New to GX 470

[Tomw]

So I have a nice 996 Turbo that I have been daily driving for quite some time. I think it's time for a GX. My budget is 12-13K

I am looking at a nice Blue one with 140K miles for $8,900. Looks like it has only been serviced by Lexus dealers. 2 previous owners. I am thinking that with the left over budget, I can address any issues.

But never having owned one, what are the biggest things to consider? Obviously the rear air bags is the largest possible expense problem?

Sorry for the noob question.

 

[SteveH]

Biggest thing to consider (IMO) is if it's an east-coast rusty truck. Check the frame carefully and post pix here. What year is the one you found? Rear air bags can go bad, but so can the rack and pinion. Has the timing belt ever been done - that's $1K or a weekend of your time + parts.

 

[Tomw]

Biggest thing to consider (IMO) is if it's an east-coast rusty truck. Check the frame carefully and post pix here. What year is the one you found? Rear air bags can go bad, but so can the rack and pinion. Has the timing belt ever been done - that's $1K or a weekend of your time + parts.

The car mentioned above was a 06. After looking at the Lexus site and checking repair history, I've decided it's not the right one for me. Way too many observed issues that were repair declined by the owner. Cracked exhaust manifold, lower ball joints worn out, multiple visits for brakes, etc.

I have my eyes on another one though. It is a 2008 with 140,000 miles. Timing belt / water pump replaced at 90,000 according to Lexus site. Really love the color combo but I have a few issues:
* Car is in Brooklyn. I am really not excited about that
* Dealer told me it was bought at an auction, so no history other then what I can get from Carfax and the Lexus site
* The Lexus site listed the color as SAVANNAH METALLIC under specifications but clearly the car is blue
* At $12K the price doesn't leave me much room for expected / needed repairs

I've read and heard that the most common repairs are:
* Rear air bags. Not as expensive as I thought to repair
* Front driveshafts
* Timing belt / water pump (I figure I could wait until 180,000 to do those again)
* Front bearings

 

[Tomw]

The car mentioned above was a 06. After looking at the Lexus site and checking repair history, I've decided it's not the right one for me. Way too many observed issues that were repair declined by the owner. Cracked exhaust manifold, lower ball joints worn out, multiple visits for brakes, etc.

I have my eyes on another one though. It is a 2008 with 140,000 miles. Timing belt / water pump replaced at 90,000 according to Lexus site. Really love the color combo but I have a few issues:
* Car is in Brooklyn. I am really not excited about that
* Dealer told me it was bought at an auction, so no history other then what I can get from Carfax and the Lexus site
* The Lexus site listed the color as SAVANNAH METALLIC under specifications but clearly the car is blue
* At $12K the price doesn't leave me much room for expected / needed repairs

I've read and heard that the most common repairs are:
* Rear air bags. Not as expensive as I thought to repair
* Front driveshafts
* Timing belt / water pump (I figure I could wait until 180,000 to do those again)
* Front bearings

View attachment 2430122

I have a Toyota mechanic friend ... But of course if anyone on the site is near Sheepshead Bay, I'd happily pay a few dollars to have it looked at....