talk me into/out of a gx

[jabhb]

I currently have a built 80 and a fj cruiser. A second addition to the family is making me quickly realize the need for four real doors.

As I'm trying to lower my price point at the same time, I've been looking at 4runners, 100s, (cough cough) Tahoe/suburbans and now the gx.

Admittedly I've been notorious for being rough on vehicles although the last couple years I've been a lot better. Yet, keeping in mind, my job requires me to drive roughly 1800 mi a month, with which probably 400 of it is on rough gravel roads.

Basically I've got it narrowed down to either take gx or a Tahoe. Steering more towards the Tahoe because they can be had for substantially cheaper with about the same year/miles and have been known to be very reliable also.

Just looking to see what the guys on mud think. Clearly it's a biased crowd but then again I kind of am too.

Is the gx worth the extra money? Is out going to be reliable and be able to hold up?
Higher mileage. 100,000 mi +

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[Sam Stewart]

Really good drivetrain. Very little problems from the V8. And unless you wheel it like Dan , then the rest should hold up fine as well. There is a *little* more room in a GX vs a comparable 4Runner. I have been thinking about a GX or 4Runner myself. Honestly, I don't see where the GX is worth the extra moneyt over a V8, 4WD, Limited 4Runner. There are a few more luxury items and you get a fancy "L" on the front.

 

[RCsGX]

Basically I've got it narrowed down to either take gx or a Tahoe. Steering more towards the Tahoe because they can be had for substantially cheaper with about the same year/miles and have been known to be very reliable also.

I had a Tahoe, biggest piece of crap ever. My Aunt just bought a new Tahoe and its been in and out of the shop more times than I can count. Biggest piece of dung there is.

A GX will go well over 200K miles without a hiccup as long as the previous owner keep up the maintenance. I had a '01 Tundra (basically same engine) and it has over 178K miles and ran find. Few o2 sensors / timing belt and oil changes is all it needed.

 

[04UZJ100]

Tahoe won't stand up to harsh roads. One look underneath is all you need to see how poorly made it is.

 

[patrickfinley]

Yes, a GX is more out of the box, but think of your long term investment. For example take a look at a 2004 Tahoe and a 2004 Lexus GX. The Tahoe is about 10-14k and looks like it's ready for a trip to the junk yard. They don't look held up well at all. Sure for 2-3 years when new they look great but they don't age well and will cost you in repairs in the long run. Take a test drive and you will need earplugs to soften all the rattles and noises.

In comparison check out an 2004 Lexus GX. It sells for about 19-23k and for the majority of them they look brand new. They still have many years of life left in them. The Lexus GX is designed for hard travel, it will survive years of abuse on rough dirt roads very well. Remember that these vehicles where designed for a 25 year lifespan and are used in some of the harshest regions of the world. In no way can you say that about the Chevy Tahoe. The Chevy Tahoe is made for paved roads, it just looks like an SUV.

 

[jabhb]

That's provably fine if my biggest things.... how it's going to withstand driving on rough roads, then get me home 700 miles away..

That's a very good point. I had limited newer style grand Cherokee when they first came 5 yrs ago or so and although it was nice, it basically rattled apart after a year and a half. I imagine the Tahoe would bring the same....

The only vehicles that haven't are my 80, and this fj. The fj really has surprised me how well it's stood up to the abuse of rough roads. Hardly any rattles, and besides a balljoint, zero problems.

I've seen the gx s on autotrader for as low as 14-15, with 150,000 miles. Is that a gamble? Obviously it is being the high mileage, but with an 80 it isn't and with a fj it really isn't either.

I've read that it's preferable to have the timing belt changed alreAdy. Is that a pita if it's not?

Transmission in the first two model years?
Cracked dashes....
How about the air suspension?
Is there any other things to look for?

I'm just trying to get all my ducks in a row before committing to anything.

I appreciate all of your help everyone.

Another thing I guess to keep in mind is I would but a mild lift and whatnot in it. Something in my blood won't let me leave something stock! I'd use it for mild wheeling/exploring but keep my 80 for any reeeeaaal wheelin.

Thanks again

 

[Makakio]

not much aftermarket if you want to mod it. downside.
built tough to be smooooth. upside.
will last forever. upside.
barn door, downside.
Way more comfy.roomy inside than 4runner (upside)
it won't rattle. huuuge upside.
if at all possible, get a mid-2005+ (more power)

 

[GXO]

If you are comparing a Tahoe and a GX I won't even provide data points:

GX or you will regret it. A Tahoe will fail, a GX won't.

Period.

 

[patrickfinley]

I've seen the gx s on autotrader for as low as 14-15, with 150,000 miles. Is that a gamble? Obviously it is being the high mileage, but with an 80 it isn't and with a fj it really isn't either.

If your budget is about 15k you may want to look elsewhere than a GX. For that price you will most likely pick up a vehicle that needs a timing belt and water pump which is a $1500-$1800 repair. Then you'll need to see how the shocks, breaks and tires are, could be another $2500 if all those need to be replaced. (as with any vehicle). As a matter of fact, I would imagine any GX with higher miles will be in need of some expensive maintenance.

If the AHC has problems it could cost you. The 05+ models to my knowledge have better dashes and a revised transmission and more power, that is probably the way to go.

Plus, it is a Lexus and all maintenance will cost you a bit more. Perhaps look again at a 4Runner, it will be very comparable and a bit more affordable, plus if you want to mod it, there are a few more choices.

 

[copasneak34]

If your budget is around 15k, get a 4r! I got my 05 with 90 k miles for less than 15. And it's a beast off road out if the box

 

[patrickfinley]

How far away are you from a Lexus dealership or qualified Lexus mechanic?? Something to think about if your nearest repair shop is 150-200 miles away.

I lived a short while in the boondocks of Florida and was upset to find I had to drive 45 minutes for an oil change. That was with a Toyota, the Lexus dealer was even further away. If I had a Ford or Chevy there where 10 places within a few miles where I could get it fixed, with parts on hand. Something to think about in remote areas and small towns.

 

[jabhb]

Funny you mention the 4 runner just because I was realz looking closely at those tonight. They can be had for really good prices!

I just assumed with the gx that it could be serviced at a Toyota dealership. The nearest Lexus dealership is about 300 mile s away.

Is the 1800ish quote on the timing belt dealer prices? I would be planning on just doing it myself on either a gx or a v8 4runner.

Decisions decisions.

 

[patrickfinley]

Funny you mention the 4 runner just because I was realz looking closely at those tonight. They can be had for really good prices!

I just assumed with the gx that it could be serviced at a Toyota dealership. The nearest Lexus dealership is about 300 mile s away.

Is the 1800ish quote on the timing belt dealer prices? I would be planning on just doing it myself on either a gx or a v8 4runner.

Decisions decisions.

Yes, the $1800 is dealer price. Sounds like you would be doing you're own maintenance so that certainly helps in cost.

Most Toyota dealerships don't want to take in a Lexus, but if the nearest Lexus is 300 miles away they might make an exception.

As far as size between the 4Runner and GX; the 4Runner is wider and a bit longer while the GX is taller. So they are roughly the same. Both are uber reliable, however the fit and finish is going to be nicer on the GX. Still the 4Runner is much better than a Yukon!

 

[Sam Stewart]

Funny you mention the 4 runner just because I was realz looking closely at those tonight. They can be had for really good prices!

I just assumed with the gx that it could be serviced at a Toyota dealership. The nearest Lexus dealership is about 300 mile s away.

Is the 1800ish quote on the timing belt dealer prices? I would be planning on just doing it myself on either a gx or a v8 4runner.

Decisions decisions.

Pricing for the parts for a T-Belt through your friendly neighborhood MUD Vendor D) is probably in the $500 range. If you can do the work yourself you can save a ton of money on the maint items if they haven't already been done.

Yes, the $1800 is dealer price. Sounds like you would be doing you're own maintenance so that certainly helps in cost.

Most Toyota dealerships don't want to take in a Lexus, but if the nearest Lexus is 300 miles away they might make an exception.

As far as size between the 4Runner and GX; the 4Runner is wider and a bit longer while the GX is taller. So they are roughly the same. Both are uber reliable, however the fit and finish is going to be nicer on the GX. Still the 4Runner is much better than a Yukon!

Not true at all about Toyota Dealers not wanting to work on Lexus. We do TONS of Lexus work here at our store. People either come to us because we are more convinient or cheaper (which we usually are). The only real exception is warranty. We obviosly can't warranty anything on a Lexus since we're not an authorized dealer.

 

[GXO]

I NEVER go to a Lexus dealer. I do it all at ACC or Cherokee Toyota here in GA.

 

[patrickfinley]

I suppose it all depends if there is a Lexus dealership nearby that is owned by the same company? I've heard that people have been unable to take their Lexus to Toyota but perhaps that is the exception and not the general rule.

 

[SouthernSS]

go with the GX. Theres nothing wrong with a little luxury.

 

[Sam Stewart]

I suppose it all depends if there is a Lexus dealership nearby that is owned by the same company? I've heard that people have been unable to take their Lexus to Toyota but perhaps that is the exception and not the general rule.

Yeah I guess that would make sense. We are independantly owned and the nearest Lexus is owned by our main competitor. They have a Lexus and Toyota dealer right next to each other. I'm not sure how they do it to be honest. If I was a customer I would take my truck to Toyota over Lexus every time. You are getting the same service and certified techs (albeit, Toyota not Lex) for less $$. Seems like a no brainer to me. Then again if I was a customer in the Atlanta area I would take my truck to ACC and not the dealer anyway.

 

[jabhb]

Decisions decisions. 4runner. Gx. 4runner. Gx.

Both I'd get the v8. Both I'd probably change the timing belt right away if it hasn't been done.

Looking at autotrader they both can be had for 15. 4 runners even cheaper...

Hhmph

 

[04UZJ100]

If looking at 4R's - only consider the V8.