Hunt for Towing Package Equipped or Not? (1 Viewer)

[Snowrydr01]

So Im starting the hunt for a GX470.

I keep going back and forth in my head if I should hold out for a towing prep optioned one or not?

Since Im realistically looking in the 130k miles range it would be nice piece of mind to know that the trans temps were cooler for its life and likely will not have had a fluid change.

What I keep getting hung up on (probably over thinking) is that at $1500 for the option it would have likely been chosen for the specific reason of heavy towing, which would have theoretically lead to a harder life for a small amount of its time. One without any hitch would have almost certainly only had to drag its own weight around its life and I can toss a trans cooler on when doing my initial post purchase preventative maintenance.

Any thoughts on my logic?

 

[JLee]

I have yet to witness first-hand a GX towing anything. The vast majority of them seem to have led very easy lives.

04+ all have a sealed transmission, so the only one you would likely find much chance of a fluid change on would be an 03.

 

[Snowrydr01]

I agree that the likelihood of a fluid change is slim to none. The Lexus demographic isn't exactly one to do too much homework themselves so if a dealer doesn't recommend it, it doesn't happen. Full disclosure i am a current Lexus owner but do not fall into that category. Knowing that it likely wouldn't be changed was was causing me to over examine the type of person that would actually pay for this option. Again i see TONS of current IS fsport models that lose a lot of niceties for the sake of sportiness that will never be driven hard or likely even redlined.

But anyway, my fear is anyone that kept the stock radio (im looking for non Nav non ML) but bought the tow package feasibly had to have towing in mind which would have led to incidents (few or many) of heavy load towing.

 

[stevezero]

I think some bought the towing package as an option to use it......far more bought it because it was already on the truck on the lot.

Case in point. My 08 has the 6500 lb hitch, yet there was no wear on the receiver. the factory supplied 2 inch plug in bit was still in its factory sealed cardboard box, with its pin and cotter pin nestled in plastic. it obviously never had a ball attached attached to it, and the hitch might have seen a hitch haul or bike carrier. unless the PO or dealer paints the hitch, you can pretty much tell if it's been used. even then, you can see gouges under the paint.

I plan on doing a fluid exchange via the cooler hoses at some point. Mine has 124 k or so.

I was searching for one with a hitch, preferably the 6500lb one. the price difference was nonexistent between that and one with no package.

 

[Snowrydr01]

I think some bought the towing package as an option to use it......far more bought it because it was already on the truck on the lot.

Case in point. My 08 has the 6500 lb hitch, yet there was no wear on the receiver. the factory supplied 2 inch plug in bit was still in its factory sealed cardboard box, with its pin and cotter pin nestled in plastic. it obviously never had a ball attached attached to it, and the hitch might have seen a hitch haul or bike carrier. unless the PO or dealer paints the hitch, you can pretty much tell if it's been used. even then, you can see gouges under the paint.

I plan on doing a fluid exchange via the cooler hoses at some point. Mine has 124 k or so.

I was searching for one with a hitch, preferably the 6500lb one. the price difference was nonexistent between that and one with no package.

Very good point i hadnt considered

 

[Sleepy]

I agree, not a scratch on the inside of my tow hitch when I bought it. Look for some paint over spray or runs though. This is an easy spot some will touch up to cover rust and such. I think most Lexus owners just bought what was on the lot and many had tow package.