Owned a GX for 4 Years - 80k on it. it gets some light offroad use in WVA most summers. Its done fine - but its not Moab
GX470 isnt as capable as the LR3 off road - its competent for moderate off roading, if not confidence inspiring, that's all. It will handle easy two-track, traction issues, reasonable clearance and ok angles - if it gets rocky, more dicey.
Land Rover has improved to the third worst reliability. LR3s have arrested the plunging resale value tho - but the GX470 still tend to have better residuals.
Three common issues GX470 has had -
(1) Ride Height Sensors - same as those used on the LX/Amazon - they tend to collect water on the top and corrode. There is a TSB on them in 05ish ?- I believe they changed the design. They can be relocated for "lift " tho. No issues with our GX (I eliminated the problem) - but the LX dumped on us and was replaced under warranty - I required all be replaced with the 'new' style.
(2) Brakes - they tend to "warp" - appears to be uneven friction material deposition. Common complaint. Not much that can be done except use top flight parts - I would not go OEM - purely due to cost. The normal recommendation is Akebone ProAct Ceramics and either Brembos or Power Slot Cryo-Treated Rotors. Not sure about the latter - spendy and likely uneeded.
I was going with Beck-Arnley/ProActs - but my Local NAPA had Brembos cheaper - so Brembos it was. No issue after 30k - after much issue in the previous 50K - with about 1/3 pad wear. Think this has as much to do with proper use/break in/bedding as anyhting. But the above was cheaper than Lexus Genuine or OEM.
I did change the wheels - which may have improved airflow - speculative. Regardless, I havnt had any issues since the brake system change.
(3) Driveline "Clunk" - Hardly an issue. Sometimes under braking, oftern when driving off from a light - the slip joint "clunks". Again, theres a TSB. Reported that proper greasing (all 3 zerts) takes care of the issue - I've never experienced it, likely because its.
The engine is extremely under-stressed and very durable. The rest of the driveline is stout - not like people wheel these much, but I've never heard of any issues from those that have. The ride is comfortable and I prefer the dynamics to either the LC or the LX (having had both) - cant comment on the LR3/4
LR3 wasnt considered when we bought - so I'd drive both and see. They seem to have improved reliability - if you like the LR3/LR4, I wouldn't shy away - tho I would ensure a warranty is in place while I intended to own the Rover (Lexus is up to (72/70k drivetrain). Currently similarly equipped, the LR4 is significantly more expensive but more powerful - the difference is mostly electronic do-dads that dont do much for me - and leather. I wouldnt option a LR4 up. That may entail ordering.
We likely have one of the few non-optioned GX470's around - the dealer had to trade for it.
Bought the GX based on our previous experience with Toyota. Had various Trucks, 4Runner (sold), I've owned a LC since '99 - 145k and nothing but normal maint - barring some seat belt issues. I've surely jinxed myself. Had a Explorer previous that I sold with 141k that had few issues as well - so maybe Im lucky or easy on vehicles.
