New GX470 owners - comments/questions
09-20-04, 09:59 PM
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New GX470 owners - comments/questions
First of all, we were on the list for the upcoming Land Rover LR3 for a number of reasons - technological prowress (from press releases and early drives), stadium seating, and supposedly the third row is designed for 95th percentile males (6'2", 215lbs). Well, we went to test drive the GX470 today (it's a car for my wife - I have a MB E500 and a Porsche Boxster S - we have a 19 month old and didn't want a minivan, although the new '05 Odyssey Touring was looking nice) so she could see how it rode before we get the LR3 in November. We now have a GX470 in our garage, loaded (nav, towing hitch, dvd, third row). I was surprised how much I liked it and she just loved it, and this for someone who hates trucks (my wife).
We test drive the LX470 also and didn't like it whatsoever - lurching, heavy feeling, underpowered, and didn't even have 2 zone climate control in the front!
Anyway, while we could have waited 2 weeks to test drive the Land Rover, I considered that it would have to be MUCH, MUCH better than the GX because of the huge benefits the Lexus has in reliability, service, and depreciation. She seemed excited to get it, and really enjoyed the ride and luxury, so we cut a deal for $1000 over invoice on the one we wanted.
Anyway, a few comments, and a few questions.
I'm not too familiar with many third row seats in SUV's, but I could sit back there (not comfortably, but with headroom) and I'm 6'2" There's little legroom for sure, but for a short trip it wouldn't be a problem for anyone shorter than me I would think. I read all these scathing review about the third row seat (seems the only thing the reviewers complain about on this vehicle - everything else is glowing) and don't understand what they expect. It's fine for me, and I'm quite tall! I wouldn't want to sit back there for endless hours, but kids will be just fine, or small adults, as long as there are no bumps...Are other SUV's (skip the Lincoln or other American stuff - just reliable vehicles like the Lexus) that much better in the 3rd row?
The LATCH system is really odd in this vehicle, offset so that the car seat sits half on the seat and half on the middle bolster. Anyone successful in affixing a car seat to the middle or the drivers side rear seat? What are the tricks that I'm missing?
Overall, fantastic vehicle - far exceeded my expectations, and hers too. The Lexus service and sales advisors were absolutely top notch, and I'm accustomed to Mercedes and Porsche, and these guys would blow them away. No pressure, true heartfelt concern, and fantastic knowledge of product.
I'd love your comments on the aforementioned issues, and hope to read more posts on this board as we enjoy our new GX. I know our daughter Ella already has (with the DVD).
We test drive the LX470 also and didn't like it whatsoever - lurching, heavy feeling, underpowered, and didn't even have 2 zone climate control in the front!
Anyway, while we could have waited 2 weeks to test drive the Land Rover, I considered that it would have to be MUCH, MUCH better than the GX because of the huge benefits the Lexus has in reliability, service, and depreciation. She seemed excited to get it, and really enjoyed the ride and luxury, so we cut a deal for $1000 over invoice on the one we wanted.
Anyway, a few comments, and a few questions.
I'm not too familiar with many third row seats in SUV's, but I could sit back there (not comfortably, but with headroom) and I'm 6'2" There's little legroom for sure, but for a short trip it wouldn't be a problem for anyone shorter than me I would think. I read all these scathing review about the third row seat (seems the only thing the reviewers complain about on this vehicle - everything else is glowing) and don't understand what they expect. It's fine for me, and I'm quite tall! I wouldn't want to sit back there for endless hours, but kids will be just fine, or small adults, as long as there are no bumps...Are other SUV's (skip the Lincoln or other American stuff - just reliable vehicles like the Lexus) that much better in the 3rd row?
The LATCH system is really odd in this vehicle, offset so that the car seat sits half on the seat and half on the middle bolster. Anyone successful in affixing a car seat to the middle or the drivers side rear seat? What are the tricks that I'm missing?
Overall, fantastic vehicle - far exceeded my expectations, and hers too. The Lexus service and sales advisors were absolutely top notch, and I'm accustomed to Mercedes and Porsche, and these guys would blow them away. No pressure, true heartfelt concern, and fantastic knowledge of product.
I'd love your comments on the aforementioned issues, and hope to read more posts on this board as we enjoy our new GX. I know our daughter Ella already has (with the DVD).
nice to see you here too!
10-20-04, 11:21 AM
#3
I concur with the Latch system problem... Really not lexus-like to install something so poorly thought out and limiting. Would it have cost so much more to add two extra latch hooks so you could put two car seats wherever you want? Really a stupid design. In the end, not a huge deal though, latch is no SAFER than a seatbelt if you know how to use them. Still... I was disappointed as heck. Not a feeling I associate with Lexus too often... I'm usually pleasantly surprised!
10-20-04, 12:38 PM
#4
Instructor
Re: New GX470 owners - comments/questions
Originally posted by teutonictr
First of all, we were on the list for the upcoming Land Rover LR3 for a number of reasons - technological prowress (from press releases and early drives), stadium seating, and supposedly the third row is designed for 95th percentile males (6'2", 215lbs). Well, we went to test drive the GX470 today (it's a car for my wife - I have a MB E500 and a Porsche Boxster S - we have a 19 month old and didn't want a minivan, although the new '05 Odyssey Touring was looking nice) so she could see how it rode before we get the LR3 in November. We now have a GX470 in our garage, loaded (nav, towing hitch, dvd, third row). I was surprised how much I liked it and she just loved it, and this for someone who hates trucks (my wife).
We test drive the LX470 also and didn't like it whatsoever - lurching, heavy feeling, underpowered, and didn't even have 2 zone climate control in the front!
Anyway, while we could have waited 2 weeks to test drive the Land Rover, I considered that it would have to be MUCH, MUCH better than the GX because of the huge benefits the Lexus has in reliability, service, and depreciation. She seemed excited to get it, and really enjoyed the ride and luxury, so we cut a deal for $1000 over invoice on the one we wanted.
Anyway, a few comments, and a few questions.
I'm not too familiar with many third row seats in SUV's, but I could sit back there (not comfortably, but with headroom) and I'm 6'2" There's little legroom for sure, but for a short trip it wouldn't be a problem for anyone shorter than me I would think. I read all these scathing review about the third row seat (seems the only thing the reviewers complain about on this vehicle - everything else is glowing) and don't understand what they expect. It's fine for me, and I'm quite tall! I wouldn't want to sit back there for endless hours, but kids will be just fine, or small adults, as long as there are no bumps...Are other SUV's (skip the Lincoln or other American stuff - just reliable vehicles like the Lexus) that much better in the 3rd row?
The LATCH system is really odd in this vehicle, offset so that the car seat sits half on the seat and half on the middle bolster. Anyone successful in affixing a car seat to the middle or the drivers side rear seat? What are the tricks that I'm missing?
Overall, fantastic vehicle - far exceeded my expectations, and hers too. The Lexus service and sales advisors were absolutely top notch, and I'm accustomed to Mercedes and Porsche, and these guys would blow them away. No pressure, true heartfelt concern, and fantastic knowledge of product.
I'd love your comments on the aforementioned issues, and hope to read more posts on this board as we enjoy our new GX. I know our daughter Ella already has (with the DVD).
First of all, we were on the list for the upcoming Land Rover LR3 for a number of reasons - technological prowress (from press releases and early drives), stadium seating, and supposedly the third row is designed for 95th percentile males (6'2", 215lbs). Well, we went to test drive the GX470 today (it's a car for my wife - I have a MB E500 and a Porsche Boxster S - we have a 19 month old and didn't want a minivan, although the new '05 Odyssey Touring was looking nice) so she could see how it rode before we get the LR3 in November. We now have a GX470 in our garage, loaded (nav, towing hitch, dvd, third row). I was surprised how much I liked it and she just loved it, and this for someone who hates trucks (my wife).
We test drive the LX470 also and didn't like it whatsoever - lurching, heavy feeling, underpowered, and didn't even have 2 zone climate control in the front!
Anyway, while we could have waited 2 weeks to test drive the Land Rover, I considered that it would have to be MUCH, MUCH better than the GX because of the huge benefits the Lexus has in reliability, service, and depreciation. She seemed excited to get it, and really enjoyed the ride and luxury, so we cut a deal for $1000 over invoice on the one we wanted.
Anyway, a few comments, and a few questions.
I'm not too familiar with many third row seats in SUV's, but I could sit back there (not comfortably, but with headroom) and I'm 6'2" There's little legroom for sure, but for a short trip it wouldn't be a problem for anyone shorter than me I would think. I read all these scathing review about the third row seat (seems the only thing the reviewers complain about on this vehicle - everything else is glowing) and don't understand what they expect. It's fine for me, and I'm quite tall! I wouldn't want to sit back there for endless hours, but kids will be just fine, or small adults, as long as there are no bumps...Are other SUV's (skip the Lincoln or other American stuff - just reliable vehicles like the Lexus) that much better in the 3rd row?
The LATCH system is really odd in this vehicle, offset so that the car seat sits half on the seat and half on the middle bolster. Anyone successful in affixing a car seat to the middle or the drivers side rear seat? What are the tricks that I'm missing?
Overall, fantastic vehicle - far exceeded my expectations, and hers too. The Lexus service and sales advisors were absolutely top notch, and I'm accustomed to Mercedes and Porsche, and these guys would blow them away. No pressure, true heartfelt concern, and fantastic knowledge of product.
I'd love your comments on the aforementioned issues, and hope to read more posts on this board as we enjoy our new GX. I know our daughter Ella already has (with the DVD).
Last edited by angelslex; 10-20-04 at 12:38 PM.
10-21-04, 11:59 AM
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>>I concur with the Latch system problem...
I am considering a GX and was paying paticular attention to car seat fit in the 3rd row. I suspect they couldn't put latch hooks for 2 seats because the 3rd row in the GX i examined wasn't split evenly 50/50. It was more like 60/40 and the 40 side did not look wide enough to fit your average carseat.
As for other cars, the Volvo XC90 gave a few more inches between the 3rd row seat and the floor. But its just a few extra.
I am considering a GX and was paying paticular attention to car seat fit in the 3rd row. I suspect they couldn't put latch hooks for 2 seats because the 3rd row in the GX i examined wasn't split evenly 50/50. It was more like 60/40 and the 40 side did not look wide enough to fit your average carseat.
As for other cars, the Volvo XC90 gave a few more inches between the 3rd row seat and the floor. But its just a few extra.
10-21-04, 06:19 PM
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seems that the GX is such a big hit, that I know a lot of people that own a GX! 
I don't have enough fingers to count and name them (moreso the people I'm mad at jocked me with my GX)
I don't have enough fingers to count and name them (moreso the people I'm mad at jocked me with my GX)
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