Looking for some GX opinions...

[Christian Schrader]

So short and sweet of it...I am looking at two GX 470s. Both are white, both have great service history.

GX #1 is a 2007 w/ KDSS, ML stereo, Bluetooth. 128,000 mi on it. Has a little oil seepage from the oil pan area it looked like? Other than that its perfect. Interior is in good shape. Could use a detail/shampoo etc.

GX #2 is a 2005 WITHOUT KDSS. Has ML stereo/NAV. Has 107,000 mi on it. Very clean, great service records, interior looks pretty damn nice (recent detail).

Price wise they are very close. Currently, the 2005 is slightly less and firm on the price. the 2007 is about 2000$ more and seems to have some flex but am not sure how much lower I can get him...thinking I can get him down 1000$ or so.

So which one....I am ready to pull the trigger now, but would love your insight/opinions/whys/why nots etc!

Truly appreciate any insight as I am at a stalemate personally!

 

[wrenchMonkey_]

I did a bit of reading into the GX470 when I was looking at getting one years ago. I'd refer you to I H8 MUD to do some more.... but two quick things that come to mind.

One, if you dont' care about KDSS and plan on doing suspension upgrades your self, not having KDSS can be cheaper and cause less problems down the road.

Two, with the 05 with the built in ML/NAV, that relocates all your HVAC controls to the LCD. That can make it tough to replace the radio or if I have some issues, can be $$ to fix it.

Either or, I think you'll be happy. If I had to pick, I'd go for the 05 and knock him down another $1000.

 

[(none)]

no KDSS > KDSS.

 

[Christian Schrader]

@wrenchMonkey_ appreciate the insight. All my HW regarding KDSS vs NON seems to just go in circles...I've seen plenty of capable rigs on here, MUD and 120 forums that have it and don't have it. Both trucks have the ML/Nav so I think I'm damned either way regarding that...I run and Ipad for nav, and would bluetooth stream music for listening so not the end of the world there. The VLINE products are pretty decent now it seems so adding that into the 05 wouldnt be the end of the world...other than a few hundred bucks to do so.

@(none) school me as I have studied on the system and what it does but is it really all that? Im coming from an 80 series so the GX will ride and drive like a dream regardless to me.

 

[ukrboy]

Can their stereo play music through BT though? I know you can make/receive calls, but I'd check on the streaming.

 

[Christian Schrader]

Can their stereo play music through BT though? I know you can make/receive calls, but I'd check on the streaming.

The GROM kits seem to allow it.

http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adap...id_ipod_adapter_direct_digital_interface.html

 

[Dalko43]

@wrenchMonkey_ appreciate the insight. All my HW regarding KDSS vs NON seems to just go in circles...I've seen plenty of capable rigs on here, MUD and 120 forums that have it and don't have it. Both trucks have the ML/Nav so I think I'm damned either way regarding that...I run and Ipad for nav, and would bluetooth stream music for listening so not the end of the world there. The VLINE products are pretty decent now it seems so adding that into the 05 wouldnt be the end of the world...other than a few hundred bucks to do so.

@(none) school me as I have studied on the system and what it does but is it really all that? Im coming from an 80 series so the GX will ride and drive like a dream regardless to me.

The basic gist on KDSS is:
1) Yes you can add some aftermarket suspensions to vehicles equipped with it, it's just a bit more complicated (and potentially costly) to do. Most people who are intent on modifying their 4runner or GX from the get-go seem to prefer vehicles without for the sake of simplicity and lower buying costs.

2) It does a better job of managing body roll on road; offroad supposedly it does allow for better articulation, though I've never seen anyone provide a RTI comparison.

If you plan on modifying your vehicle, it's not really necessary. If you plan on keeping the vehicle stock, it could be a nice feature to have.

 

[p nut]

Two, with the 05 with the built in ML/NAV, that relocates all your HVAC controls to the LCD. That can make it tough to replace the radio or if I have some issues, can be $$ to fix it...

I absolutely hate all factory NAV's. Especially if the HVAC is integrated. KDSS is a nice feature and getting a newer vehicle....the decision is obvious for me. The only thing would be to take it into Lex/Toyota and have them check out the oil leak. Could be the oil pan, or could be something more complicated. As long as it's a simple fix, '07 is the answer.

 

[Christian Schrader]

The basic gist on KDSS is:
1) Yes you can add some aftermarket suspensions to vehicles equipped with it, it's just a bit more complicated (and potentially costly) to do. Most people who are intent on modifying their 4runner or GX from the get-go seem to prefer vehicles without for the sake of simplicity and lower buying costs.

2) It does a better job of managing body roll on road; offroad supposedly it does allow for better articulation, though I've never seen anyone provide a RTI comparison.

If you plan on modifying your vehicle, it's not really necessary. If you plan on keeping the vehicle stock, it could be a nice feature to have.

To your point I've yet to see an RTI ramp on the trail...so sorta makes that decision easier for me. Great to have, not necessary and in my eyes not worth paying extra for.

 

[Christian Schrader]

I absolutely hate all factory NAV's. Especially if the HVAC is integrated. KDSS is a nice feature and getting a newer vehicle....the decision is obvious for me. The only thing would be to take it into Lex/Toyota and have them check out the oil leak. Could be the oil pan, or could be something more complicated. As long as it's a simple fix, '07 is the answer.

Will bring that up to him and see if he is willing to have Lexus take a peek at it. Service records are all from a Lex dealer so thats nice.

 

[p nut]

Will bring that up to him and see if he is willing to have Lexus take a peek at it. Service records are all from a Lex dealer so thats nice.

If he isn't, it would be a red flag.

 

[chunko]

I absolutely hate all factory NAV's. Especially if the HVAC is integrated. KDSS is a nice feature and getting a newer vehicle....the decision is obvious for me. The only thing would be to take it into Lex/Toyota and have them check out the oil leak. Could be the oil pan, or could be something more complicated. As long as it's a simple fix, '07 is the answer.

I believe OP mentioned they both have NAV. As far as KDSS- I think the only ones tossing the system are the ones who go to long travel systems. I have an 09 without KDSS and I think the handling is good for a body on frame SUV but I haven't compared it to one with KDSS. You will find a whole lot of information and ideas on the 120 series over on iH8mud as well as the GXOR group on facebook in between the "how large of a tire can i put on?" posts. The facebook group is public so you can lurk without having an account like I do.

 

[Christian Schrader]

I believe OP mentioned they both have NAV. As far as KDSS- I think the only ones tossing the system are the ones who go to long travel systems. I have an 09 without KDSS and I think the handling is good for a body on frame SUV but I haven't compared it to one with KDSS. You will find a whole lot of information and ideas on the 120 series over on iH8mud as well as the GXOR group on facebook in between the "how large of a tire can i put on?" posts. The facebook group is public so you can lurk without having an account like I do.

HUGE thanks to all of you chiming in and giving some input. Love that this community does that vs just talking crap and telling someone to go search or the likes. I did a ton of research prior but in the end I value all your opinions.

Well I drove home th 05 last night. It was too clean, ran too good nad was too good a deal to walk away from. STOKED!

 

[p nut]

HUGE thanks to all of you chiming in and giving some input. Love that this community does that vs just talking crap and telling someone to go search or the likes. I did a ton of research prior but in the end I value all your opinions.

Well I drove home th 05 last night. It was too clean, ran too good nad was too good a deal to walk away from. STOKED!

There is nothing like seeing the vehicle in person. Looking at pictures and spec online is one thing, but sitting in and driving the vehicle, and even talking to the owner in person tells me more than the hours of research. Have fun with the new car.

 

[chunko]

HUGE thanks to all of you chiming in and giving some input. Love that this community does that vs just talking crap and telling someone to go search or the likes. I did a ton of research prior but in the end I value all your opinions.

Well I drove home th 05 last night. It was too clean, ran too good nad was too good a deal to walk away from. STOKED!

Awesome! Congrats! Post up pics when you have a chance.