GX470 non-nav w/ Mark Levinson - speakers upgradable? Rear camera possible?

[Haschwalth]

I’m looking at this: CarGurus - 2008 Lexus GX 470 4WD - $15,500

Has non-nav and ML speakers.

1) Can the ML speakers be upgraded to something better or am I stuck with ML speakers? I’d like to use something else as ML speakers/amp has an average to poor reputation long term.

2) With non-nav head u it, if I swap it with CarPlay stereo, is it possible to add a rear view camera easily?

3) Did 2008-2009 fix the secondary air pump issues from previous years?

4) How much can I negotiate the price off of a car like this say in clean condition/no rust/etc? I would do a PPI before buying.

 

[PhilipJPhry]

Good news for you is the truck doesn't have ML. The ML was part of a package with the Nav. Looking at the specs on the Lexus Driver's site doesn't show it having any ML option either. The table below is what pulled up for the truck, option-wise.

PORT- OR FACTORY-INSTALLED EQUIPMENT

DD	Rear Spoiler	Port
TH	LUXURY VALUE EDITION INCLUDES: Third Row Seat with Rear Air Conditioner (TOTAL MSRP VALUE OF OPTIONS $2,030.00)	Factory
TO	Towing Prep Package Includes: Wiring Harness, Converter, Sub-Bracket, Rear Bumper Hitch Cover with Cutout (does not include ball mount)	Factory
WF	All Weather Mats	Port
Z1	Preferred Accessory Package: Cargo Mat, Cargo Net and Wheel Locks	Port

1. From what I understand, the non-ML speakers also go through a factory amp, so the speaker upgrade process is similar regardless of what sound you had. There are just fewer speakers in the non-ML system. To upgrade just the speakers, you'll need to go with 4ohm speakers, or if you are changing out your head unit, you can run run new wiring from the head unit to the speaker locations.

2. If you swap out your head unit, you'll need an interface harness like the Metra TYTO-01 to go to the factory amp, or you'll need to run new wires if you are upgrading the speakers to non 4ohm speakers. Many have added a rear camera, and I think the trickiest part is getting it into the rear door.

3. I think I've read that Toyota still has secondary air pump issues. I wouldn't expect the 08-09s to be any better than earlier ones in that respect.

4. You can try negotiating a bit by pointing out it doesn't actually have the ML sound. The rest really depends on what you and the seller are willing to do and what you find wrong on the PPI (if anything).

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Do we know for sure that non-ML speakers are 4 ohms? I would suspect that’s the case.

Only ML, which was a home audio company at the time, would screw up the ohms and use 8 ohms like in the home systems, not think about having enough air circulate through the amp to prevent failure due to overheating. So, the ML system sounds good when functioning, but it’s a pain to maintain and upgrade and prone to failure at the amp and deteriorating speakers.

Oh and to get back on topic. The main negotiating points are:

1. Timing belt/water pump done already? It’s due at 90k miles or 9 years.
2. Dashboard replacement? There was a recall on it and your time might be up to get done under warranty.
3. Anything else major found in your inspection report.
4. Im not desperate for this car and can only offer you $14k. Take it or leave it

 

[latinskllz]

Do we know for sure that non-ML speakers are 4 ohms? I would suspect that’s the case.

Only ML, which was a home audio company at the time, would screw up the ohms and use 8 ohms like in the home systems, not think about having enough air circulate through the amp to prevent failure due to overheating. So, the ML system sounds good when functioning, but it’s a pain to maintain and upgrade and prone to failure at the amp and deteriorating speakers.

Oh and to get back on topic. The main negotiating points are:

1. Timing belt/water pump done already? It’s due at 90k miles or 9 years.
2. Dashboard replacement? There was a recall on it and your time might be up to get done under warranty.
3. Anything else major found in your inspection report.
4. Im not desperate for this car and can only offer you $14k. Take it or leave it

They are 4ohm pioneer speakers. I’m in the process of swapping out/documenting the factory non-nav head unit and speakers with the following:

- KENWOOD Excelon DNC-693S
- Focal IS690 TOY components for front and IC165 for rear door.

Hoping the setup will be fine for stock Pioneer amp for now.

OP, you should be able to hook up a rear view cam easily if the head unit supports a rear view cam and tap into required wires. I picked this one out:

NATIKA Backup/Front View... Amazon product ASIN B07H852D49
Solid looking camera.

Agreed on $14k offer on GX470. Looks really nice, good luck!

 

[latinskllz]

Pics of my blown speakers.

 

[Haschwalth]

They are 4ohm pioneer speakers. I’m in the process of swapping out/documenting the factory non-nav head unit and speakers with the following:

- KENWOOD Excelon DNC-693S
- Focal IS690 TOY components for front and IC165 for rear door.

Hoping the setup will be fine for stock Pioneer amp for now.

OP, you should be able to hook up a rear view cam easily if the head unit supports a rear view cam and tap into required wires. I picked this one out:

NATIKA Backup/Front View... Amazon product ASIN B07H852D49
Solid looking camera.

Agreed on $14k offer on GX470. Looks really nice, good luck!

Thanks I'm going to be checking it out later this week. When you install the rear view camera how difficult is that? Do you just pass the wire through the floor? Or do you have to remove carpeting, and unbolt/remove major things?

 

[NomzMatter]

Ran my wife's inside the side panel on the passenger side (wire loom for door runs there anyways) to the trim on the floor at the door sill and behind the glove box. Having a metal coat hangar makes this much much easier.

 

[tlin]

Oh and to get back on topic. The main negotiating points are:

1. Timing belt/water pump done already? It’s due at 90k miles or 9 years.
2. Dashboard replacement? There was a recall on it and your time might be up to get done under warranty.
3. Anything else major found in your inspection report.
4. Im not desperate for this car and can only offer you $14k. Take it or leave it

Worth adding to this list is a radiator replacement. They crack with age, one more item for ya'.

 

[latinskllz]

Thanks I'm going to be checking it out later this week. When you install the rear view camera how difficult is that? Do you just pass the wire through the floor? Or do you have to remove carpeting, and unbolt/remove major things?

I plan on running the wiring from the rear door, through the passenger floor and up to the rear of the deck.

Worth adding to this list is a radiator replacement. They crack with age, one more item for ya'.

Good point. That was a 1300 dollar repair bill the dealer picked up after I inspected prior to purchasing.