decisions, decisions.. which GX

[Bushmaster6]

been actively shopping for 05-09 GX for about a month now along the Colorado front range.. have made a few offers (at dealers) but haven't been able to come to common ground on price.

vehicle will be daily driver for wife and our two young kids, and potential long-term replacement for my current FZJ-80 for family travel, camping, hitting the trails/parks in the west... but for the first three years it will accompany us to Germany as I'm currently on orders for a military move there... not exactly sure where we'll end up when I finish that tour, but will try and get back to Colorado again.

Preference is for grey interior with sport/KDSS, but that's (as you'd expect) been hard to find, even in Colorado

I'm now considering decision between one of two vehicles (both are silver exterior with 3rd row seats):

2006 GX, 66k miles, silver over tan, Nav, DVD, and target price of about $23k, and will change timing belt prior to our departure to Germany.

2008 GX, 109k, sport package/KDSS, silver over gray, nav, DVD, one owner (trade in at dealer) but little/no maintenance history (I'm already expecting to change timing belt), dealer has basically told me we won't go below 24k for price (they're asking 28), plus dealer fees so, my cost 24.5k before taxes.

The prices are relatively close, options are close but the '08 has the interior color/trim we like and the KDSS, but comes with 40k more miles and little/no maintenance history, and it's a 4-hour drive away.

the question:

My practical side says this is an easy decision to go with the low-mileage '06, but.. everything I read about KDSS/Sport tells me it's important to consider. Is it important enough to pay 1k more for a truck with 40,000 additional miles?

I've seen some complaints in here about older nav systems, but not sure what the difference in user interface is?
Does the nav system update functionally with a map upgrade or is that just the map data? (In Europe we'll likely just use a Garmin anyway, but we'd upgrade the US maps upon return to the states).

We're under considerable time pressure so I can't afford to keep shopping for too long (maybe another ten days) otherwise I'd hold out for the "right deal" as new trucks populate the classifieds here almost daily.

I'd appreciate your thoughts from owner experiences.

If/when we make our decision, I'll post up results here.

 

[IanB]

Both are '05+ so both have the vvt-i engine with more power than the older ones. I wouldn't pay an extra cent for the nav, in fact I'd prefer without so you could easily swap an aftermarket deck in. I also wanted a grey interior, but couldn't find any when I was looking. I've never driven one with KDSS so I can't comment on that.

What service history does the '06 have that the '08 doesn't have? I'd change the timing belt/water pump on either before going to Germany, so if they are both otherwise mechanically sound it's a toss up. Make sure the rear air suspension cycles to high and low modes, and check the rear axles to see if the bump stops have been bottoming out on the tops of them, repairs to this system can be very expensive.

 

[470reasons]

As for factory NAV, I feel it is not a worthwhile option. My 2004 GX has NAV with the latest DVD software. To put it mildly, it sucks. A $99 stand alone GPS has better performance. (From what I've read the 2008 GX NAV system is considered outdated as well.) Also, when you have NAV, the climate control functions are all part of the NAV system and touch screen. If something goes wrong with the display or NAV electronics, it will cost big bucks. There is no practical way to upgrade the sound system with an aftermarket head unit. Pretty much stuck with the factory setup for life. If I buy another GX, it will NOT have factory NAV.
Oooh, was that a rant? S`O`R`R`Y!

 

[Bushmaster6]

I'm glad you posted this..

test drove the '06 tonight and it was "okay".. despite a good service history on the carfax, it had more (cosmetic) wear and tear than I'd hoped.. something we can overlook as we know our kids are going to do some more to it.. I DID feel the arse end of it feel like it bottomed out over a few speed bumps in a parking lot.. remarked to my wife that it felt like it was hitting the bump stops.. something i'll definitely look into. Is this a function of the air bag system failing?

 

[RCsGX]

I'm glad you posted this..

test drove the '06 tonight and it was "okay".. despite a good service history on the carfax, it had more (cosmetic) wear and tear than I'd hoped.. something we can overlook as we know our kids are going to do some more to it.. I DID feel the arse end of it feel like it bottomed out over a few speed bumps in a parking lot.. remarked to my wife that it felt like it was hitting the bump stops.. something i'll definitely look into. Is this a function of the air bag system failing?

Yes bottoming out is related to the ride height system. It could be a cheap job or a very expensive job. Check some threads on clublexus.com (CL), in the 1st gen GX forum. You'll find a lot of talk about suspension problems / bottoming out. Most of the time it's the ride height sensors but not always. One thing you can do to fix the bottoming out is add washers or any type of spacers between the ride height sensor brackets and the frame to trick the sensors into lifting the rear end. Before I installed my Icon coilovers I added some washers to lift the rear up 1/2" and it helped a lot!
http://s140.photobucket.com/user/rr...oilovers/rearrideheightsensorspacers.jpg.html




Whatever year you're looking at check the dash for cracks. The last thing you want is to pay top dollar for a GX and then have to pay $1000+ on a new dash once the cracks start spreading. Check CL too for that...there's a few threads that shows pictures of cracking dashes for references.

About the Nav, it's not the best and I'd personally try to find a GX without it but if you find your perfect GX with it, it's certainly not a deal breaker. There are no known issues (unlike suspension problems) w/ the Navigation unit itself failing.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Bushmaster6]

Thanks RC.

Despite my waffling on the navigation, it's one of those things my wife would like to have, particularly for the stereo/back up camera, but also for re-sale... so in the end, that's what matters. If we ever unload the thing, it's nice to advertise it with.

Just drove a private party sale that was really impressive despite 109k miles. Detail-oriented one-owner who demonstrated he really knew the truck, and had added a few nice features (USB port for IPod/MP3 integrations, pre-wired for radar detector, 2010 map DVD, clear bra, etc). Note exactly the color combo we desire, but close enough, and at a good price.

We've made an offer.. if it goes through, will post up!

 

[RCsGX]

Thanks RC.

Despite my waffling on the navigation, it's one of those things my wife would like to have, particularly for the stereo/back up camera, but also for re-sale... so in the end, that's what matters. If we ever unload the thing, it's nice to advertise it with.

Yeah the backup camera is really helpful and I agree, even though most of us hate the factory Navi, to some that is a huge plus and will add to the selling price.

Just drove a private party sale that was really impressive despite 109k miles. Detail-oriented one-owner who demonstrated he really knew the truck, and had added a few nice features (USB port for IPod/MP3 integrations, pre-wired for radar detector, 2010 map DVD, clear bra, etc). Note exactly the color combo we desire, but close enough, and at a good price.

We've made an offer.. if it goes through, will post up!

WOW sounds nice and 1 owner is a plus.

In case you don't already know, you can sign up for free in the link below and enter the VIN and you'll be able to veiw all of the dealer maintenance that has been done to it.....
http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home

Good luck, I hope they accept your offer.

 

[Bushmaster6]

RC,
thanks for the link.. I had heard of that service but had not seen the link. Just checked it and the service history looks good. It's a little annoying that things like "90,000 service" say just that, with no itemization of what was performed. In this case, service history matches what the guy was telling me in the test drive so, that's some affirmation.

doing a PPI today and a local Toy/Lex specialist, unless something surprises us, I think this deal is going through.. excited.

 

[Bushmaster6]

I met the owner in a Home Depot parking lot. As I was leaving another silver GX pulled in and I could tell right away is was slightly different.. pulled up next to it at the light and was digging how these TRD wheels, Duratracs, and lift looked on it.. now trying to convince my wife that this is the future

 

[GXO]

Go for non-NAV and drop $2k on a really good stereo with backup camera, etc.

Everything can be done. I added all of that plus a little more to my '03 without NAV.

And the lift thing is addictive...you will end up like this:

 

[Cfbrenton1]

My main question is whether you looked at the LX? It is more vehicle and goes 400k miles....and holds its value.

 

[RCsGX]

My main question is whether you looked at the LX? It is more vehicle and goes 400k miles....and holds its value.

If the OP needs the room that's a good suggestion.

As far as 400K miles, the GX will do that too...any 2uz-fe engine will do that as long as you take care of it and do the scheduled maintenance.

 

[ckkone]

Nav or no nav not really a big deal..but I would not buy one that didn't have KDSS...

 

[Bushmaster6]

My main question is whether you looked at the LX? It is more vehicle and goes 400k miles....and holds its value.

I own an FZJ80. Floated the 100-series with wife but it's bigger/more than she wants (we ruled out a lot of 3-row vehicles prior to picking the GX). I'd be happy with one (for me), but not what she wants.


Secondly: moving to Germany. Size matters getting around in Europe. Will definitely consider a 100-series when I get back.

 

[Bushmaster6]

Nav or no nav not really a big deal..but I would not buy one that didn't have KDSS...

easier said than done.. only found 2 with KDSS in 300-mile radius of home.. one of which was the VERY FIRST GX I drove. Bid on it, dealer countered higher than we wanted to go. By the time we reconsidered, it had sold. Lesson learned.


Second GX w/KDSS I found was 4 hours away and a solid 2-3k overpriced (after we negotiated it down 4k).


Finally... I'm on a timeline. Have to have vehicle on a boat to Germany by 13 FEB. If I had to time to sit/watch, I'd hold out for it.


and.. too late.. my offer was accepted

 

[RCsGX]

and.. too late.. my offer was accepted

Congrats on your new GX....w/ Navi.

 

[patrickfinley]

Hey Bushmaster congrats!! Does the military pay for vehicle transport both ways? If so that's a great deal! It's much cheaper to buy a GX here vs Germany.

The back up camera is great, especially if you street park. My wife was 'tapping' the rear bumper all the time before we had a vehicle with a back up camera.

 

[Bushmaster6]

thanks Patrick.. yes the military pays for shipping of one POV over, and will only pay for shipping one back IF you brought one over (ie: you can't go there car-less and get funded to send one home).... that said, many of the new car sales (I don't buy new) programs over there have a deal that ships them at the end of your tour, so you can get a new Volvo (for instance), use it for a few years, and then Volvo ships it via their dealer network to the States

got the GX registered yesterday.. will get some pics up soon, supposed to be nice here in CO this weekend, so I'll wash it (snowed last night so it's currently filthy)

 

[Lifted]

I’m bumping this thread because I don’t want to start a new one and the title works perfectly. I’m finally ready to start my build, with bumpers, suspension, and tires happening next week. I thought I’d figured this out but am now second guessing myself and would like opinions from as many people as are willing to reply.
My dilemma is this: I have an ‘04 and an ‘07. Besides the inherent differences, the main difference in the two is mileage. The ‘04 has double the mileage of the ‘07 at 180k. I originally wanted one to tow a 4800 lb travel trailer and one to build and overland in I had thought to use them as different tools so as to put different stresss on them. One towing one off roading.
I was going to lift the ‘04 and tow with the ‘07 mainly for the extra power in the ‘07.
I’m taking one in on Tuesday to get lifted. Which one should I take?

 

[JLee]

I’m bumping this thread because I don’t want to start a new one and the title works perfectly. I’m finally ready to start my build, with bumpers, suspension, and tires happening next week. I thought I’d figured this out but am now second guessing myself and would like opinions from as many people as are willing to reply.
My dilemma is this: I have an ‘04 and an ‘07. Besides the inherent differences, the main difference in the two is mileage. The ‘04 has double the mileage of the ‘07 at 180k. I originally wanted one to tow a 4800 lb travel trailer and one to build and overland in I had thought to use them as different tools so as to put different stresss on them. One towing one off roading.
I was going to lift the ‘04 and tow with the ‘07 mainly for the extra power in the ‘07.
I’m taking one in on Tuesday to get lifted. Which one should I take?

I read the OP and was like holy crap, $24k...then noticed the date

If I were to own a dedicated tow rig, I'd probably go for something bigger than a GX. I'd consider building the 07, selling the 04, and getting something beefier for towing (Tundra/etc).