Noob Needs help with GX470 (1 Viewer)

[Tieguy77]

Hi Folks,

Not only new here but completely new to the land of GX's. Spent today looking and it was an adventure to say the least. Long story short, I found an 06 GX470 that my Wife really likes with just north of 100K miles. Priced right around $12K. Very clean in and out, clean underneath as well.

Problem is, I cannot tell either by the Lexus site or the car fax if the timing belt was done. It looks as though the service was refused, but I am calling to confirm with the servicing dealer in the A.M.

Test drive went well EXCEPT for the 4 wheel drive. It was difficult going from H to L and we could not get the diff light to turn off. We were parked at the time and it seemed very difficult to shift from 4 hi to 4 lo.

This seems to be a tight knit group and I appreciate the way you guys look out for one another. I'm hoping this isn't going to be a deal breaker and I am taking it to my mechanic tomorrow or Thursday. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you in advance,

Bobby

 

[txgringo]

I'm not sure about the pricing on GXs right now, but you can look at comps to get an idea of current market pricing. Also, location greatly impacts pricing.

The timing belt wouldn't be a deal killer for me. Just estimate it Iike you're paying $1000 more for the vehicle as it will cost about $1100-$1200 to have it done. Much less if you can DIY, and if you're mechanically inclined there is a video that shows it step by step.

Was it in neutral when you were trying to go into 4 low?

 

[Tieguy77]

I'm not sure about the pricing on GXs right now, but you can look at comps to get an idea of current market pricing. Also, location greatly impacts pricing.

The timing belt wouldn't be a deal killer for me. Just estimate it Iike you're paying $1000 more for the vehicle as it will cost about $1100-$1200 to have it done. Much less if you can DIY, and if you're mechanically inclined there is a video that shows it step by step.

Was it in neutral when you were trying to go into 4 low?

Thank you for the reply. If I remember correctly, it was in neutral.

 

[Krymson86]

From what I've seen (in the same boat of hunting for a GX470), CarFax won't always have everything but the Lexus Drivers records will have it if it was done.

If it says service: timing belt etc etc
Customer declined service or something to that effect then the timing belt service wasn't done.

If it's at a Lexus or Toyota dealership and you don't want to do it yourself make that a negotiation point. Have them do the timing belt as part of the purchase.

If you have an independent mechanic you trust negotiate money off the sale of the car and then go buy the AISIN timing belt kit which is like 300-400 with everything you need. Then have your mechanic charge you labor to do it. You'll spend well under the 1200 Lexus dealerships will charge you.

Or if you've got the tools, know how and patience it (according to those on here who have done it) it's very doable DIY project, just takes time to do.

The trouble shifting to 4LO and 4 HI would concern me though. I'd go try it again and see if it wasn't just a one time thing. But that's one mechanical issue that would be really difficult to deal with after the fact.

Best of luck

 

[Tieguy77]

From what I've seen (in the same boat of hunting for a GX470), CarFax won't always have everything but the Lexus Drivers records will have it if it was done.

If it says service: timing belt etc etc
Customer declined service or something to that effect then the timing belt service wasn't done.

If it's at a Lexus or Toyota dealership and you don't want to do it yourself make that a negotiation point. Have them do the timing belt as part of the purchase.

If you have an independent mechanic you trust negotiate money off the sale of the car and then go buy the AISIN timing belt kit which is like 300-400 with everything you need. Then have your mechanic charge you labor to do it. You'll spend well under the 1200 Lexus dealerships will charge you.

Or if you've got the tools, know how and patience it (according to those on here who have done it) it's very doable DIY project, just takes time to do.

The trouble shifting to 4LO and 4 HI would concern me though. I'd go try it again and see if it wasn't just a one time thing. But that's one mechanical issue that would be really difficult to deal with after the fact.

Best of luck

Thank you very much! My mechanic is a great guy, already said TB job would not be a problem. Hoping to have him give the car a thorough going through today or tomorrow. I was able to run the VIN through the Lexus owner portal and the owner did unfortunately decline the service. Very disappointed to see that, but not a deal breaker yet. Definitely concerned about the 4 wheel drive issue....hoping it was just a one time thing for sure. Dealer was already giving me the "We price so aggressively, the price is the price" routine.

 

[captainva]

By 4wd are you referring to the center diff lock? When you push the center lock button most of the time on my truck it doesn't engage immediately unless you get lucky and everything is lined up just right. Try driving around slowly and making some gentile turns for it to engage and same thing for it to disengage. Also for the transfer case, make sure the transmission is in park or neutral when you shift it from high to low and it will go in more easily.

 

[Tieguy77]

By 4wd are you referring to the center diff lock? When you push the center lock button most of the time on my truck it doesn't engage immediately unless you get lucky and everything is lined up just right. Try driving around slowly and making some gentile turns for it to engage and same thing for it to disengage. Also for the transfer case, make sure the transmission is in park or neutral when you shift it from high to low and it will go in more easily.

Thank you. I really appreciate all the helpful advice here. It was getting late and we happened to be on dry pavement. The Dealer was explaining to me how he used to be a tech for Toyota and assuring me there was no issue (whilst pushing the air suspension system button and wondering why the diff lock light wasn't going on or off) I was expecting an immediate lock....so that was my mistake. Nice guys, but "finesse" is not a word I would use to describe the way they were attempting to put the car in 4wd to assure me nothing was wrong. Anxious to see what my mechanic says, but also a little irritated that they are not budging on price knowing it needs a TB.

 

[Lifted]

Maybe you looked but check under the hood for a date sticker. If the TB was changed they will put the date sticker somewhere visible....if it’s an ‘06 with over 100k it really needs one according to maintenance schedules.

 

[Tieguy77]

Maybe you looked but check under the hood for a date sticker. If the TB was changed they will put the date sticker somewhere visible....if it’s an ‘06 with over 100k it really needs one according to maintenance schedules.

Thank you. Didn't see one last night, but will certainly check again. Where exactly would I find that sticker?

 

[Lifted]

It should stand out. There isn’t a “standard sticker placement spot”, I have two GX’s and had both belts done and the stickers are in two different places. And the Lexus sticker is different looking than the AISIN sticker.....if it’s there you’ll see it

 

[Tieguy77]

It should stand out. There isn’t a “standard sticker placement spot”, I have two GX’s and had both belts done and the stickers are in two different places. And the Lexus sticker is different looking than the AISIN sticker.....if it’s there you’ll see it

Thank you, I will definitely check!

 

[captainva]

Thank you. I really appreciate all the helpful advice here. It was getting late and we happened to be on dry pavement. The Dealer was explaining to me how he used to be a tech for Toyota and assuring me there was no issue (whilst pushing the air suspension system button and wondering why the diff lock light wasn't going on or off) I was expecting an immediate lock....so that was my mistake. Nice guys, but "finesse" is not a word I would use to describe the way they were attempting to put the car in 4wd to assure me nothing was wrong. Anxious to see what my mechanic says, but also a little irritated that they are not budging on price knowing it needs a TB.

Also to clarify, the GX is full time 4WD unlike the 4runner where you can select 2WD (RWD) or 4WD in the center diff. The center diff in the GX is always connected to the front and rear wheels and driving both no matter what. Its also a torsen type differential so it will lock itself when the front or back slips automatically without you pushing the center lock button. The center lock is something that you should never be using on pavement as it makes it harder to turn and would put a lot of stress on the drivetrain for no benefit.

 

[Tieguy77]

You guys are great. Thank you!

 

[gregnash]

In the same boat as you looking at GXs and 100s to replace my 60 in the near future. Normally if the TB has been done there will be a sticker under the hood. If you are finding a decent amount of service records between the Lexus site and Carfax and neither show the TB being done, then I would say it is safe to assume it has not been. Depending on what "just north of 100k" means, you should definitely attend to that as the service is supposed to be done every 90k miles (if I remember correctly) and it is normally a good "while your in there" to replace the tensioner, water pump and a few other misc. parts. As others have said, if taking to other than Lexus/Toyota dealer then definitely purchase the Aisin kit, why go with anything else just to save a few bucks.

 

[Tieguy77]

In the same boat as you looking at GXs and 100s to replace my 60 in the near future. Normally if the TB has been done there will be a sticker under the hood. If you are finding a decent amount of service records between the Lexus site and Carfax and neither show the TB being done, then I would say it is safe to assume it has not been. Depending on what "just north of 100k" means, you should definitely attend to that as the service is supposed to be done every 90k miles (if I remember correctly) and it is normally a good "while your in there" to replace the tensioner, water pump and a few other misc. parts. As others have said, if taking to other than Lexus/Toyota dealer then definitely purchase the Aisin kit, why go with anything else just to save a few bucks.

Good advice Greg thank you. I'm still waiting for a full report but my mechanic got the car this morning and he was impressed. Said it looked like the previous owner maintained the car very well. Two new axels in the front, no leaks or drips anywhere....air suspension looked and functioned good. Etc...etc...So we shall see, I may be joining the GX470 club very soon. Is there a preferred place to purchase the Aisin kit?

Thanks,

Bobby

 

[captainva]

Good advice Greg thank you. I'm still waiting for a full report but my mechanic got the car this morning and he was impressed. Said it looked like the previous owner maintained the car very well. Two new axels in the front, no leaks or drips anywhere....air suspension looked and functioned good. Etc...etc...So we shall see, I may be joining the GX470 club very soon. Is there a preferred place to purchase the Aisin kit?

Thanks,

Bobby

Rockauto.com and make sure you use the 5% off coupon. They always have a code and you can find it online

 

[Tieguy77]

Rockauto.com and make sure you use the 5% off coupon. They always have a code and you can find it online

Much appreciated thank you very much!

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Compare prices with amazon as well. I bought my Asin kit on amazon

 

[gregnash]

Don't forget there is a MUD Vendors forum as well. While Onur may no longer be selling parts I am sure there are still a few Dealership Service Managers on here that sell at a MUD discount. Otherwise, start with guys like @cruiseroutfit @orangefj45 @TRAIL TAILOR and the like for your parts. Gotta support the community when/where you can!

 

[Tieguy77]

Don't forget there is a MUD Vendors forum as well. While Onur may no longer be selling parts I am sure there are still a few Dealership Service Managers on here that sell at a MUD discount. Otherwise, start with guys like @cruiseroutfit @orangefj45 @TRAIL TAILOR and the like for your parts. Gotta support the community when/where you can!

Awesome! Will definitely do my homework prior to any purchases.