Test Drive GX 470, dash light and center diff issue? (1 Viewer)

[intoodeep1113]

I have been searching for a nice gx 470 here in south Florida. I have seen some interesting stuff... Mostly undisclosed major issues like repainting, flood damage, and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Am I asking too much to find a gx from 05 to 09 in decent shape?

Anyway I test drove 2006 yesterday, mind you the ad said it had 145k miles, which was clearly not the case! But it also had an orange light that had an x and then a set of wheels. Similar to the bottom half of the diff lock light. It seemed odd, so while in park, I pushed the diff lock button and the light turned off and the truck began to roll downhill! I was surprised to say the least. Then I took a short test drive, when I pushed that button while in Drive, I lost all power to the wheels like I was in neutral. I pushed it again and heard grinding gears. What's going on? Was the front drive disconnected or something? Very strange. See below Pic of dash gauges.

Gx470 - Album on Imgur

I am coming from a 1996 4runner 4x4 which has been good to me. But I'm looking for more safety, more power, and more seating. I tow a boat and I like the self leveling air suspension idea, but the car I test drove has a coil conversion (not disclosed in the ad)

 

[Dclain87]

Sounds like front was disconnected to me or maybe rear dif was replaced with a different gear ratio? I had a similar problem in a Chevy blazer.

I would expand your search into treasure coast, central Florida and anywhere in between. I wouldn’t buy a South Florida GX without extensive records and extended ownership timeframes from the current owner. To many scams down there.

You can find clean examples from treasure coast to Orlando every week. What’s your budget?

 

[intoodeep1113]

I have been looking at vehicles from 7k up to 14k. I dont want to go higher than that. 14k is pushing it as well! I can put up with paint issues and stuff like that, but nonfunctional mechanical stuff isnt cool! I know there will be stuff to fix, but I dont want to start off there!
Also trying to avoid NAV. I would prefer a lighter color as well...

 

[Dclain87]

2004 Lexus gx470

2004 GX 470, well-maintained, silver with grey leather. 121000 miles. Please realize that there may be cheaper ones for sale, but this thing will not require very much to keep running due to the...

orlando.craigslist.org

Here is one by me, in a nice part of town. Airbag delete, and non nav with newish head unit. Low miles, I know it’s not 05 but if the t belt and baseline maintenance is done. I’d say getting it for around 10k would be a good deal

 

[intoodeep1113]

That looks pretty nice, thanks!
As far as air bags, I know many remove them when they leak but I see a new pair of boots for like $180. isnt it worth that money to keep the functionality? I will do more towing than off-roading and I think the load leveling will be really useful.

I also saw this one...
2005 Lexus GX470 4x4

 

[Dclain87]

For me it was everything else, my bags are about to get replaced. I’ve had everything for the complete conversion in the garage for over a year and did the fronts a few weeks ago. I was waiting until it started to just go out.

You have the compressor, the sensors, the bags. They all go out. $$$ not to mention a complete set of oem coil overs and rear shocks are pricey. I went icon and feel I actually saved money. I’m so impressed with the fronts and can’t wait to finish it up in the next couple weeks.

 

[Dclain87]

That one you linked looks small time dealer/flipper to me. I would stay away from those, there are just to many good ones that tend to pop up. I would post a wanted ad in the treasure coast and Orlando CL, you will get hits. I did it when I bought mine, and had several that were contenders before I stole mine.

 

[intoodeep1113]

Thanks, good advice!

 

[dcg141]

Texas