Three things you love or wish you had about your GX470
- Thread starter HomersCanyonero
- Start date
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Good point on the wiring, I had to extend mine due to broken wires in the harness even without extended brackets.
[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]not a fan of having to approve the screen dealio all the time(which I don't, so hubby has become the "approver"
)
v
I’ve noticed that if you don’t leave the screen on navigation, it stops asking for the approval and will just shut off. Like instead of leaving it on the nav screen, leave it on the climate screen. In settings there is a setting to auto divert from audio/climate back to nav automatically. Disengage that. Then hit the climate button twice. First will bring it up twice will shut it (the screen)off. Then the screen should stay dark even when you turn the car off and on again. There’s also a screen off button under the Info tab and I think that works the same way. Once activated you don’t get the approval question. I think this is all true I just know I do not get the approval message every time.
little_joe
SILVER Star
FWIW, I recently updated my nav disc ($11.99 on ebay) and no longer have to ack the nanny.I just get a warning now that times out after a few seconds.
What I love about the GX:
- The amazing 4.7L V8.
- Space, size, styling.
- A true pleasure to drive onroad and offroad.
The not-so-great:
- Rear door.
- Didn't come with bronze-colored wheels. Now I have to shell out a grand to get IG followers.
- IH8Leather (seriously), but knew this going in and have some cotton seat covers that I actually like.
- Nav. Driving a GX w/ nav (o and Mark Levinson audio) results in puppies and kittens dying as I drive by. The horribly bad horrible nav navigated me through lakes, which sucked horribly and caused fish to die horrible deaths. I used nav to get from NC to Ohio and wound up in Morocco. The ML audio is so bad I installed a turbo whistle that turns to brodozer exhaust rumble in the cabin to provide pleasing audio. If only I could hear my country-rap from the ML, sigh.
- Suprisingly, the GX has required much more maintenance than any other Toyota I've owned. And it has been babied, with dealer maintenance every 5k until I bought it w/ 78k on odo (I have religiously kept up on maint, following the owner's manual).
What I love about the GX:
- The amazing 4.7L V8.
- Space, size, styling.
- A true pleasure to drive onroad and offroad.
The not-so-great:
- Rear door.
- Didn't come with bronze-colored wheels. Now I have to shell out a grand to get IG followers.
- IH8Leather (seriously), but knew this going in and have some cotton seat covers that I actually like.
- Nav. Driving a GX w/ nav (o and Mark Levinson audio) results in puppies and kittens dying as I drive by. The horribly bad horrible nav navigated me through lakes, which sucked horribly and caused fish to die horrible deaths. I used nav to get from NC to Ohio and wound up in Morocco. The ML audio is so bad I installed a turbo whistle that turns to brodozer exhaust rumble in the cabin to provide pleasing audio. If only I could hear my country-rap from the ML, sigh.
- Suprisingly, the GX has required much more maintenance than any other Toyota I've owned. And it has been babied, with dealer maintenance every 5k until I bought it w/ 78k on odo (I have religiously kept up on maint, following the owner's manual).
Well, at the risk of being ostracized and/or excommunicated, I actually like the Nav and the ML audio system. After 26yrs of installing stereo systems, I'm happy to have a great sounding OEM and not have 14 speaker holes to fill. Could use a 10" sub but I'll live. Nav for me is really for finding towns I'm not familiar with, even my Garmin with lifetime maps is behind in finding the Arby's that sprang up overnight. For the record, I'm old and grew up with corded phones, expensive long distance, no internet, and paper maps. If I'd been given an iPhone for my 5th birthday I, too, might be a bit put off by what people in 2007 "suffered" with in their premium luxury cars.
- Thread starter
- #47
I live with the ML audio system since it sounds okay. My ML on my 2008 LS460 is awesome. 2003 GX470 not so great especially when the foam on the subwoofer and door speakers has thinned out.
And no way way on liking the navigation! Mine sounds like it’s on slow motion at 90% real life speaking speed.
And no way way on liking the navigation! Mine sounds like it’s on slow motion at 90% real life speaking speed.
I see. Well, in all the years I've used GPS, I've always had the sound turned off. Used to service fire systems for all the telecoms in five states so I lived by GPS, and never used voice prompts and still don't.
I don’t mind the ML or nav either (2008). The speakers sound fine. I don’t actually use the navigation, but I like to use the map for reference in the city. It’s easier than trying to find and read road signs while I’m trying to drive.
One thing that I don’t like is the Bluetooth connection only coming through the driver’s side door speakers. I have to turn it up almost all the way and I can hear it straining the speakers. Seems archaic for the year of the vehicle.
One thing that I don’t like is the Bluetooth connection only coming through the driver’s side door speakers. I have to turn it up almost all the way and I can hear it straining the speakers. Seems archaic for the year of the vehicle.
They probably figured all eight passengers wouldn't want to be caught up in the conversation. I'm treble-deaf in my right ear anyway so it's no bother for me. I hate that my truck seems to auto-answer an incoming call at the 3rd ring before the caller I.D. has even displayed, but I know I need to spend an hour or two with the manual and really set everything up proper, including the voice prompts for Nav. I said "Go home" the other day and it said voice recognition failed since it's still trained to the P.O.'s voice, and Lexus had the foresight to ensure that only the owners could instruct the vehicle to take them to its home.
I think they were just behind in tech, as it seems is typical with Toyota. We looked at a 2016 GX before we bought my wife’s X5 and the interior of the GX looked similar to my 2008. Very dated. We also looked at Audi, MB, and Acura. All of them made the GX look like a 10 year old vehicle on the inside (maybe not the Acura so much- it was just strange). The GX was the only one with a real 4x4 system, but my wife (and I’m sure 99% of the target market) didn’t care about that.
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You type like Randy Burleson speaks...
- Thread starter
- #53
Just re-reading my list. After 4 years of ownership...
Things I don’t like:
1. Repairs and maintenance are adding up at $6k over 4 years.
Getting new cats and O2 sensors didn’t help keep repair costs down. Other prior repairs include new oem LCAs, radiator, speakers, cracked windshield.
Preventive and regular maintenance like water pump, timing belt, plugs, alternator, belts, battery, fluid changes, alignments, brakes, rotors, window moulding, etc.
2. Weak 8” rear diff. Really wish it had an 8.2” rear diff with lockers.
Things I like:
1. Despite the repairs being on the higher side, the gx470 is running really good. Overall repairs and maintenance with new oem parts work well and last a long time. I will part out when it finally bites the dust. Overall, good build quality on engine and transmission for a 18 year old car.
2. Increase off-road capability with basic upgrades like a 2.5” lift, bigger tires, rock sliders, skid plates, TC UCAs, extended brake lines, extended diff breathers, beefy tow points, and a Gobi ladder. All plus more little things for about $6k including tax, shipping, and installation where needed.
So, for about $20K in four years including purchase price...I still have a nice capable rig in good condition that I hope lasts another 5 years.
Things I don’t like:
1. Repairs and maintenance are adding up at $6k over 4 years.
Getting new cats and O2 sensors didn’t help keep repair costs down. Other prior repairs include new oem LCAs, radiator, speakers, cracked windshield.
Preventive and regular maintenance like water pump, timing belt, plugs, alternator, belts, battery, fluid changes, alignments, brakes, rotors, window moulding, etc.
2. Weak 8” rear diff. Really wish it had an 8.2” rear diff with lockers.
Things I like:
1. Despite the repairs being on the higher side, the gx470 is running really good. Overall repairs and maintenance with new oem parts work well and last a long time. I will part out when it finally bites the dust. Overall, good build quality on engine and transmission for a 18 year old car.
2. Increase off-road capability with basic upgrades like a 2.5” lift, bigger tires, rock sliders, skid plates, TC UCAs, extended brake lines, extended diff breathers, beefy tow points, and a Gobi ladder. All plus more little things for about $6k including tax, shipping, and installation where needed.
So, for about $20K in four years including purchase price...I still have a nice capable rig in good condition that I hope lasts another 5 years.
I own my 05 for 3+ years.
My 3 favorite are:
1. KDSS. Absolutely makes driving heavy BOF SUV somewhat sporty. Minimal body roll and no understeer with my setup
2. 2nd start ability. It makes my truck perform much better on slippery eastcoast trails. Later found out that this feature are not even available on 4Runner or FJ cruiser.
3. Very good turning circle. Even smaller that some of the compact car. Makes is very maneuverable on the trail.
My least 3 favorite
1. Ancient nav system. Did non nav conversion to bring it to somewhat acceptable level.
2. Fuel economy is pretty bad. Range is more of a problem for long distance off road travel
3. Store organizations are pretty bad.
All in all I got about $23K including all maintenance but excluding oil change as I did not track it. This include regearing, rear locker, adjustable suspension, winch, non nav conversion, slider and skid plate. I got a lot of parts at discounted price and did all the work myself. No doubt this is expensive hobby and can see people spending a lot of money. If I start with brand new 4runner back in 2017, I would be out more thank $60K just to get to the same level.
My 3 favorite are:
1. KDSS. Absolutely makes driving heavy BOF SUV somewhat sporty. Minimal body roll and no understeer with my setup
2. 2nd start ability. It makes my truck perform much better on slippery eastcoast trails. Later found out that this feature are not even available on 4Runner or FJ cruiser.
3. Very good turning circle. Even smaller that some of the compact car. Makes is very maneuverable on the trail.
My least 3 favorite
1. Ancient nav system. Did non nav conversion to bring it to somewhat acceptable level.
2. Fuel economy is pretty bad. Range is more of a problem for long distance off road travel
3. Store organizations are pretty bad.
All in all I got about $23K including all maintenance but excluding oil change as I did not track it. This include regearing, rear locker, adjustable suspension, winch, non nav conversion, slider and skid plate. I got a lot of parts at discounted price and did all the work myself. No doubt this is expensive hobby and can see people spending a lot of money. If I start with brand new 4runner back in 2017, I would be out more thank $60K just to get to the same level.
ewillis
SILVER Star
Bought mine for 13K a couple years ago. with 95K miles.
Like 1. that it's fairly quick/nimble
2. Tows my small tent trailer without any drama
3. Nice enough to care about...not so special that I won't run it through a car wash
Dislike.
1. Rear door...by far the biggest gripe for me.
2. Maintenece costs starting to creep...expected though I guess.
3. Cargo area is on the small side.
Like 1. that it's fairly quick/nimble
2. Tows my small tent trailer without any drama
3. Nice enough to care about...not so special that I won't run it through a car wash
Dislike.
1. Rear door...by far the biggest gripe for me.
2. Maintenece costs starting to creep...expected though I guess.
3. Cargo area is on the small side.
- Thread starter
- #56
It’s been almost 6 years since this original post and some of my top and bottom 3 have changed. Some dislikes have been fixed.
First, I will list my new top/bottom 3 and later I have annotated my previous top/bottom 3.
My new top 3:
1. V8 engine still my favorite. Runs smooth and strong.
2. Low cost way to improve offroad articulation. Hint: remove front sway bar and get a HD rear sway bar.
3. Great platform for mild to medium trails and solo overlanding. I’m not overweight.
My new bottom 3:
1. Preventive maintenance, repairs, and while you are in there upgrades get expensive! I still look stock but I’m over $25k in these costs. Rig is in great shape, but expensive to keep in tip-top shape. I’ve owned it for close to 8 years. I still look stock, but costs keep piling up!
2. Getting old in the tooth. No adaptive cruise control, no blind spot indicators, 5-speed transmission, etc. I’m getting used to new tech in Tesla especially on long drives in highway.
3. Very expensive to install 35s the right way with all the required upgrades to steering rack, gears, tie rods, long travel, and cutting.
My old top 3:
1. 4.7 V8...runs real smooth and it's 16 years for my engine. It actually runs smoother than my 2008 LS460 V8. [Update: GX470 V8 still running smooth.]
2. Rear airbags that can be raised or lowered. I still use them when off-roading or when camping to level the rig if needed to sleep in the back more level. [Update: Converted to long travel rear shocks and springs. It’s a dedicated quarterly warrior now.]
3. Solid reliability and build. When you close the doors, you can tell it's well built. Comfortable to drive on the highway and on the trail. [Update: Still solid build, but the Load E tires and stiffer springs dont feel as comfy as stock.]
My old bottom 3:
1. Rear hatch door. I wish it was like the 80-series landcruiser which is very useful to sit on or get some rain protection or quick access to the cargo. [Update. I learned to live with it. It’s not an issue anymore.]
2. No rear e-locker option offered from the factory. I wish it had the 2010 FJC rear e-locker and 8.2" rear diff. [Update. Got an 8.2” e-locked rear diff and re-geared to 4.56. Not an issue anymore.]
3. Navigation is useless. I just use my iPhone and various map apps like Gaia and Google Offline Maps. [Update. Map apps like GAIA, Google, Apple, On-X, etc. continue to get better and better. Not an issue at all…just ignore the Lexus navigation.]
First, I will list my new top/bottom 3 and later I have annotated my previous top/bottom 3.
My new top 3:
1. V8 engine still my favorite. Runs smooth and strong.
2. Low cost way to improve offroad articulation. Hint: remove front sway bar and get a HD rear sway bar.
3. Great platform for mild to medium trails and solo overlanding. I’m not overweight.
My new bottom 3:
1. Preventive maintenance, repairs, and while you are in there upgrades get expensive! I still look stock but I’m over $25k in these costs. Rig is in great shape, but expensive to keep in tip-top shape. I’ve owned it for close to 8 years. I still look stock, but costs keep piling up!
2. Getting old in the tooth. No adaptive cruise control, no blind spot indicators, 5-speed transmission, etc. I’m getting used to new tech in Tesla especially on long drives in highway.
3. Very expensive to install 35s the right way with all the required upgrades to steering rack, gears, tie rods, long travel, and cutting.
My old top 3:
1. 4.7 V8...runs real smooth and it's 16 years for my engine. It actually runs smoother than my 2008 LS460 V8. [Update: GX470 V8 still running smooth.]
2. Rear airbags that can be raised or lowered. I still use them when off-roading or when camping to level the rig if needed to sleep in the back more level. [Update: Converted to long travel rear shocks and springs. It’s a dedicated quarterly warrior now.]
3. Solid reliability and build. When you close the doors, you can tell it's well built. Comfortable to drive on the highway and on the trail. [Update: Still solid build, but the Load E tires and stiffer springs dont feel as comfy as stock.]
My old bottom 3:
1. Rear hatch door. I wish it was like the 80-series landcruiser which is very useful to sit on or get some rain protection or quick access to the cargo. [Update. I learned to live with it. It’s not an issue anymore.]
2. No rear e-locker option offered from the factory. I wish it had the 2010 FJC rear e-locker and 8.2" rear diff. [Update. Got an 8.2” e-locked rear diff and re-geared to 4.56. Not an issue anymore.]
3. Navigation is useless. I just use my iPhone and various map apps like Gaia and Google Offline Maps. [Update. Map apps like GAIA, Google, Apple, On-X, etc. continue to get better and better. Not an issue at all…just ignore the Lexus navigation.]
Tops for me:
V8, smooth, never feels like it's working too hard, can be relatively efficient on highway.
Interior comfort, quietness, quality, ease of eating up miles.
Small relative size of the vehicle, turning circle, etc.
Handling with the KDSS is super impressive for this class of vehicle.
It can cruise for hours on end, then do mild trails, then a spirited twisty road drive, and then I can sleep in it.
Negatives:
Transmission while smooth, feels pretty old. Could use another gear.
Throttle tuning is too old man for my tastes
Wish I had 2007+ for aux input, but bluetooth cassette is fine
City MPGs are a****** puckering
Cost of maintenance with OEM parts is very pricy.
Rusty
V8, smooth, never feels like it's working too hard, can be relatively efficient on highway.
Interior comfort, quietness, quality, ease of eating up miles.
Small relative size of the vehicle, turning circle, etc.
Handling with the KDSS is super impressive for this class of vehicle.
It can cruise for hours on end, then do mild trails, then a spirited twisty road drive, and then I can sleep in it.
Negatives:
Transmission while smooth, feels pretty old. Could use another gear.
Throttle tuning is too old man for my tastes
Wish I had 2007+ for aux input, but bluetooth cassette is fine
City MPGs are a****** puckering
Cost of maintenance with OEM parts is very pricy.
Rusty
Haha three likes & dislikes 
.
Likes;
1) Smooth V8 power
2) Comfortable luxury interior
3) Easily adaptable for more serious off pavement usage.
Dislikes;
1) Gas hog (9-12 mpg for me. 200-220 mile tank range).
2) Low power V8, especially with towing. Manual shifting needed…
3) Long in tooth technology in dash.
First of all, I love my Lexus… Low miles for an ‘04 (145k).
I put a Grom unit in dash to have bluetooth.
Gives me satellite radio/pandora etc & hands free phone - nice upgrade.
4.56 gears for my 34” tires (295/70-17). Makes ‘going through gears’ much easier, but has not improved mpg’s. Helps with towing.
I spent for complete Total Chaos & King suspension. Cycles 11 1/2” of travel!
Gives me the poor mans luxury prerunner effect I had hoped for. Still doesnt hit the bumps at speed like a full on pre runner… Had a near miss moment once. 4x4’s well slow also. Oh, I have a KDSS quick disconnect also.
Helps with articulation when needed.
Great old thread for likes & dislikes.
.Likes;
1) Smooth V8 power
2) Comfortable luxury interior
3) Easily adaptable for more serious off pavement usage.
Dislikes;
1) Gas hog (9-12 mpg for me. 200-220 mile tank range).
2) Low power V8, especially with towing. Manual shifting needed…
3) Long in tooth technology in dash.
First of all, I love my Lexus… Low miles for an ‘04 (145k).
I put a Grom unit in dash to have bluetooth.
Gives me satellite radio/pandora etc & hands free phone - nice upgrade.
4.56 gears for my 34” tires (295/70-17). Makes ‘going through gears’ much easier, but has not improved mpg’s. Helps with towing.
I spent for complete Total Chaos & King suspension. Cycles 11 1/2” of travel!
Gives me the poor mans luxury prerunner effect I had hoped for. Still doesnt hit the bumps at speed like a full on pre runner… Had a near miss moment once. 4x4’s well slow also. Oh, I have a KDSS quick disconnect also.
Helps with articulation when needed.
Great old thread for likes & dislikes.
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How did you do KDSS quick disconnect? Can you share the details? I have bypass switch but it's not a true disconnect.Haha three likes & dislikes
Likes;
1) Smooth V8 power
2) Comfortable luxury interior
3) Easily adaptable for more serious off pavement usage.
Dislikes;
1) Gas hog (9-12 mpg for me. 200-220 mile tank range).
2) Low power V8, especially with towing. Manual shifting needed…
3) Long in tooth technology in dash.
First of all, I love my Lexus… Low miles for an ‘04 (145k).
I put a Grom unit in dash to have bluetooth.
Gives me satellite radio/pandora etc & hands free phone - nice upgrade.
4.56 gears for my 34” tires (295/70-17). Makes ‘going through gears’ much easier, but has not improved mpg’s. Helps with towing.
I spent for complete Total Chaos & King suspension. Cycles 11 1/2” of travel!
Gives me the poor mans luxury prerunner effect I had hoped for. Still doesnt hit the bumps at speed like a full on pre runner… Had a near miss moment once. 4x4’s well slow also. Oh, I have a KDSS quick disconnect also.
Helps with articulation when needed.
Great old thread for likes & dislikes.
View attachment 3778509
Its an electric disconnect. I will have to look up the specifics on it. Been a couple of years and I generally wheel without disconnecting.
I will guess its a bypass also.
Edit: I believe it is the Dr KDSS bypass.
That gentleman no showed when my suspension went in at Kaizen Offroad.
Another cat did the wiring and I have a disconnect switch in-dash.
Much like you posted up in the past I believe - just keeps it from pushing down or resisting.
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