My father in law is looking to purchase a gx470 in the mid $20's.

He asked my advice, so I am asking you.

HE is looking mainly at 2005's, should I suggest any particular year
He found one with nav, ML, but no 3rd row seat, is the only difference on 3rd row vent.
He is a previous BMW guy and is concerned about maintenance, anything to be concerned about?
Any other issues or options to be aware of?

 

I've only owned my GX for a month (a 2007, purchased with 44,700 miles on it) so I can't really speak to mechanical reliability. Having said that, yes - the only real difference when you lack a 3rd row seat is the rear air. That, and you get the tonneau cover for the cargo area.

For the mid $20s he *might* be able to get into a 2006 model but it may lack navigation or have higher mileage.

 

Because it does not have a 3rd row seat, it should be discounted pretty well. I know this as a friend of mine is a Lexus dealer and he said you can not give away GX's without the 3rd row. There was one for sale at a local indy dealer, 04 no 3rd row, 60K for $19K and it sat and sat. I remember seeing it on line for months.

If he does not need the 3rd row and looking to keep it a long time, pending miles, should be able to get it lower then one with the 3rd row.

If he is a BMW guy he will be very impressed with the reliability. I had a 01 BMW 540i sport, great looking and a great driver. Only issue was the thing was in the shop alot. I bought a 05 GX with 60K and now it has 72K. It as only needed a few oil changes and gas. Feels like it will run 250K easy with just regular maintainence.