I've narrowed it down to one or the other. I have zero experience with either, but think that I know the main differences.
My oldest son got his learner's permit so we'll both end up driving the 470. And doing maintenance and upgrades together.
This car will be used for hunting, exploring, and mild off road. No serious crawling. I like to drive fast on dirt. Gave up the mudding and crawling numerous years ago. That stated, I look forward to going places that most pickups don't.
Any input on the Lexus would be appreciated. Or Lexuses? Lexi?
GX-470. just make sure it has had a decent history on oil changes and the timing belt was replaced every 100k or so. GX-470 and 460 are some of the most underrated vehicles on the road.
Oh and if the one you find has air bags they can be replaced by coil-overs.
The GX and the LX have the same motor. I look at the GX as 85% of the LX for 50% of the cost. I made those numbers up but I shopped for almost a year before buying a GX. The GX has the rear barn door which some people hate. A LX has a handy tailgate. The suspension and drive system are heavier duty in the LX. Having driven both the GX is more fun to drive, because it weighs significantly less than the LX. Interior space is fairly similar with a LX being a bit wider, but the GX having more headspace. The GX is going to be easier to find just look at the import numbers.
My vote is also for the GX unless you find a screaming deal on an LX. I may be buying a second one soon.
"But one of the rules of rifle loonyism is just because it's irrational doesn't mean it shouldn't be done." - Mule Deer
I"ll be the odd man out so far.......bought the LX, a 2007 model and have never driven the GX. I consider the Land Cruisers to be he finest vehicles ever made, and the most reliable. The LX is a fancy LandCruiser. The suspension is a butter smooth hydraulic system, not airbags. They do take routine maintenance including the mentioned timing chain every 100k, and servicing/replacing hydraulics. It's as bulletproof of an engine as was ever made. The LX rides like a dream.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
One thing to know about the GX if you plan to build an off road rig is the KDSS system can complicate parts compatibility. The wife’s has it and it rides nice but it extra parts that can complicate projects. Shop around for one without it if you want. They also made some without the display which is nice not to have a 2006 GPS map system. There are aftermarket “radios” since the climate system is integrated into the touch screen.
A funny thing about the LX is it is somewhat looked down upon by Land Cruiser folks. You can get a “Basically a Land Cruiser” sticker 🤣
"But one of the rules of rifle loonyism is just because it's irrational doesn't mean it shouldn't be done." - Mule Deer
One thing to know about the GX if you plan to build an off road rig is the KDSS system can complicate parts compatibility. The wife’s has it and it rides nice but it extra parts that can complicate projects. Shop around for one without it if you want. They also made some without the display which is nice not to have a 2006 GPS map system. There are aftermarket “radios” since the climate system is integrated into the touch screen.
A funny thing about the LX is it is somewhat looked down upon by Land Cruiser folks. You can get a “Basically a Land Cruiser” sticker 🤣
Does the GX have the AHC system? The LX470 does, and it is a game changer on rough roads.
No. They have rear air ride and coil overs in the front. I swapped out the airbags in the wife’s to coils this summer. MetalTech, and others, make a kit. Airbags and the overall system generally don’t last and are expensive to replace. If you’re going to lift it anyway you’ll delete the airbags when you install a lift.
"But one of the rules of rifle loonyism is just because it's irrational doesn't mean it shouldn't be done." - Mule Deer
We have a 93 GX and really like it Just had a 2” OME suspension lift installed to do away with leaking rear air shocks Also put 265-70-17’s on They are actually pretty capable off-road rigs
I've read on other forums that the GX being lighter and having more aftermarket suspension options is better for high speed offroad. And city use. The LX being bigger and possibly more capacity being better for "overlanding" or whatever it's called now.
How's the Sequoia with 4.7L compare? Same engine. Same tranny and t-case? Just bigger, and lower quality interior? I'd imagine less acoustic material for sound mitigation, thinner glass, and different ride. But the ability to haul more gear is appealing. And they are dirt cheap compared to either Lexus.
We accidentally bought a '03 LX470 8 months ago. 305k miles, owned by one family. It needed a few things and I stumbled upon it at the grocery store and noticed the "For Sale" sign in the back seat.
It needed new front hub bearings and front CV axels.
I'm impressed. Smooth, quiet and handles moderate offroad just fine.
Like 4th point mentioned.....IMO, the 1st gen Sequoia's are a steal.
I translated "upgrades" from the OP as lift. It wasn't clearly stated but I thought the information could be useful. My buddy with a 100 series paid to have his AHC removed.
The beauty of a GX is it leaves enough money in the budget to buy an 80 series too (that's what I did)! If I wasn't one of the poors I would have probably found an LX or a 200 series for the wife.
True, no one was talking about 80 series or solid front axles... I was just joking about snobby anti-IFS folks.
Either a LX or a GX will be a good choice!
"But one of the rules of rifle loonyism is just because it's irrational doesn't mean it shouldn't be done." - Mule Deer
I've read on other forums that the GX being lighter and having more aftermarket suspension options is better for high speed offroad. And city use. The LX being bigger and possibly more capacity being better for "overlanding" or whatever it's called now.
How's the Sequoia with 4.7L compare? Same engine. Same tranny and t-case? Just bigger, and lower quality interior? I'd imagine less acoustic material for sound mitigation, thinner glass, and different ride. But the ability to haul more gear is appealing. And they are dirt cheap compared to either Lexus.
Bigger vehicle than the GX 460-470. I hardly ever see a Sequoia for sale anywhere and they bring nice money in NC . I don[t think they have a center locking differential .
Bought the wife a ‘22 GX and she loves it. I love the barn door on the back, and it’s big enough for us and our 2 adult sized kids. I have no worries putting her on the road when it’s ice or snow. I also wanted an uber reliable vehicle after her Navigator blew up at 65K.
I have 2 GXs, an 05- 470 and a 17- 460, the 470 is a better quality rig all around, about to sell with 350,000 plus on the clock, heater core finally went bad and I don't want to invest any more money in it.
Still runs and drives great, by far the best thing I have ever owned. The 460 is good as well, just not the same build quality as it's older brother. Has a chain instead of a belt, no rear air bags but overall a very good ride.
I'm still really interested in the LX 470 but bought a 2004 GX 470 in Southern OR for what seemed liked a really good deal. It needs a few things, but the price was hard to pass up. Essentially a stock GX with two owners for several thousand dollars less than what I have found locally. I jumped on it, and if it doesn't meet our needs I'll just flip it.
Drove it 300+ miles to get home today and so far I am pretty impressed. The display indicated 20 - 22 MPG at 65 - 70 MPH which was a pleasant surprise for FT-4WD. I think that is actually better than my wife's Highlander, but the GX has highway biased car tires and the Highlander has all-terrains and cargo box on the roof. The hand calculations seemed to match the display and speedometer error seemed typical compared to GPS.
Road noise, ride, and visibility were really good. With the full time 4WD it feels very stable at low speeds and high. Has airbags for the rear suspension but no KDSS from what I could see looking underneath.
I can't quite put my finger on it, but it definitely feels more planted and stable compared to our Highlander and Tundra that I sold, or recent model year Tacomas. Might be due to the FT-4WD? After driving it on the highway and around town, I totally understand why some people really like the driving experience of a GX470.
Not a lot of cargo space in the GX470, but I knew that before buying. And of course, that is handy on trails having a smaller treadwidth and WB.
The most remarkable part of the car to me is the engine paired with the 4-speed tranny for 2004. I really like it. It is not the VVTi as far as I know, but drivability around town and at freeway speeds is great. I think that my foot and brain are programmed for a V8 and 4-speed tranny so this car works well for me. Just goose it a bit and the torque of that little 4.7 liter engine squirts past traffic without a downshift. I love it, but am sure the VVTi with 5-speed are sweet too.
Anyway, I enjoyed the driving experience of the GX 470. Not 100% sure that we will keep it but the price was right and I do want something for some mild mods so the low price makes that affordable. Lift, sliders, skid plates, etc. but nothing too serious.
Thanks for the feedback on this thread. I have appreciated all the comments and advice.
The early 2000’s GX 470’s look really interesting, especially at the price they can be had for. Are they as dependable as the LX?
They are all made in Japan end of story. Just make sure the previous owner(s) changed the timing belt. Should be marked on the fan shroud, otherwise get it done if over 100k and replace the water pump at the same time.
Like Tikka nut said login to lexusowners.com and enter the serial number, it will contain more detail then what goes on Carfax.
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I can't quite put my finger on it, but it definitely feels more planted and stable compared to our Highlander and Tundra that I sold, or recent model year Tacomas. Might be due to the FT-4WD? After driving it on the highway and around town, I totally understand why some people really like the driving experience of a GX470.
Way better driving experience than those vehicles. I have owned Tacomas, Highlanders and a Tundra , no more for me.
I have 2 GXs, an 05- 470 and a 17- 460, the 470 is a better quality rig all around, about to sell with 350,000 plus on the clock, heater core finally went bad and I don't want to invest any more money in it.
Still runs and drives great, by far the best thing I have ever owned. The 460 is good as well, just not the same build quality as it's older brother. Has a chain instead of a belt, no rear air bags but overall a very good ride.
I find it hard to believe that the GX 470 is better build quality .
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