This is slightly off topic, but I've spent time in several 4R and own an 06 470. Difference in MPG isn't enough to make a big difference. Ride quality (esp with the suspension on firm/sport) and headroom is much better in the GX. Thanks to that higher roofline, the seats are also a bit higher off the floor, which is great for us long-legged folks.
And before I forget, sacrificing that little bit of MPG, grants a huge difference in available torque and cruising speed. Just drove from Charleston to Asheville with a big Thule roof box, bikes on the back and about 10 tons (mild exaggerations are allowed yes?) of baby stuff crammed into every possible space. Did the trip in about 5 hours with a hour-and-half sit-down dinner (if you haven't eaten the Spicy Fish in Clay Pot off the family style menu at Sun Mings in Irmo, SC, you are missing out on something special) thrown in. Did 80-85 nearly the whole way except for the big grade outside Saluda, where we settled for 75 at the top. Still got 16 MPG. Only stopped for gas because I had to pee.
The truck simply ate up the miles. No big deal. No loudness, no harshness, no vibration. V6 4R would've been struggling to match the pace. V8 4R would've been less comfortable. Hate the way the door arm-rest is on the 120 4Rs. Worthless for my long arms. Plus my butt would've gone to sleep in the first hour thanks to the low seat2floor angle (if I don't put my head through the roof)
Though I've never driven one, a 100 could've probably done the trip just as well, with a bit more room, but slower (much bigger hp/weight ratio). Plus, the 80 was the last good looking LC. Sorry. I realize everyone has their own idea of beauty.
--------A DIGRESSION FROM MY DIGRESSION--------
Incidentally, I am atypical as a Lexus buyer. I'd always felt they were designed for people who would rather cruise highways than carve up backroads. In my personal view, people who really enjoy driving don't get a Lexus or a Mercedes, they get BMWs. But while the GX isn't exactly nimble, it doesn't wallow or complain either (at least not once I've banished comfort mode). I wanted a 4R Sport but found that the 470s were a much less expensive option by about 3-5 large when buying. The big V8 isn't a good thing for resale loan value apparently. In truth I really wanted an 80, but couldn't justify it as our primary driver (or afford a good one!)
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On the whole, I'm very happy with the truck. Barn door is the big knock. Really annoying in the rain and when towing anything. Also not crazy about what Murphy's Law says about my included Nav. And the anchors for the child-seats in the 2/3 portion of the rear bench is in a most annoying place.
One day though, I hope it'll grow up to be like Dan's!
