GX470 vs. LR3 (overland rig)

[Mr. Monday]

This is my first post here. I am having a very difficult time deciding between an 05 or 06 GX470 with KDSS and a 07 or 08 LR3 both are around 100k miles with full maintenance records and cost $15-16k . Either way I go the rig will be getting the off road/overland treatment with off road wheels, lift, lights, rack, armor, skids, locker, full size spare, and snorkel. Which should bring me up to $20k. This rig will not be a daily driver but I want to be able to take this on overland camping trips across the US and Mexico and maybe even South America without any headaches so it needs to be able to be comfortable for long highway and off road miles. I am used to maintaining older benzes so regular maintenance is something I understand but I would prefer something that I can rely on not to give me a headache when I am out for weeks on end.
GX470 KDSS:
PROS:
High End Toyota
Reliability
Gas Consumption
Serviceability in Developing Countries
Handling (agility)
Its a Rebadged LC Prado


CONS:
Looks
Rear Door
Parts more expensive than Toyota (gizmos (still less than LR))
Top heavy


Land Rover 3
PROS:
Looks
Out of The box ability
Size
Comfort
Cheap to Lift


CONS:
Gas Consumption
Reliability
Maintenance Cost
Maintenance Interval
Parts Cost
Limited Wheel Options

Posting this in the Toyota section I expect biased responses but I would love to hear from people who can compare the two. Please let me know what you think I should get and why!

 

[REDROVER]

You seriously comparing reliablity, quality and resale value of Toyota to Land Rover LR3 ??
By no means Land Rover will come close to Lexus. @100k miles that Lexus needs basic tune up, Land Rover needs tow truck to take it to metal recycling center.

 

[Mr. Monday]

Yes, I am. The 07+ LR3 have significantly improved reliability to the point where if the truck has been maintained there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to take it out for weeks on end. They were designed and built by ford I believe so not as bad as the D2. The resale value of these two are almost exactly the same and I would say they both have almost fully depreciated.

 

[redthies]

The resale value of these two are almost exactly the same and I would say they both have almost fully depreciated.

History will argue that point I'm afraid. My brother in law bought an '03 D2 at $14,500 in '09. I bought a '99 TLC in '14 for $13,500. He sold (barely) his D2 in '14. I think he got $1500. I know D2s and D3s are different models, but the idea that they are going to both resale at the same money in the future or are both "almost fully depreciated" at "$15-16,000" is ludicrous.

I'd love a Defender or late series, but I wouldn't want to touch any other LR products if I were paying for them with my own money.

I'm saying this to help your decision, by the way. Not to bash LR or your choices. I'm sure Fords ownership of LR has improved reliability somewhat (anything helps!), but they will never be as reliable as a Toyota, or Nissan, or Mitsubishi, or...

 

[yeti_in_ga]

It would be helpful to know are you solo traveling ? + 1 or + family ? I know you are comparing specific trucks but I think you need to consider the 100s land cruiser. The tail gate alone makes it a far better overland experience, plus you can sleep inside.

 

[Klierslc]

Some folks have built the GXs, but the parts to do so are not really readily available--you'll have to do some custom work. LR3s are better supported with bolt ons. That said, I'd take the GX any day of the week but I'd get the non fancy suspension version so you can go with a standard OME suspension.

 

[ChadHahn]

I also wonder why you think a stock LR3 would be more capable than a stock GX470.

Chad

 

[jhawk]

I loved my LR3, best driving/feeling truck I've ever had. Outstanding off road, with 33in tires would go darn near anywhere one of my locked and armored Disco's went.

The LR3 wasn't anymore reliable than the handful of Discoveries I've had.

That being said, after about 110,000 miles it was always broke. It was one thing after another as if it was designed to last exactly 110,000 miles. The truck never left me stranded out in the sticks, but I could no longer trust it.


Jim

 

[toylandcruiser]

I loved my LR3, best driving/feeling truck I've ever had. Outstanding off road, with 33in tires would go darn near anywhere one of my locked and armored Disco's went.

The LR3 wasn't anymore reliable than the handful of Discoveries I've had.

That being said, after about 110,000 miles it was always broke. It was one thing after another as if it was designed to last exactly 110,000 miles. The truck never left me stranded out in the sticks, but I could no longer trust it.


Jim

But your rover had "soul" . I can say that in here as this is the land cruiser side.

 

[MarcFJ60]

Well to begin, I think the Lexus wins for reliability. But . . .

15-16K seems high for the Lexus.
I have had my GX for about 2 years and it has ~145K. I still hate the rear door.
I had to replace the radiator as the plastic/AL OEMs tend to fail at the seams due to the different expansion rates.
I've replaced the $$$ OEM shocks and height sensors, but I still find the ride to be mediocre at best. Although the KDSS version is likely much better.
My amp is starting to fail. With the ML sound system, this means if you want a working radio, you must replace or repair the amp ($1000+ or $500+ to repair)
The air injection system began throwing codes. As many do, I opted for the cheaper bypass as it still passes emissions. The proper fix is expensive and labor intensive.
I replaced the corroded wheels with 4Runner wheels. This is another common problem, although it effects other Toyotas as well.

I still consider the Lexus to be reliable and none of the failures prevented me from driving. But it still needs upkeep (make sure the timing belt was done at 90K) and does have known issues. My point being the Lexus isn't perfect. It may be a LC Prado at its core, but most versions of the Prado are more utilitarian (and diesel). But I can't imagine the LR is better.

If you are considering a GX, I would also cross shop 4Runners and 100 series Landcruisers/LX470s.

Stupid barn door . . . I dislike it more the longer I own my GX

 

[KMET]

What do you currently use and what automotive experience do you have?

I'd choose the Toyota, not sure I'd drive it into South America though. You might wanna fly down there first and get a feel unless you've spent time there before.

 

[jhawk]

But your rover had "soul" . I can say that in here as this is the land cruiser side.

It did, but soul don't always get you home.

I've had my 04 LC for a year without issue. I'll give up a hell of a lot of soul for that!

Jim

 

[mongoose2231]

Ok, all differences aside, my cousin has a Land Rover series three and we went wheeling at rausch creek, and both times he broke down! It's a nice truck but damn, those three amigos are annoying...oh and both belt tensioners gave up the ghost, one each trip.

 

[Chris Boyd]

Seeing as you posted in the toyota section, I think you'll see heavy bias. Land cruiser all the way! Though I hear the LR3 is one of the best for overlanding, you cannot beat the reliability of the Lexus, ease of parts globally and access to service.

 

[yeti_in_ga]

Also your "off road/overland treatment" unless you can build it will run you a bit more then your thinking.