The Car Care Nut: Should You Buy a Lexus GX460? The Ultimate Buying Guide

[23GXOR]

I can't imagine a better or more comprehensive buyers guide to the GX460. He hit on every single point I'd have hoped, including the fact that the luxury adjustable suspension is basically worthless, not something you hear mentioned often.

I suspect some of the knocks on CCN are from existing owners who sometimes aren't the intended audience. This video in particular was clearly made for prospective buyers, not those of us who already dove in.

Only thing I'd have liked to see was a bit more focus on preventative maintenance, but it sounded like he might not be sure if PM for things like KDSS really matter.

 

[sleepycruiser]

I watched it and he hit a lot of the points that a lot have issues with. We’ve had a few 470s over the last several years. Just got a 2011 460, which happens to be in the shop right now getting the valley plate fixed. It also has the timing cover leak, but nothing crazy…so I declined that service, although if it wouldn’t have delayed us by a few weeks (the shop’s workload), I’d have had them knock that out as well. But it is at 137k and has already had the radiator replaced in the last few years. Also replacing the trans solenoids.

We got a good deal on the 460 so I’m not overly concerned at this point, but we love the platform (as he mentions in the video it isn’t for everyone). It’s safe for my wife and kids and hopefully will still be running strong in 4 years so my daughter can inherit the vehicle.

Eventually someone will start a class action against Toyota and Lexus about the valley plate issues. My 200 has the leak, but it is very slow.

 

[Banandalorian]

I think many people confuse "reliable" with "doesn't need regular maintenance" and then also think that off roading and off road mods don't introduce more maintenance and shorter maintenance cycles. The GX has its known issues to look out for but for the most part they are things you find via regular maintenance and can plan out rather than something that just fails catastrophically for no reason (breaking things off roading doesn't count)

 

[cmattina]

Why I like the GX, is that so many parts are interchangeable with 4Runners making them a lot cheaper. Also a great community with lots of DIY threads.
I also considered a QX70, which is a really cool car, best I've ever driven, but there's just so few resources.

 

[GrizzlyClint]

I think many people confuse "reliable" with "doesn't need regular maintenance" and then also think that off roading and off road mods don't introduce more maintenance and shorter maintenance cycles. The GX has its known issues to look out for but for the most part they are things you find via regular maintenance and can plan out rather than something that just fails catastrophically for no reason (breaking things off roading doesn't count)

100% this. Absolutely hit the nail on the head. I'd Ike to also add multiple owners driving the hell out of it when it was a cheap vehicle to buy pre-2021. The fact that I had multiple to choose from between $15-17k in 2020 I'm sure entices a certain type of vehicle owner who sees these as throw away status symbols.