lexus GX470 vs land rover LR3,LR4

[Ruffin' It]

You know I gotta poke a little, right Nathan :elkgrin: All in good fun.

Nathan's got a good point, when it comes to LR3's, I really know nothing and he knows quite a bit.

Tyler's (Ruff'n it) experience is not really valid in this discussion, as he has not owned either of the two vehicles being considered here. And as for the dealer knowing his dogs, thats pretty understandable because Tyler is an extreme dog person. Its his business, his passion, and his love. So for clarity, Discovery II's have a range of known issues, that are generally resolvable in most cases, and have many happy owners. However, the Disco II and the LR3 have NOTHING in common other than the oval shaped logo....and even that is different. There are parts on the LR3 with the blue Ford logo in addition to the green Land Rover logo!

I will not say the LR3 is more reliable than the Lexus. I highly doubt it will be. However, it is larger in interior room, more nimble on the road, and significantly more capable off road. It is NOT more durable, and likely to be less reliable in fiddly ways, though they have proven to be very sound mechanically (except the bushings, which are crap).

Is the question of choice is about capability or durability? The answer differs depending on the question. There was a similar discussion on this forum last year, over here.

Generally speaking, though the Owner of this forum is supportive of the LR3's abilities, the vast majority of participants on ExPo are staunchly against the LR3, because it is not a simple vehicle. Their point is valid, but it is important to note that not a single person with a negative viewpoint regarding the LR3 has ever owned one.

 

[2000UZJ]

I drove a 06 GX470 and absolutely loved it. So solid, planted (felt like a tank on the road, they make the trucks feel so much heavier on the road that it really is, which i love). Engine was incredible and the handling in sport mode was really nice through the corners. If I didn't own a 100, I would consider a new GX.

I drove a LR3, very nice on the road, engine was great and sounded great. Everything was proper in that rig. I'm not knocking it, but my buddy seems to live at the dealership. Air Suspension faults (came on while I was driving it as well as the SRS and ABS lights), he hates his with a passion. He drove my 100 and fell in love with it. My UZJ100 has a 2.5 lift with 34" BFG A/T (not the best for hardcore wheeling) and I must say, even with his being completely stock, It pretty much went were I went, little more scraping of the bumpers. But the traction system is smooth, and doesn't shutter.

Land Rovers just happen to fall under the list of the most un-reliable vehicles on the market. If they had toyota reliability and durability I might consider one. Stock to stock (GX vs GX vs 100) I think the LR3 and 100 Series would be very similar, the GX coming in right behind the both, but none the less, all 3 will get you there. Just some on different lines, and wheeling experience.

 

[nucktaco]

my mom just traded in her 03 gx470 in favor of a 2010 rx350 and i was definitely tempted to buy the gx from her. Though aftermarket support may not be huge, the truck is highly capable right off the assembly line. its comfy, has a fair amount of power and ive done a bit of light 4x4ing with it on the stock tires and never had any issues. only thing i didnt like was how it felt a little top heavy. we have had around 8 lexus cars/suvs in the family so far and they have all been reliable as hell.

On the other hand my friend has a 2001 discovery2 and its been in the repair shop more than it has been on the road.

SOmeone commented a ways back about how a 98 lx450 was 8000 and a 2000(?) rover was only 3000. that alone should tell you to steer clear. resale value is the ****s. My 08 tacoma cost 33000CDN to buy and is still worth 30G with 92,000 kms.

 

[4x4v8]

For more offroad info for the GX try Mud or toyota120. There are a few that actually take it offroad. I think one name to look for is Lexwoody.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

BTW the Lexus GX470 is an 80 series Land Cruiser with upgrades and more posh/options interior. 80 series are very capable LC, especially the diesels!

The GX470 is a Land Cruiser Prado 120 w/ more content.
It has no relation at all with the 80 series

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

???
you lost me. Why are you posting info on the 80 series and saying the GX470 is an 80 series?

They are totally unrelated products. Not one shared part amongst them.

I think you have the LX450 and GX470 confused.

The first year of the GX470 is 2003.
The last year of the 80/LX450 was 1997.

 

[Photog]

GX is Lexus version of the Prado, a 4Runner size SUV.

LX is the Lexus version of the Land Cruiser.

The various numbers behind the GX or LX, define the changes as the years go on (like the 80 series, 100 series and 200 series for the LC's).

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

Sorry, won't post anymore!

 

[Photog]

Sorry, won't post anymore!

It is easy to get the GX, LX, FJ, UZJ stuff all mixed up.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

yeah it's easy to get the names mixed up