Thinking about a GX470

[TheWoobie]

Hi Everyone:

I just joined because I am thinking about buying a used GX470. We have an 1997 Tacoma that had absolutley the best luck/experience with. 182K without a hitch. But, baby on the way means we will need a back seat here pretty shortly. So, I have been looking for something that had acceptable daily driver/highway attributes but was also pretty capable off-road. I have read the GX is surprisingly good. As far as applicaiton, a pretty common weekend for us is 3-5 hours on the highway to Telluride or Moab and then up some dirt road past where the wienies turn back to camp. We live in the Colorado mountains, so the local wheeling is pretty good and heavy weather is a regular occurence too. All that said, I am definitely not doing any major rock crawling or extreme frame twisting stuff. After some research, the GX470 looks like a pretty good choice and I can get a CPO unit at a dealer with financing and a warranty. Sweet! I started at the LX, but it just seems to big and bulbous (no offense). But, I was wondering what any owners out there would say. Any problems? Any issues? My one concern is that there does not seem to be much available in the way of bumper, tire carriers, and other simple mods. Maybe I am looking in the wrong place. Thanks for any info!

 

[jjbodean1970]

had a gx470 for a couple years, it was rock solid, as one would expect. no issues are known really other than they like to go through brakes at a pretty decent clip and they have a driveline clunk issue which is mostly unresolved.

 

[lexwoody]

I have an 04 and no issue, not even with the drivetrain. As far as aftermaket armor support. Use the Prado or the 4runner as a guide.

 

[uzj100]

We have an 03 that the wife drives. It gets 19 to 20 mpg on the highway and has been great. No driveline clunk with us either. It is easily the nicest car we have ever owned. The vehicle is called the "SPA" car by my wife because it is so relaxing to drive.

For your application, the GX sounds like a great choice. I recommend an 04 or newer just for the reverse camera (if you get NAV). On another note, my friend just got an 07 and the NAV is far superior to the NAV from 03. This just depends on your budget.

We did have 1 issue with paint peeling off the wheels and Lexus replaced them for free even after the warranty had expired and we were the second owners. The dealership experience also blows away all other makes, if you ever visit them.

Other cool peks -

The exhaust note is very nice and the auto downshifts are very cool when decelerating. Also, holding the unlock button down on the key rolls down all the windows and opens the sunroof.

I prefer the heavy TANK feel of my 100 series (2000) Land Cruiser however as a light tank, the GX is awesome.

 

[sprale]

I had an 03 GX, loved it. I have an 04 4R now, really want a GX again. I'll probably get an 04, mostly for the transmission redesign (sealed, no maintenance).

 

[owenjam]

Parents bought an 05 new. Driveline clunk was resolved by the dealership, they said it was a driveshaft length problem and replaced it under warranty, no more clunk. Bad production batch according to service manager. Dad has had some tire balance issues this year, a very light vibration at highway speed that most people would not even notice, but is still present after a second set of tires and multiple re-balances by dealership. Great truck, pleasure to drive and has served them well, it will be the last vehicle they ever own. Nav, stereo, controls etc... very easy to operate and durable as would be expected. Bluetooth phone connection is a little iffy at times, but thats the only functional complaint. Feels and drives like the LX to me, go for it, you wont be dissapointed.