Tex Gets a 250

[Tex68w]

Hey Tex,

Sorry you had to deal with all that crapola on the photos. I think the truck looks awesome and so great that your bride chose the B/W outfit to match. Cant wait to watch your build. My beloved 200 was T-boned recently and is totaled. I put my name on the list for a GX OT+ today. Looking forward to it!

Sorry to hear about the accident. I take it the 200 did its job and allowed you to walk away? Our 200 is still rolling around up in your neck of the woods, Fort Worth, I believe. The 550 is very similar in size to the 200, at least it feels that way in how it drives. So far, we are very happy, and I believe you will be too.

 

[MRego]

Funny, my wife thinks the LC250 looks great, as well as the 3rd gen Sequoia. She's never expressed that about any other Toyota SUVs - and that includes my GX. BUT, she vastly prefers the daily usability and driving dynamics of her Hybrid Highlander for mom duties as opposed to a midsize BOF SUV. Believe me, I tried very, very hard to get her in a Nori Green 2023 GX instead of her Highlander, but ultimately conceded and found her a Highlander instead.

Yeah...it's hard to beat the Highlander for the typical mom duties in terms of practicality, especially if you need the third row to haul little Timmy and friends to soccer practice plus all the junk/gear required. Reality is that most moms driving Prados, like my neighbor, would be better served by driving a Highlander or a Sienna, but the cute-box-shape appeal is strong for most women these days. That plus the higher seating position, increasing the sense of safety. Same phenomena with the Defender. In a similar spectrum there is also the moms with 3-4+kids driving the extended Suburbans/Tahoes that look more like buses than anything else. One of our neighbors actually bought a Mercedes sprinter van.

 

[Rednexus]

Yeah...it's hard to beat the Highlander for the typical mom duties in terms of practicality, especially if you need the third row to haul little Timmy and friends to soccer practice plus all the junk/gear required. Reality is that most moms driving Prados, like my neighbor, would be better served by driving a Highlander or a Sienna, but the cute-box-shape appeal is strong for most women these days. That plus the higher seating position, increasing the sense of safety. Same phenomena with the Defender. In a similar spectrum there is also the moms with 3-4+kids driving the extended Suburbans/Tahoes that look more like buses than anything else. One of our neighbors actually bought a Mercedes sprinter van.

They are also vastly better commuters. I have a relatively long commute 1X a week and take the Highlander. It's certainly an appliance, but gets economy-car fuel economy, has 500+ miles of range, and is so smooth/quiet that I often forget what I'm even driving. And, as you stated, it's much better for hauling a cooler, chairs, and kids to soccer practice. We used it a few weeks ago to haul ~500# of water softener salt home as it was easier to load up the back of the Highlander than it was to hook up the trailer to my GX.

Funny on the bus comment as well. My wife has commented multiple times that she hates the bus-like feeling of a minivan or large SUV. I think she secretly likes driving my GX on days I take the Highlander, but she'll probably never admit it, despite me admitting how much I like her Highlander .

 

[Roody]

At this point it seems like @Tex68w is trying to check the box for every model designation trim on Mud

 

[joseywales]

Great read for the tailwheel pilot.

I’m not sure I’d be taking too much ladvice from someone whose attention to detail includes selling “over 30,000 copies” of a book that misspells the word “complete” in its title!

 

[joseywales]

I also have never been a fan of Reddit or FB groups. I tolerate Marketplace as nobody seems to use Craigslist anymore. I have my old Bronco listed right now, and the flake count is ridiculous. I had one guy feel the need to get in touch to show me a picture of a listing for another Bronco 20 years different than mine, in the middle of nowhere for 1/3 the price and give me crap for “ripping people off”! What the hell??

Your wife looks very happy with the new ride. Mine loves the 250 as well. Hard not to love these!

 

[Tex68w]

I’m not sure I’d be taking too much ladvice from someone whose attention to detail includes selling “over 30,000 copies” of a book that misspells the word “complete” in its title!

Not sure I’d make fun of the spelling of a word when you don’t realize that it’s an actual spelling for the word lol.

 

[joseywales]

Not sure I’d make fun of the spelling of a word when you don’t realize that it’s an actual spelling for the word lol.

Well, some people think “prolly” is a word too. I doubt they are trying to be archaic, but I guess if the book was written in 1920 it makes sense.

 

[Tex68w]

Well, some people think “prolly” is a word too. I doubt they are trying to be archaic, but I guess if the book was written in 1920 it makes sense.

I was just busting your balls, but yes, it's a valid spelling, albeit an older one.

 

[taccruiser97]

Really like your GX. How do you like the turbo V6 so far?

 

[Tex68w]

Really like your GX. How do you like the turbo V6 so far?

The power is great, with much better acceleration than the outgoing 4.6L V8. My only gripe is that I can't drive it lazily like you can a V8, lugging it down low, relying on the low RPM torque. I guess I am a child of NA V8's, but I think I'll come around in time.

 

[BIC JET]

Tex68w, Any chance you could provide the source for the rear cargo light?

 

[Tex68w]

Tex68w, Any chance you could provide the source for the rear cargo light?

Tailgate Hatch Light for Lexus GX550 and Land Cruiser LC250

Illuminate your cargo space with this powerful and convenient tailgate hatch light! The wide-angle light brightens the space and makes it easier to see and access your belongings. Plug-and-play installation on the powered tailgate makes it quick and easy. No modification or trimming required...

www.landbully.com

 

[BIC JET]

I really wish Toyota would make some announcement indicating that they finally have determined what the cause of the ngine problme is and tha they have fixed it, and any cars manufactured after 12/1/2025 will not be affected. I am seriously considering waiting for the 2027 Year model….. I hate it, but I am seriously considering it. Have I lost my mind?

 

[Tex68w]

Yes, I wouldn't let it hold you back from taking delivery of your 2026. The number of failures in the GX's is minuscule. Toyota/Lexus will stand behind their product and take care of any issues; they have proven that time and time again, unlike many of the domestics.

 

[Rednexus]

I have the opposite opinion. It's a big purchase. If it's a rig you plan on keeping the rig a long time, I'd hold until the dust settles on the VA35 issues. If the problem ends up being bad enough it could tank both the future reliability and resale value of these rigs (which are the two reasons to buy a Toyota). Unfortunately Toyota is disclosing very little about these failures and they keep expanding the scope of the recall, so it's not clear if the problem is truly "fixed" or not. I would not be surprised if they get hit with a class action lawsuit.

Toyota isn't going to stop making the GX550 any time soon, and demand for them should eventually wind down a little bit after most early adopters get them. So you might also be able to get a better deal in 2027. Or, there are plenty of LC200s and LX570s still out there.

 

[Tex68w]

If one in five of these engines were eating themselves, maybe I'd agree. I challenge you to come up with documented failures on three or more 550's, not hearsay from your cousin's best friend's neighbor about a possible GX with main bearing issues. No manufacturer is impervious to issues, Toyota/Lexus included. To each his own, though. I'll take a storied brand under warranty with decades of personal experience, a documented track record, and a history of handling failures correctly over any domestic or older truck out of warranty with a 20-year-old design and tech. Especially when you're talking $50K+.

 

[BIC JET]

Yes, I wouldn't let it hold you back from taking delivery of your 2026. The number of failures in the GX's is minuscule. Toyota/Lexus will stand behind their product and take care of any issues; they have proven that time and time again, unlike many of the domestics.

I know you are correct. This will be my 5th Toyota product all my experiences match what you have described above. I just lost it for a minute…..

 

[cruiserguysc]

I know you are correct. This will be my 5th Toyota product all my experiences match what you have described above. I just lost it for a minute…..

I’ve owned 20+ LC(many different models) since the sickness hit me in college (90-95) and 2 Lexus (200 lx & 05 gx)

I have six in the driveway currently (2 40’s, 2 62’s, fzj80, 250 PP purchased with 10miles last Feb)

I love them all, however, the LC has always retained its value (sold 55,60’s, a couple of 100’s and traded the 14’ 200 for the 250 bc the dealer game me stupid $$ for trade) I’ve put 8300mi in last 11mo and I have zero regrets on purchasing the 250 PP w/20in wheels. However, I’m thinking I probably should have kept the 200 as well!?

I purchased the 2005 GX brand new and still have it and the 250 is the only other brand new purchase. I certainly did not purchase any of these vehicles as a status, “look at me” vehicle, however, people just can’t help themselves! Lol

BTW…I’m broke AF…..BUT happy AF!

 

[Tex68w]

Slapped some new meats on the GX today. I took @turbo8 advice and went with a 275/70/18 to fit a full-size spare in the factory location. I was extremely impressed with the Toyo RT Trails that I ran on my Super Duty, so I decided to give those a whirl this time around, albeit in a much smaller size. Durable, capable, long tread life (50-60K), and I personally think they look fantastic. They rode a touch stiffer than the factory nuetered AT3's, but the truck felt more planted and stable at speed. I'll have the low-mile factory rubber for sale soon if anyone in Texas needs a good deal, feel free to reach out.