Good buy? '08 GX470 with low miles and certified

[bmorefj40]

This is my first venture into the 120 forum, since I've always been a 40 guy, but a recent rear-ending by one of baltimore city's impeccable drivers forces me to look for a replacement to my daily beaten Jetta. Plus, I have two kids and possibly a third in the future, which makes the Jetta and 40 pretty much unsuitable for daily duties.

So, I've been chasing the proverbial unicorn for a gently used late model 4runner with navi, leather, and a fold flat third row. After visiting/calling um-teen dealerships, I wandered into the lexus next door after my eye caught a used gx470 on their lot.

It's a '08 GX470 with 36.6k miles, locally owned/serviced and being offered as a certified pre-owned(3yr/up to 100k). They have it listed for $36k. I test drove it and it looked/handled as it should, basically new. Everything in good shape, navi, leather, third row, towing package, rear suspension adjustability, but I don't think it has KDSS.

I need to buy a vehicle by the end of the year, and even though I don't really like the exterior color (Savannah/Tan), it meets pretty much the rest of my needs for my budget. I really wanted a fold flat third row, but i can live with the gx style of seating, since a '10+ GX would be out of my price range and the similarly equipped 4runner has been un-obtanium(for me).

Just wanted a reality check on the price and anything else I should look out for other than possible driveline clunk and the rear air suspension problems. Seems like a good price and don't know if I should jump on it or play it cool and see if they will negotiate on price. And if they don't, would I be likely to find another one in a color I like at a similar price (around $35k/under 50k miles). I saw it as they just finished re-conditioning it and they just listed it on their website today. Just don't want to miss out on the opportunity if it happens to be the deal of the decade.

Thanks in advance for the help and opinions.
Nick

 

[ZiaMan]

You will get two different responses:
1. It's way too much and there are other GX's out there for less.
2. If you like it and can afford it, buy it.

You have time, so how does it stack up to other GX's in your area?

 

[Sam Stewart]

The Limited V8 4WD 4Runners are out there. When my wife and I were looking there were +/- 5 for sale in the Eastern US at any given time. We basically set a list of requirements (all her's were met by the Limited grade, all mine were met by the V8 and 4WD ) and then kept looking. We ended up finding one that had right at 60k miles and was the color we wanted. We got the truck out the door for ~26k. I personally like the 4Runner better but lots of people are going to the GXs. I think it probably has to do more with creature comforts and availability. You can find GXs all over with varying years, miles, options. The only issue I think you're really facing is that the 3rd row on the 4Runner is a pretty rare option. I only saw one the whole time we looked. It basically had every option possible. Either way, good luck!

And, I am of the school of thought that if you like it, buy it. But if you have a specific list of things you want, don't compromise. You will likely own this truck a very long time. So if you don't like the color I would keep looking.

 

[bmorefj40]

thanks for all the advice. Unfortunately it sold while I was doing the Ragnar Relay this weekend. I wasn't able to get back to the dealership until Monday and they wouldn't hold it for me. They would have marked it sold for me, but I had to agree to full price over the phone, which I wasn't going to do, so I let it go. The search continues...

 

[BonnerBB]

Too much... you can get the new body style for about 40 now. I walked a deal on a 32k mile 2010 at $40k because I just decided not to spend that kind of coin.

 

[bmorefj40]

If I could find a '10 for $40k under 40k miles, I would probably seriously consider it. It's a little over my budget but gets me everything I need. The only problem is every '10+ I have found (close to me) is well north of $45k regardless of mileage, which is why I ruled it out I'm the beginning. I'll keep searching. Hopefully something turns up before the end of the year. I did find a 4runner with everything I was looking for on Carmax, but it's in OH and I don't feel like paying the $400 transfer fee for something sight unseen. You can only see so much on an internet ad. If I was buying another 40, maybe, but not something that is going to be my daily driver hauling kids around. Anyone have experience with transferring/purchasing cars via Carmax?

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[Sam Stewart]

If I could find a '10 for $40k under 40k miles, I would probably seriously consider it. It's a little over my budget but gets me everything I need. The only problem is every '10+ I have found (close to me) is well north of $45k regardless of mileage, which is why I ruled it out I'm the beginning. I'll keep searching. Hopefully something turns up before the end of the year. I did find a 4runner with everything I was looking for on Carmax, but it's in OH and I don't feel like paying the $400 transfer fee for something sight unseen. You can only see so much on an internet ad. If I was buying another 40, maybe, but not something that is going to be my daily driver hauling kids around. Anyone have experience with transferring/purchasing cars via Carmax?

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

I've never bought a car from Carmax but I know they do a good job of repairing or refurbing them. We used to sell parts to one of their locations when I was in Atlanta and whatever it needed, they fixed it. No question. So, it may be worth a look. I have found that you can really get a lot of help from the MUD community on stuff like this. Maybe post up in the clubhouse forum/thread and see if someone in the area could go check it out for you.

 

[GXO]

I have bought from carmax. Add on their warranty and it is a safe bet. They will send your truck to a Lexus dealer for repair under warranty.