You might be right and that's why this will be the first vehicle I get with an extended warranty. The amount of tech in the new GX is a bit intimidating.
Swap ‘21 LC for ‘24 GX? (1 Viewer)
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Although I can afford to drive what I want and replace it whenever I want, I don’t. Part of the appeal of the 200 is not having to replace my car when it gets a patina since it is still 100% reliable. I also really dislike new cars. If you want to get noticed, buy a new car. If you don’t (and I definitely don’t for my use cases) then stick with the old.
This is by far the best option, if you can afford it.
Just make more money so you can afford it. Listen, I can't keep solving all of the problems here.
@goodnightnyc Yep.
The 200 is far from perfect and it has her own issues. If memory serves me well, the OP had some issues with an almost brand new car that was supposedly, super reliable, something with the coolant, I remember typing him some advice. So, yes, the 200's are phenomenal vehicles and will last MANY years while being taken care of... But they ain't perfect. They have their now well documented 3 or 4 issues.
OP, either decision you make, you will be happy: keep the 200, GREAT car. Trade, GX500 brand new car, and a great car on paper ( and when I saw it and checked out at the dealership). Driven a car for 3.5 years not loosing money is rare... Having a new 200 is impossible now and it is rare that you own one from new. Maybe try to test drive the GX550 first and see how you really feel ?
Good luck !
OP, either decision you make, you will be happy: keep the 200, GREAT car. Trade, GX500 brand new car, and a great car on paper ( and when I saw it and checked out at the dealership). Driven a car for 3.5 years not loosing money is rare... Having a new 200 is impossible now and it is rare that you own one from new. Maybe try to test drive the GX550 first and see how you really feel ?
Good luck !
Everyone is making good points on both directions. Another thing to consider is seating space. You said this is mostly a family hauler, how big is your family? Have you tried seating on the second row? Center seat on the second row? Not at all the same experience as in the 200, 2nd row on the GX550 is fixed and it has a very prominent bump, also it won’t slide like on the 200 to make more leg room… that to me is the most objective deal breaker when comparing to the 200…
Good luck, you’ll be happy either way…
PS. Infotainment is objectively different as well BUT that is fixable in many ways
Good luck, you’ll be happy either way…
PS. Infotainment is objectively different as well BUT that is fixable in many ways
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Appreciate all of the input and perspectives. I don’t think there is any wrong choice.
We have two kids. I rode in the back while my wife test drove the GX, and while not as spacious at my 200, it felt fine (I’m 6’). Fortunately, with no plans for a 3rd kid no one will have to suffer riding middle.
If I do swap, I’ll definitely be getting an extended warranty. The TTV6 has shown it’s not as reliable as the 5.7L V8; while most datapoints are Tundras, there are a few examples on the LX. I was surprised that the warranty on the GX is not cheap. Some datapoints (all from same source and known to be close to cost):
2021 LC 10yr/125k: $3,055
2023 Tundra 10yr/125k: $2,070
2024 GX 10yr/125k: $5,270!!!
Seems that warranty costs are tiered with Toyota being cheaper than Lexus. Also, within each make there are tiers as well. You’d think a Lexus would be cheaper considering the included factory warranty is longer than Toyota’s.
Edited: poor English and typos.
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Since your finances are in order it really just comes down to what YOU want to do. Personally I plan on trading my 200 for something else within the next 18 to 24 months. Most likely a GX550, possibly a LC250 but that depends on availability, potential new model hiccups, real world user feedback, etc. I want something a bit more modern but also something more practical for my use case. I have my likes and dislikes for the 200 but something else that has somewhat bothered me about mine in particular is that I feel like I bought the wrong one. I got mine nearly a year ago and paid brand new MSRP for something that was 3 years old with 16,000 miles and no warranty. Clean overall, like an 7 out of 10 if i had to rate it but there is some surface rust in many spots underneath, a few small blemishes inside and out. Had I been able to buy mine brand new off the showroom floor I like to think I would be more inclined to actually keep it around for the long haul? There have been a couple times since acquiring mine that I inquired on some very low mileage, mint condition 200's out there but people want absurd money for them. I do not think these are worth 6 figures or even more in some cases. Very few cars can justify that kind of price IMO.
I have never kept a vehicle longer than 4 1/2 years and thought the 200 might change that but it's not looking that way for me. Financially I am fine and could pay my 200 off right now (owe about $40k on it) but I don't see the point since I'm planning on moving on from it. Plan is to pay cash for whatver I get into next and keep it for at least 5 years. Ideally only buying a new vehicle when I have the equity and cash to pay in full for a new one.
I have never kept a vehicle longer than 4 1/2 years and thought the 200 might change that but it's not looking that way for me. Financially I am fine and could pay my 200 off right now (owe about $40k on it) but I don't see the point since I'm planning on moving on from it. Plan is to pay cash for whatver I get into next and keep it for at least 5 years. Ideally only buying a new vehicle when I have the equity and cash to pay in full for a new one.
I have been hearing serious problems with the TTV6 and the 10spd transmission constantly hunting gears. My customer had ordered the new GX and when it finally arrived then test drove it, decided he did not want it because of the way it shifts. We have a lot of hills around us, which makes for a good testing ground. Also he tows a boat and found the pin holes lacking room to put an actual pin through it because the access to the pin hole is very tight, that was not a deal breaker. But it was the transmission that killed the deal as he was excited to get it but found it very annoying as the shifts were not buttery smooth for $85k. I am definitely waiting to maybe pick one up in two years as I don’t want a first gen already being plagued with problems. I am not saying the GX is the problem currently but the actual TTV6 in the Toyota lineup but the GX does use the same engine and that concerns me as a potential buyer.
The exterior styling is a big win for the GX but wish they would have spent a little more money on the interior. It’s pretty low quality plastics and no leather for $75k+ , which to me is pretty ridiculous and that fake leather(unless you buy luxury model) will make your arse and back sweat regardless of the ventilated seats here in the south and geez the wheel options are some of the ugliest available. Definitely would put some Icon wheels on it. Otherwise it’s a welcomed leap forward for Lexus but the cost is a big sting for what you get as a first owner. Most new owners will mall cruise this thing and keep it 3-5yrs, while other better options are available for the same money with nicer options and more horse power,etc. Heck, the lx600 for a few thousand more doesn’t look so bad compared to a loaded GX. Only $200-250 more a month if you’re financing it.
I wish Lexus would have bumped out the rear bumper on the LX600 a little because I’ve already seen a couple rear ended and the cargo hatch destroyed from a simple low speed rear end accident. No idea why they would design the rear hatch flush with the bumper. When I’m thinking of buying the GX for $87k, it has me wondering if the LX600 is a better buy as that interior much much nicer and the seats are really plush. The infotainment is better in the GX, less screens for one.
Has anyone else noticed the shift patterns being an issue of the GX550?
The exterior styling is a big win for the GX but wish they would have spent a little more money on the interior. It’s pretty low quality plastics and no leather for $75k+ , which to me is pretty ridiculous and that fake leather(unless you buy luxury model) will make your arse and back sweat regardless of the ventilated seats here in the south and geez the wheel options are some of the ugliest available. Definitely would put some Icon wheels on it. Otherwise it’s a welcomed leap forward for Lexus but the cost is a big sting for what you get as a first owner. Most new owners will mall cruise this thing and keep it 3-5yrs, while other better options are available for the same money with nicer options and more horse power,etc. Heck, the lx600 for a few thousand more doesn’t look so bad compared to a loaded GX. Only $200-250 more a month if you’re financing it.
I wish Lexus would have bumped out the rear bumper on the LX600 a little because I’ve already seen a couple rear ended and the cargo hatch destroyed from a simple low speed rear end accident. No idea why they would design the rear hatch flush with the bumper. When I’m thinking of buying the GX for $87k, it has me wondering if the LX600 is a better buy as that interior much much nicer and the seats are really plush. The infotainment is better in the GX, less screens for one.
Has anyone else noticed the shift patterns being an issue of the GX550?
I’ve owned a 2022 Tundra and 2023 TRD Pro Tundra, both transmissions were smooth. The power train was very nice in both. I believe there is a learning period for the engine/transmission.
The Softex seats were very nice in both. Maybe not as nice as my 2015 LX leather, but not much different for heat. The ventilation system in the Tundra was much improved over the LX, IMO.
I’ll be happy if the GX powertrain performance is similar to what I experienced with the Tundras.
The Softex seats were very nice in both. Maybe not as nice as my 2015 LX leather, but not much different for heat. The ventilation system in the Tundra was much improved over the LX, IMO.
I’ll be happy if the GX powertrain performance is similar to what I experienced with the Tundras.
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My wife is getting a GX to replace her ‘17 (we may end up with two).
I’ve tried talking her into an LX, but honestly, it’s a poor value proposition. She’s looking at the Premium + GX, so moving to an LX is a $30k premium without a ton to show for it (definite downgrade in tech; safety system 2.5 instead of 3.0).
I do have concerns with the TTV6, but the LX doesn’t address that concern. We’ll get an extended warranty to 100k even though we usually don’t.
The transmission could still be in learning mode. My LC200 shifted pretty rough for the first few thousand miles. I even posted my concerns about it on here in 2021. Many responses were correct to give it time.
I also have considered the same move but ultimately decided to wait and see. I'm curious how the GX plays out over the next 3ish years. I can deal with the meh infotainment system and terrible gas mileage for a bit more. If i ever move back to the west coast ill probably sell it and pickup a side by side and a gx or lc250.
The LX is a lot more expensive. I’m looking at around $75k for an Overtrail. The cheapest used LX600 near me is $89k with most used LX600s over $100k.
My concern about the GX is the bearing issue in the V6, but the LX600 has the very same engine, so buying an LX doesn’t alleviate that concern for me.
Can I also grouse about the interior. Stopped by the local Lexus dealer and they had 3 550's on the showroom floor. All were either premium or luxury models. What is the deal with all black interiors? If I wanted to spend my time in a depressing environment, I'd go lock myself in a dark room. Our 99 LC is all beige or brown, very little black compared to today's models. Starting to feel like we've gone back to the early 1900's Model T's. "You can have any color you want, so long as it's black." -Henry Ford
If I was buying today, I'd opt for an OT+ model, but again your interior color options are pretty limited there. And then there is the wheel options we saw. Even my wife was like "why is there so little tire there?"
And I think the oldest sales person was in their very early 20's. "Can I help you?" Me. "Nope, I'm good."
I much prefer the styling of the GX or the LC now that I've seen them both in person.
If I was buying today, I'd opt for an OT+ model, but again your interior color options are pretty limited there. And then there is the wheel options we saw. Even my wife was like "why is there so little tire there?"
And I think the oldest sales person was in their very early 20's. "Can I help you?" Me. "Nope, I'm good."
I much prefer the styling of the GX or the LC now that I've seen them both in person.
