are some people reverse engineering the nav unit to try and replace it with a non nav climate controls and thereby allow you to put in an aftermarket unit. I wouldn't let a mechanically solid and good vehicle go just because it has the nav unit, but that's just me.

I was in a similar situation - my '05 had great records, KDSS, but nav. I snagged it for super cheap and if the nav ever does fail (which I very rarely have seen), I'll pull a junkyard unit or something to replace it. I'd prefer no-nav but it wasn't enough to get me to pass on this truck.

 

[BlackCat]

I'd much rather put a used display screen in than replace a trans that fails due to lack of service, or an engine that fails due to lack of oil changes. It seems like a no brainer to me.

 

[ewrk1989]

Thanks for the input, all. Reckon I'm a little apprehensive here. I made an offer and the best the dealer will come to is $10,500. I'm not saying it's a bad deal, but still feels high if I look on Edmunds/KBB/other sellers in the area. I have faith in the drivetrain, and I don't care if down the line the heated seats or backup camera crap out. Rather, it's all the ageing luxury stuff that is also pretty critical:

• driver side power seat (adjustments are fine for now but it is loose/wiggly on the base)
• tilt-telescope wheel that has to move every time you get in the car--seems like expensive mechanism to repair/replace
• previously mentioned touch screen concerns (but I hear you guys on the low risk there)

I otherwise think it's a fantastic vehicle, and with minimal rust on the chassis. Hard decisions when working on a budget, because the "simpler" to maintain/repair vehicles like 4Runner aren't big enough inside to me (I'm 6'3", 235lbs).

I got some thinking to do. Open to any input.

 

[mtwilly87]

Good thinking. I hear you on the steering wheel. I had the dealer turn mine off as well as the always on orange running lights for $20. So that's another luxury item you don't need to fret about-it can be turned off. Can the driver side seat be tightened up?

 

[BlackCat]

Can you negotiate to fix the drivers seat wobble in that price? My telescopic motor still works just fine on my 03. It can be turned off as well, if you're worried about it.
Also, on the second one did the items the previous owner declined to do get fixed? Those are common issues these trucks have. My 03 needed a radiator at 140k, it had both calipers done at 136k, driveshaft replaced under warranty, I just replaced a torn CV boot, etc.
Keep in mind that sketchy maintenance on Lexus website doesn't mean it wasn't taken care of, it just means it wasn't done by Lexus. My truck for example, will have no history after 120k on their website, as I've done all the maintenance and repairs myself. It did, however, have 9 pages of records which really influenced my decision to buy it. You just have to go with your gut.

 

[ewrk1989]

Good points...I would definitely turn off the tilt-telescope feature. Regarding whether the declined items were fixed, I'm not sure I have a way of knowing. But yea, I definitely understand that they could have been done. Reckon I'd have to look at that one in person to verify.

I'd negotiate to have the driver seat tuned up if I buy it, for sure. I think I'm gonna sit on the idea over the holiday, see how I feel Monday.

 

[BlackCat]

Good points...I would definitely turn off the tilt-telescope feature. Regarding whether the declined items were fixed, I'm not sure I have a way of knowing. But yea, I definitely understand that they could have been done. Reckon I'd have to look at that one in person to verify.

I'd negotiate to have the driver seat tuned up if I buy it, for sure. I think I'm gonna sit on the idea over the holiday, see how I feel Monday.

Ya, I'd look them over really well. Even though it's a Lexus, at 150k+, it's probably going to need a repair or two. It would definitely be in your best interest to go over it with a fine toothed comb. The more you find wrong, the more you can use that in negotiations, or that you may need to pass on it.

Edit; what state are you in? Maybe there's another member here or on the GXOR forum on Facebook that can look at it as well, if you're not super mechanically inclined.

 

[ewrk1989]

I'm in Missouri. I'm "mechanically inclined" but with complex systems like a specific vehicle model...well, it's a bit opaque unless you have a lot of experience with that exact thing.

 

[co4wheel]

There is another 470 (same price, ~155xxx miles) in the area that does not have the integrated nav/hvac/touch screen but the service history is not as great. Not as many oil changes showing up, has had rotor problems, leaky radiator, drive shaft sticking, leaking CV boots. Customer had declined everything except radiator replacement (this is all according to the Lexus Service History).

Thanks!

-So it needs brakes. No big deal
-Sticky drive shaft. Needs a shot of grease
-leaky boots. That could be simple as a new clamp or it might need a new cv.

Yeah. Radiator is done.

All the above are going to fail/need attention on a car that hits 200k or more. It's just normal stuff. If that stuff worries you your not a 300k mile kind of guy. I prefer the one that had the repair done right then one that looks cherry on paper but is just about to have a ton of stuff need repair.

I bought mine at 80k with new brakes, radiator and timing belt. Cost her over $3500. Me nothing.