Excited to bring my new GX470 home

[213]

After a long search, I finally found a GX470 with Sport Package - a 2005 with 139,XXX miles. I sent payment via a third party vendor and now I'm just waiting for the seller to complete a smog check and take it in for inspection before they release the funds to him and I can pick up the GX.

I bought the car sight unseen, which I always said I would never do, but the seller uploaded many detailed pictures online and the GX has an extensive maintenance history on Lexus website. Here's what the website lists:
- oil change and crankcase cleaning at 138,500 (7/19)
- oil change at 134,000 (10/15)
- oil change at 130,000 (5/15)
- oil change at 124,000 (11/14)
- differential, transfer case and engine oil change, change spark plugs at front and rear brakes at 118,000 (8/14)
- oil change at 106,000 and 101,000 (2013)
- timing belt done at 90,000 (1/12)
- pretty much everything before that is regular maintenance and documented

The seller claims he rarely used the GX in the last two years, hence the gap in the maintenance history, and Lexus says the car is on good condition when he took it for an oil change last week, with the exception of needing new tires.

Based on the history, it doesn't look like it needs immediate attention or work. However, is there anything you all would recommend I address when I take ownership?

Thanks in advance.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Change the transmission fluid if it hasn't been changed. Check the radiator for pink crust. If original rear air bags, then keep an eye on them possibly leaking air. After parking it overnight, check in the morning for any rear lean and air compressor going on when you turn it on.

Get an ODBII scanner to check codes if the CEL ever comes on.

 

[213]

Change the transmission fluid if it hasn't been changed. Check the radiator for pink crust. If original rear air bags, then keep an eye on them possibly leaking air. After parking it overnight, check in the morning for any rear lean and air compressor going on when you turn it on.

Get an ODBII scanner to check codes if the CEL ever comes on.

Thanks for the reply.

There are notes in the service history that recommended he replace the radiator and shocks, but no confirmation that he actually went through with it. This was 20,XXX miles ago.

 

[TahoeLX450]

Congratulations!! Good find. You will be happy.

 

[ADVFamilyHauler]

Congrats! I have a 05 Sport as well. What color is it?

 

[213]

Congrats! I have a 05 Sport as well. What color is it?

Silver pine metallic. This color was actually at the top of my list so I’m feeling even more giddy about it.

Plus, after taking another look at the history, I say that he replaced from and rear shocks less than 10,000 miles ago.

 

[ADVFamilyHauler]

Silver pine metallic. This color was actually at the top of my list so I’m feeling even more giddy about it.

Plus, after taking another look at the history, I say that he replaced from and rear shocks less than 10,000 miles ago.

I have always loved silver vehicles. I think they are the easiest to keep looking clean.

 

[scmcna]

Likely will need new front calipers, pads and rotors. Have rear calipers serviced and don’t be surprised when alternator wears out. Just purchased 2009 about same miles. Since CA car have A/C checked for Freon leaks, if so major $$$ repairs. I needed all the above despite exceptional Lexus maint. Records since inception.

 

[CarolinaGX]

Congrats on the new purchase! I wouldnt suggest getting hung up on what might be wrong. It is a used vehicle and will likely need a few things here and there but these are pretty stout vehicles and reliable. My suggestion is do the routine stuff (fluids, filters, etc) so that you become aquainted with it and know that it is done. From there, make a base line with how it drives, noises, and anything that stands out and address as needed.

 

[willoCo]

I just got the same truck - 2005 sport version... but with 190k on it. Any other brand I'd be quailing at the mileage. Great maintenance records. Lessons so far:

• If all the lights pop on - VSC, Engine, etc it's probably the gas cap.
• If the shocks are replaced, the sport mode switch will do nothing. It only adjusts the OEM shocks.

 

[213]

So the seller smogged the truck and finalized the inspection, and I’ll be driving it back down on Saturday.

I mentioned earlier it had been sitting for 2 years - should I have any reservations about driving it 300+ miles? I mainly bought this because of its reliability, but not sure how it’ll perform after sitting for so long

 

[CarolinaGX]

I wouldn't have any reservations, I drove mine from Atlanta to Charlotte (4 hour drive). Just make sure your AAA membership is paid up

 

[213]

I wouldn't have any reservations, I drove mine from Atlanta to Charlotte (4 hour drive). Just make sure your AAA membership is paid up

Yup - I'll definitely be adding AAA for this trip.

I guess I'm being overly cautious because it's a 5-hour drive thru some parts of desolate California. I'm sure it'll be alright. Here's a pic:

 

[scmcna]

Got my 09 GX truck back after 4 days in private auto repair operated by John (certified Lexus/Toyota mechanic) who did a complete inspection and installed new front rotors and calipers at 139k miles , rebuild of r rear caliper, gear box fluid changes. Major A/C repair done as evaporator beneath dash was leaking (suspected at time of purchase). So pleased with results at affordable non-dealership prices. He won my business for long term care for “Lexi” another silver twin just as yours.

 

[willoCo]

Main concerns with sitting: belts harden up, brakes can get rusted wierdly, fuel contamination, battery's probably weak without maintenance. I'd check hoses, fluids, etc before starting out. Acc belt isn't too bad to swap.

Stuff I'd consider for a 5 hour trip in an new used car that sat:

• Inspect the belts and fluids
• Tools - you can always buy a set and return em if you don't need em
• Maybe have an oil change done since it's been sitting for that long.
• Ask the mech to eyeball the CV joints for torn boots while it's on the rack
• Bottle of heat in case of condensation in the fuel from sitting
• OBD2 reader - I use a bluetooth one with torque on android
• Make sure that the spare has air in it, and check pressure all around
• Make sure that the tools and jack are there.

That said, it's probably fine, the Toy's are insanely reliable but a little prep goes a long way!

 

[213]

Main concerns with sitting: belts harden up, brakes can get rusted wierdly, fuel contamination, battery's probably weak without maintenance. I'd check hoses, fluids, etc before starting out. Acc belt isn't too bad to swap.

Stuff I'd consider for a 5 hour trip in an new used car that sat:

• Inspect the belts and fluids
• Tools - you can always buy a set and return em if you don't need em
• Maybe have an oil change done since it's been sitting for that long.
• Ask the mech to eyeball the CV joints for torn boots while it's on the rack
• Bottle of heat in case of condensation in the fuel from sitting
• OBD2 reader - I use a bluetooth one with torque on android
• Make sure that the spare has air in it, and check pressure all around
• Make sure that the tools and jack are there.

That said, it's probably fine, the Toy's are insanely reliable but a little prep goes a long way!

Thanks for the reply.

The seller took it to Lexus last week for an oil change and inspection, and, per the third part vendor, he also had to take it to a local Firestone for another inspection this week. With the exception of cracked tires, both Lexus and Firestone mentioned it's a good shape when I spoke with them. I did mention to them that I was driving it down to Los Angeles so I want to believe they would have made a note if any other potential problems.