Thoughts on Lexus GX470 Purchase

[864runner]

Hey!

I've been looking for a Lexus GX 470 or 4runner Limited 4.7. I previously had a 4runner Limited 4.7 and loved its capabilities off road with OME lift. But the prices in my area are insane and above that of the GX470's I'm finding. I went to Phoenix to buy my last 4runner (great prices down there), but want to avoid that. And I like the idea of the GX470 and all its amenities.

Anyways, I just found a 2004 GX470 with 230k miles with the rear air bags not working and needs timing belt for.... $6k :Wow1: This doesn't seem like a concern to me since I will be replacing all of the suspension with OME or something similar. But that price does. It looks very clean, and his reasoning to sell is he doesn't have the time or will to fix it. Also said he is making some job changes so possible financially motivated sale.

My concern is with the higher miles?
I know the 2UZ drivetrain is legendary and I had 200k on my 4runner when I sold it, and my 4.7 tundra has 307k on the clock. But I am worried about all the extra Lexus Gizmos going out or differences in quality.

Anything in particular I should look for when inspecting it?
Anyone with a high mileage GX470?

Thanks!

 

[MightyP]

No responses... I don't have a GX but I do like them. Try asking this group on FB.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LexusGXOR/

 

[MarcFJ60]

I have a 2005 GX470. It's fine, but I never really bonded to it like I did my landcruisers.

In 2005, it got the higher HP engine, but with that also came the air injection pump issues. So you may lose some HP, but can avoid dealing with the air injection issues. As far as I know, there aren't any additional issues in the GX470 drivetrain that don't effect Sequoias/4Runners/Tundras. Cooling issues are the only thing that some to mind, and even those issues aren't extraordinary. It's a great drivetrain.

I had been looking for a 100 series when I bought mine. Finding a good 100 series proved difficult and I eventually settled on a GX470. I noticed the same thing you did - the GX can be found for the same price as a 4Runner, sometimes cheaper. That said, in hindsight, I wish I looked longer for a 100 series or went with a Sequoia or 4Runner.

The air suspension on the GX is problematic and I have found nothing about it redeeming. It is no better than a traditional suspension and far more problematic and expensive to repair. If you are swapping to a traditional suspension, this doesn't really matter. Same thing goes for the ride modes - uber expensive shocks that don't perform any better. The integrated AC/radio/navigation that most GXs have makes it impossible to swap radios and difficult to integrate something line an IPod. The rear swingout door is idiotic. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, but I hate it more each day. Especially given how good the 4Runner tailgate is. There is also shocking little storage inside (not overall storage, but console/glovebox storage is lacking)

That said, it is basically a 4Runner and has pretty much all the good things a 4th gen 4Runner does. And if you are making it an offroad machine, the suspension issues won't apply to you. But I wouldn't go in expecting it to do anything better than a 4Runner because in most cases I think it is the same or even worse.

I still have it and it is a quiet ride on the highway so I guess it can't be too mad. Although about a year ago I started seriously shopping 100 series and Sequoias again. I only stopped shopping because it didn't make financial sense. But I don't see me keeping it for the long haul and won't miss it when it is gone.

 

[SurferJacoby]

Cracked dash and bad air bag suspension system. If it were me I'd go with a 4Runner. I've got a 2UZ configuration and it's one of the best engines out there period. With any engine though I still get wary with a lot of miles just cause you're rolling the dice. GX470 is a vehicle I like but don't love and I think a lot of that comes from the lack of aftermarket support when compared to the 4Runner. Hopefully my humble opinion made your decision easier not harder. Good luck with the purchase!

 

[AaronK]

Cooling issue? Never heard of issues

Sent from my OnePlus One using Tapatalk.

 

[MarcFJ60]

The cooling issues just refer to the plastic/AL radiators that don't seem to last very long. Even those don't fail catastrophically, but you start losing coolant. Some of the replacement radiators now have a relief cut into them so when the AL and plastic expand at different rates, it doesn't compromise the seal between the two. The O-ring where the waterpump/thermostat joins with the intake can also weep. As I said, nothing extraordinary. I probably should have said "cooling system" instead of "cooling."

 

[JLee]

I have a 2005 GX470. It's fine, but I never really bonded to it like I did my landcruisers.

In 2005, it got the higher HP engine, but with that also came the air injection pump issues. So you may lose some HP, but can avoid dealing with the air injection issues. As far as I know, there aren't any additional issues in the GX470 drivetrain that don't effect Sequoias/4Runners/Tundras. Cooling issues are the only thing that some to mind, and even those issues aren't extraordinary. It's a great drivetrain.

I had been looking for a 100 series when I bought mine. Finding a good 100 series proved difficult and I eventually settled on a GX470. I noticed the same thing you did - the GX can be found for the same price as a 4Runner, sometimes cheaper. That said, in hindsight, I wish I looked longer for a 100 series or went with a Sequoia or 4Runner.

The air suspension on the GX is problematic and I have found nothing about it redeeming. It is no better than a traditional suspension and far more problematic and expensive to repair. If you are swapping to a traditional suspension, this doesn't really matter. Same thing goes for the ride modes - uber expensive shocks that don't perform any better. The integrated AC/radio/navigation that most GXs have makes it impossible to swap radios and difficult to integrate something line an IPod. The rear swingout door is idiotic. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, but I hate it more each day. Especially given how good the 4Runner tailgate is. There is also shocking little storage inside (not overall storage, but console/glovebox storage is lacking)

That said, it is basically a 4Runner and has pretty much all the good things a 4th gen 4Runner does. And if you are making it an offroad machine, the suspension issues won't apply to you. But I wouldn't go in expecting it to do anything better than a 4Runner because in most cases I think it is the same or even worse.

I still have it and it is a quiet ride on the highway so I guess it can't be too mad. Although about a year ago I started seriously shopping 100 series and Sequoias again. I only stopped shopping because it didn't make financial sense. But I don't see me keeping it for the long haul and won't miss it when it is gone.

Check out the Grom V-Line. There is now an upgrade path for the OEM navigation.

I love the GX. It's incredibly comfortable and feels better inside than a 5th gen 4R, IMO.

Cracked dash and bad air bag suspension system. If it were me I'd go with a 4Runner. I've got a 2UZ configuration and it's one of the best engines out there period. With any engine though I still get wary with a lot of miles just cause you're rolling the dice. GX470 is a vehicle I like but don't love and I think a lot of that comes from the lack of aftermarket support when compared to the 4Runner. Hopefully my humble opinion made your decision easier not harder. Good luck with the purchase!

Lexus issued a recall and will replace cracked dashes for free. The air bag suspension is easily replaced with a $250 coil spring conversion kit - minimal cost outlay above upgrading a 4Runner.

 

[SurferJacoby]

Lexus issued a recall and will replace cracked dashes for free. The air bag suspension is easily replaced with a $250 coil spring conversion kit - minimal cost outlay above upgrading a 4Runner.

Well there you go! OP any updates?

 

[JLee]

The aftermarket for the GX has exploded over the last year. MetalTech 4x4, Hefty Fabworks, and Southern Style Speed are all making bumpers now. Check out GXOR.

 

[MarcFJ60]

Well I recently discovered another annoyance with many GX470s. When the amp fails on the ML audio system, it can't be replaced with an aftermarket amp (or removed). So it needs to be replaced ($$$$) or repaired ($$$). Mine has begun to fail. Crap happens with all vehicles, but much like the suspension and integrated audio/HVAC, it shouldn't cost an arm and a leg to repair a 10+ year old vehicle for something simple like a failed amplifier. But it will.

 

[JLee]

Well I recently discovered another annoyance with many GX470s. When the amp fails on the ML audio system, it can't be replaced with an aftermarket amp (or removed). So it needs to be replaced ($$$$) or repaired ($$$). Mine has begun to fail. Crap happens with all vehicles, but much like the suspension and integrated audio/HVAC, it shouldn't cost an arm and a leg to repair a 10+ year old vehicle for something simple like a failed amplifier. But it will.

Perhaps this would be helpful? http://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-4th-gen-2007-present/530764-mark-levinson-amp-repair.html

 

[MarcFJ60]

Yep - I have seen it. But $725 to repair an amp is only marginally better than $1K+ for a replacement. Especially when I would have been fine with a $100 replacement.

 

[JLee]

Yep - I have seen it. But $725 to repair an amp is only marginally better than $1K+ for a replacement. Especially when I would have been fine with a $100 replacement.

2004
Radio
Lexus GX470 SUBWOOFER MTS 1/4,MARK LEVINSON A 4C0441 $300 Martin's Import Salvage USA-NC(Wendell) 1-800-569-9711

If you are okay with a used one, you could grab that (I'm not sure what year you have, or if the amps differ between years).

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

There appear to be about 3 issues with the gx that have to be replaced on all of them. I'm selling my super clean 05 v8 4Runner and am picking up a gx in the next day or two. I have a deposit down on a clean low miles non nav not kdss 06. The nav is not a deal breaker contrary to what everyone says. There are some killer bolt in android powered touch screens that can go in its place. I'm fully in support of the gx personally... if it were a "Toyota" it would sell and be super super popular in my opinion...

 

[JLee]

There appear to be about 3 issues with the gx that have to be replaced on all of them. I'm selling my super clean 05 v8 4Runner and am picking up a gx in the next day or two. I have a deposit down on a clean low miles non nav not kdss 06. The nav is not a deal breaker contrary to what everyone says. There are some killer bolt in android powered touch screens that can go in its place. I'm fully in support of the gx personally... if it were a "Toyota" it would sell and be super super popular in my opinion...

What do you do about the climate control system?