Lexus GX470 Shopping...

[superstan26]

If this is in the wrong place please redirect me but it's the best place I saw to research on my beloved site.

I've owned Elsy a 92' TLC for several years now and it's my family's favorite ride because it'll take us places we never dreamed of going in a vehicle and do it with style, plus we all have really good taste! Elsy was purchased as a temporary primary driver and became a secondary when we purchased our more economical ford freestyle which recently became a casualty of CVT failure with 205k miles on the clock. My family is looking for a replacement for the primary driver after a little bit of research I realized what I expected all along, I need to look no further than Toyota/Lexus for my next rig.

My family is impatiently awaiting the arrival of our 6th member who will be here in April if he's as punctual as the rest of us so we require seating for 6 minimal. We need something with: dependability, longevity, and safety. We desire: style, functionality, and comfort. Our budget is a $10k or less so we're going to be looking at vehicles with about 100k miles on the odometer. We typically drive about 30-50k miles a year and we need a car that will last at least 2 or 3 years without a major hiccup.

Does anyone have experience owning a gx470? What do you think about it? Likes/dislikes? Problems?

I was originally thinking sequoia but they're awfully large and a bit intimidating for the princess. I haven't ruled them out but I'm leaning towards the gx.

Does anyone have insight that will help me make up my mind?

 

[KLF]

I don't own one, I'm hot and cold on them. Love the lineage, hate the rear door, and I'm sure my wife wouldn't take care of the leather. Now that they are covering fixing the cracked dashes, they are getting popular, and well liked.

 

[superstan26]

I don't own one, I'm hot and cold on them. Love the lineage, hate the rear door, and I'm sure my wife wouldn't take care of the leather. Now that they are covering fixing the cracked dashes, they are getting popular, and well liked.

I'm not crazy about the rear door either, I kind of like the hatch/gate on the LC, but just a hatch would even be a better alternative IMO. Didn't know cracking dashes were an issue but glad to hear lexus stepped up to the plate. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Carless Walker]

The GX is a sweet ride, for the money, a slightly older 100 series (LX470/LC) would net you more interior room, costs being close to equal in that regard. With your budget you should be able to find something in the 150K mileage range. Do plan on some preventative maintenance, and baselining the vehicle (TB/WP, starter contacts etc). Your projected yearly mileage claim is 25% of what the vehicle did over a (likely)10-15 year period.

 

[superstan26]

The amount of driving that my family does is one reason that I need longevity in a vehicle. We typically put about 50k miles a year on our primary but I'm hoping to offset the mileage by relying heavily on my motorcycle for commuting and solo driving.

I haven't ruled out the other toyota/lexus utes but I like the looks/comfort/price/exterior size of the gx. Although the more I think about it the less confidence I have that it has adequate interior space for our needs. I was relying heavily on the thought that I could utilize my roof rack and cargo hauler for long trips with the family but I'm not fond of the inconvenience and lack of security that those options bring with them.

The sequoia looks like a bargain but what I can find in my price range has dated styling, less frills, ford quality interior, and is massive, which I don't mind but, my wife is leary of.

The 100 series are nice and I like them a lot but I don't like the looks as well as either of the other choices (or my LC for that matter), miles tend to be significantly higher in my price range, and that's about the only downfalls I see.

I've never been one to shop for styling and comfort but my need for cargo space has limited my options in the auto market and for the price of vehicles that meet our basic needs it really isn't a significant cost increase to get something comfortable so I figure it's worth the extra cost to be able to relax while ticking through the miles.

I know there are some sensible folks on here and I feel like I've educated myself in regards to the market but, if you recognize any oversights or naivety on my part feel free to point it out. I generally receive constructive criticism well so long as it is given with good intentions.

Thank you for your input. Dale

 

[lockd80]

I own and 80 and just this summer bought my wife a GX470. The GX is about the same size as the 80 but drives smaller. Interior feels huge due to the very high roofline. Much nicer ride IMO, some do not like the factory air bag ride but it is pretty easy to swap out for 4runner springs. It feels fast after driving and 80, even a supercharged 80 cannot keep up. Much better tow vehicle than a 80 but still kinda short for those duties, 100 or sequoia is are better tow vehicles. One of the most reliable vehicles available, no real issues other than leaky air bags. Be aware that Toyota recommends timing belt every 90000 or 108 months, this is about $1200 if you have it done or around $700 in parts if you do it yourself. People report going 200000 on the original belts but the 2005 and later engines are definitely interference motors and some say that all the 4.7 are so it all depends on how lucky ya feel.

That's my 2c but you will find a lot more in the 120 section. The GX470 is sold as the Landcruiser Prado everywhere other than the US and they both are built on the fourth generation 4runner platform, these are all 120's.