GX470 Purchasing Question (1 Viewer)

[3bor]

Hi all, I'm new to this community although I have friends who are not. I'm interested in joining the club and have been looking at 470's for a couple months trying to find the right one. I've found one I'd like to purchase with a couple concerns. I went and looked at and test drove it yesterday. I checked everything referencing the buying guide on here and elsewhere.

Stats: 2008, 2 owner, 124k, AZ owned until 2013 then came to NE, well maintained with good service records, very little rust

(Main concern)
The steering wheel is stiff at low speeds and evens out as you increase speed. (The vehicle can be steered with one hand, it's not really hard, it's just notably stiffer.) There is no whine coming from the PS pump. The drive belt was just replaced so says the salesman. (NOTE: the drive belt was squealing for 1st test drive, dealer took to mechanic and said it needed belt dressing because it was new and just replaced, squealing went away for 2nd test drive.) I looked at it and appears new and I also pushed on it and there was no slack. I did not get a chance to look at the PS reservoir. Also, there was no TPMS light so assume tire pressure wouldn't be the cause.

It seems to pull to the left at times. I assume that would be an alignment or balance issue.

Other than the stiff steering wheel, pulling to the left, and the squealing drive belt (which seems to be resolved) this vehicle checked all the other boxes.

I'm just concerned the steering could be something more extensive and expensive.

Should this dissuade me from purchasing the vehicle?

Any advice or suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

 

[z00t3ch]

You didn't post the asking price. If he's asking $500, buy it...if $20000, walk away...you get the idea...
Go back and check the fluid level this time and examine the pump. Ask the dealer to give you a written warranty on the power steering system for a reasonable time period, say six months, because you're concerned about the feel and suspect a potential failure.

 

[3bor]

I hadn't even thought to post the price but what you say makes since. The asking price is $13,500. I planned on negotiating down if possible. TBH it's hard finding a clean well taken care of 470 around here with low(er) mileage. I'd be willing to pay sticker if the vehicle had zero issues.