Is that the cost at a dealer or private mechanic?
Help me decide: GX470 vs 4th Gen 4runner...real world differences (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter stm
- Start date
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With those two vehicles, all things being equal otherwise definitely go for the low miles. However if you're looking at one with 68k and one with 100k but both are current on service I'd go with the 100k.....probably .... 68k is pretty low miles!!
Private! No telling what the dealer charges...at least I don't know, but I have a mechanic I like and trust and that's from memory about what they quoted me for mine, upcoming.
My guess is the dealer wanting money. Check the owners manual but I don't think there's an age requirement for doing that work.
The GX470 Maintenance Schedule does have a year and mileage recommendation for changing the timing belt, but not the water pump.
Timing Belt
Replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months. A qualified
technician should perform this operation.
Most people replace the water pump because you already there. I bought the Asin water pump and timing belt kit #TKT-021 at Amazon and paid a really good independent shop to do the work.
I had this shop replace the radiator, upper/lower hoses, thermostat, radiator cap, coolant toyota red, water pump, timing belt, and timing belt tensioner. I bought all the parts for $550 and paid $500 labor to do all this work.
So, I would estimate that my timing belt and water pump cost about $470 total.
Timing Belt
Replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months. A qualified
technician should perform this operation.
Most people replace the water pump because you already there. I bought the Asin water pump and timing belt kit #TKT-021 at Amazon and paid a really good independent shop to do the work.
I had this shop replace the radiator, upper/lower hoses, thermostat, radiator cap, coolant toyota red, water pump, timing belt, and timing belt tensioner. I bought all the parts for $550 and paid $500 labor to do all this work.
So, I would estimate that my timing belt and water pump cost about $470 total.
Not a deal breaker at all! Kdss complicates a number of modifications if you plan to do any. Personally I sought out a non-kdss post 05 model to get the VVTI with more horsepower and better mpg, unfortunately I'm now having issues with my secondary air injection which is not supposed to be an issue on the pre 05
KDSS helps flatten the body roll and from what I hear works really well, but yes you'll see some aftermarket parts marketed as non-KDSS and it is another system on an already somewhat complicated/modern vehicle so from the standpoint of wheeling and removing something else to break/maintain I might look for one without. I think there is some increased suspension travel from the stock vehicle, but since most people upgrade suspension anyway that might be less important.
This makes me want to test-drive a GX next time I'm in the states. My Prado has the 4L V6 1GRFE...with the other options being an NA 2.7L Inline 4 and a turbo diesel that isn't able to be registered in Tokyo. I didn't even want to consider pushing such a beast of a truck with a 2.7 4 banger...the V6 is great, but I want to see what I'm missing 
(but I do get 17/26mpg with the V6 and a light foot)
(but I do get 17/26mpg with the V6 and a light foot)
You will never be able to see 26mpg with the v8 even down hill with the wind to your back.This makes me want to test-drive a GX next time I'm in the states. My Prado has the 4L V6 1GRFE...with the other options being an NA 2.7L Inline 4 and a turbo diesel that isn't able to be registered in Tokyo. I didn't even want to consider pushing such a beast of a truck with a 2.7 4 banger...the V6 is great, but I want to see what I'm missing
(but I do get 17/26mpg with the V6 and a light foot)
LOL, I guessed as much. I only get that on the highways here, at top speed, and with premium "high oct" gas. I think the JDM spec 1GRFE are a lil more aggressively tuned than say, the ones in the USDM FJC. I still haven't touched the engine....plugs, air filter, and oil might yield slightly better results.
- Thread starter
- #32
Hey Guys,
Been looking at few trucks the last few days. Is the updated 2005 engine a big deal? Also, seeing a lot of Gx's with 170k, seems like people are dumping them before having to do a second time belt. What are the thoughts on higher mileage cars?
Been looking at few trucks the last few days. Is the updated 2005 engine a big deal? Also, seeing a lot of Gx's with 170k, seems like people are dumping them before having to do a second time belt. What are the thoughts on higher mileage cars?
Skip KDSS and just find a well kept low mileage model. I personally didn’t think the 05+ was that big of a deal. In fact I was looking for an early model to avoid the 2ndary air pump issues but when I found the right truck 72k miles, 2008 one owner all dealer maintained for 13.5 I got it. Did the bypass ($350) and I’m happy.
The early v8 was probably more reliable but at this point age is age and the older the truck the more rubber bits anywhere on the truck will be degraded.
The early v8 was probably more reliable but at this point age is age and the older the truck the more rubber bits anywhere on the truck will be degraded.
Not to mention the earlier models are non-interference so if you throw a timing belt you run a better chance of not blowing the motor!
Mileage should really be the least of your worriesin my opinion. As long as it’s well maintained that’s all that matters. I’m surprised there’s so many worried about it assuming they know about these drivetrains. I bought mine with 201k on it and it’s so much nicer then the one I previously had with 165k on it thanks to the previous owner. Also went from an 05 to an 03 and the updated motor is nothing special. I have 33s on my current one and there’s plenty of power there.
I would just try for the newest year with lowest mileage and or maintenance. These are quality vehicles and engines. Find one well taken care of and you can get hundreds of thousands of miles out of it.
- Thread starter
- #39
My Brother is going to look at a 2005 GX for me today with 156k. If it looks good Ill go buy it. The dealer seems straight up so far I want to give him a list of things to make sure to look for. So far Ive got:
2005 Lexus GX470 FINANCING AVAILABLE
Smells: Smoker? Pets?
Check systems:
HVAC, blows cold/hot, vent controls work
Adjustable Height Suspension, raises and lowers, Sport and Comfort Modes work
4x4 engages in hi and lo
Audio works and sounds OK
All windows and sunroof open and close
Lights
Rust:
Undercarriage/frame
Door jams
Windshield
Matching tires
Interior:
Seats in good shape, no leaning, tears
Dash cracked?
Drive:
Alignment ok
Brakes
Shifts smooth
Rattles and Squeaks?
Leaks:
What else am I missing?
2005 Lexus GX470 FINANCING AVAILABLE
Smells: Smoker? Pets?
Check systems:
HVAC, blows cold/hot, vent controls work
Adjustable Height Suspension, raises and lowers, Sport and Comfort Modes work
4x4 engages in hi and lo
Audio works and sounds OK
All windows and sunroof open and close
Lights
Rust:
Undercarriage/frame
Door jams
Windshield
Matching tires
Interior:
Seats in good shape, no leaning, tears
Dash cracked?
Drive:
Alignment ok
Brakes
Shifts smooth
Rattles and Squeaks?
Leaks:
What else am I missing?
phishtaco
Cincinnati
Did you run the vin through lexus driver?
