GX or LX (1 Viewer)

[blakslee720]

I’m selling my discovery 2 and in the market for an SUV that works properly. This week I drove an 07 GX with 160k miles and it was great. Liked everything about it. Has the rear air suspension and it doesn’t seem to have any flaws

Then I saw an 02 LX for sale about 2 hours away from me also with 160k. Owner says the AHC has started to act up and that’s why he’s selling it. He’s asking 9500 but kbb excellent is 7500. Figure in 1000 to do the suspension and I told him I’d be interested for 6500. I’ve driven a 100 LC and liked the experience. Felt basically the same as the gx.

Both cars are borderline rust free. GX of course has 5 speed, only 2 shocks to fix when they go wrong and is located in my state

the lx should be cheaper to buy but I already know it needs suspension. Otherwise good. It is also very far away and has the 4 speed

Other than size and dick measuring, is there a good case for choosing the older LX over a newer GX?

 

[subspd]

GX is cheaper easier to Mod. LX is going to cost more and be limited in choices for some parts VS the huge selection of FJ/4runner/Tacoma/GX stuff.
The LX is a tank however and is larger and heavier. Everything especially the rear differential is much beefier on the LX. That said I chose the GX. Better power to weight ratio and I preferred the small size. My only complaint is that I will need to someday upgrade the rear diff.
The -07 GX also has VVTI which has pros and cons. More power but you will want to get a bypass ASAP for the Air Injection Pump before it fails. They all do... But it is easy to bypass and then you just have the more powerful engine over the earlier LX motor.

 

[blakslee720]

My state does OBD emissions so any CEL light fails you. The SAI bypass wind throw a code?

 

[subspd]

My state does OBD emissions so any CEL light fails you. The SAI bypass wind throw a code?

Nope. And also not detectable.

 

[EZDog]

My Sister has a GX and I have an LC and there is also a considerable difference in the space for you inside the trucks in my experience.

I can almost never get comfortable in the GX where the LC just has more space in every direction for me!

As I mostly take mine on longish trips that was my deciding factor in the end really,YMMV as they say.

On the other hand she actually thinks hers gets great MPG after driving mine around for a few weeks while hers was in the shop!

It is really all in your point of view!

Speaking of which, 2 hours away is not really far to me at all especially in a tiny state like CT?

 

[dnp]

I have a 100 land Cruiser now and have had several 100 series Toyotas (both LXs and LCs) in the past,.......and I am still surprised by how much I like my GX! Yes, the 100 is bigger, and in several ways, it's more robust; however, unless you're wanting to go out and thrash a stock vehicle, the GX is plenty strong for virtually anything you want to do.

Compared to many on here, my build is "light" (Toytec early Bilstein lift, SPC upper control arms, 285/70 KO2s), but I couldn't be happier with the way this truck performs both on and off road. Also, I can say that, with 180k+ on it, this truck is still an order of magnitude quieter than any of my 100s (absolutely ZERO squeaking, rattling, etc. - and 100s don't make much noise!) and the ride is FAR better. That being said, I do prefer a hatch/tailgate to the GX's rear door, and there are times I do like the interior size of the 100, but overall, the GX is just about the perfect truck (for my use, anyway.) My wife drove an '03 for 10 years, and out of the 93 vehicles I've owned so far, it was the overall best vehicle I've ever had. That's a pretty strong endorsement.

 

[BukkakeAisu]

I'm biased by the narrow roads and parking here in Japan but I feel like every drive in an LX would be a white knuckle experience here. Those 2 extra inches would likely have my side view mirrors knocked off in a week. (as I google the Cybertruck width and realize it's wider than the LX...with no side view mirrors)

 

[theferg]

Two completely different vehicles, IMO. LX is much heavier and much more like a truck. GX is the ulimate heavy duty mid-size SUV. Both awesome, both extremely capable. GX is a bit less $$ for accessories, but not all that much. I've had two LXs and two GXs. Still have one of each, both 2005s. The GX is way more nimble and quick on the street and on trails, but I love driving the LX and just feeling like its a heavy duty tank.

Removing and replacing the entire AHC system is a giant PITA. Its a LOT of work (if you're actually FULLY removing it and not being lame and just leaving a buncha crap left behind after cutting the fluid lines.) First time I did it, it took me 14hrs total (removal and new suspension installed). And I'm not a complete n00b, but I also don't have any power/air tools. Done it again on another LX and it took me around 10 hrs (had to fight getting a few things off). A local shop near me can do it in about 4hrs (they need the truck all day though for alignment etc), but they charge $800 for removal and install of new kit (plus buying their kit). Its a biyatch of a job I tell ya.

That being said, if you can get a 2002 LX with 160K for $6500 DO IT!!! (unless its a rusty, crusty, pile of garbage). At minimum, if its decent, and you dont like it, you should be able to easily get your money back if you re-sold and prob even make a few bucks if you sell it to the right market (aka, here on 'Mud and other Cruiser pages/sites.)