GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2003 -2009 GX470 models

Buying a 2004 GX 470 tomorrow!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-08-10, 09:10 PM
  #1  
Jasmin
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Jasmin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: CA
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Buying a 2004 GX 470 tomorrow!!

Hello! I am new to this site and new to the lexus world. Anyways I am buying a 2004 GX 470 tomorrow from my father in law for 8900. It has 180000 miles on it which I know is a lot. My FIL is meticulous with his things so it has been well maintained and taken care of. My question is what problems can I expect with the car, what can I do to prevent these problems, etc.? Do you all even think the price is worth it? I would love to hear what you all know, etc.
Old 09-08-10, 11:55 PM
  #2  
BnitaBeast
Driver School Candidate
 
BnitaBeast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NJ or Manila
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Congrats! My goal is to get one. For now I have to settle for the Dubai version of the Lexus GX 470, a Toyota Prado VX 4.0L
Old 09-09-10, 10:27 AM
  #3  
Jasmin
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Jasmin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: CA
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks! I am pretty excited but also worried about the mileage. Should I change the oil more often since it is high miles?
Old 09-09-10, 07:59 PM
  #4  
Bob GX
Driver
 
Bob GX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Utah
Posts: 170
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I have a 2004 GX but it only has 13,000 miles. Did your FIL keep maintenance records on the one you are getting? What problems/fixes did it have and at what mileages? Your car could be a good reference point for what is in store for the rest of us.

You could send an oil sample in for analysis - that would give you some insight into the internal condition of your engine and is a good way to get a handle on how often the oil really needs to be changed. You can do an internet search for an oil analysis lab - or PM me and I'll send you the info on the place I use.
Old 09-09-10, 08:06 PM
  #5  
Booyah
Lexus Test Driver
 
Booyah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

13,000 miles Bob!! or 130,000
Old 09-09-10, 10:01 PM
  #6  
Bob GX
Driver
 
Bob GX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Utah
Posts: 170
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's really 13,000. I had a neck injury the year I bought it and ended up not driving very much any more so my GX is still almost like new. I'm starting to wonder what issues & repairs I will have due to time and not miles - still 100% original (tires, brakes, battery, etc). I change the oil every 6 months because it says to do it, but the oil comes out looking the same color it went in, and I've changed the air & cabin air filters.
Old 09-10-10, 08:46 AM
  #7  
Lexus 4 ME
Lead Lap
 
Lexus 4 ME's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

I had once LS400 with 247000 miles. I never had any problem. First thing I did changed all the hoses, changed radiator, all the belts, and rotors, pads. When the car was totalled it had over 300k miles. I had minor leaking from steering pump.
Old 09-10-10, 11:22 AM
  #8  
Jasmin
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Jasmin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: CA
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lexus 4 ME
I had once LS400 with 247000 miles. I never had any problem. First thing I did changed all the hoses, changed radiator, all the belts, and rotors, pads. When the car was totalled it had over 300k miles. I had minor leaking from steering pump.
That is encouraging.

They already changed the radiator.

When I get all the service records I will write it all on here.
Old 09-10-10, 12:25 PM
  #9  
Lexus 4 ME
Lead Lap
 
Lexus 4 ME's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Ask him about water pump, radiator, timing belt, alternator, generator.
Old 09-10-10, 04:21 PM
  #10  
Jasmin
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Jasmin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: CA
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I know anything that is supposed to be done according to the dealer has been done. I don't know if that makes any sense.
Old 09-11-10, 08:13 AM
  #11  
Tipler
Pit Crew
 
Tipler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wi
Posts: 227
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I have a 2004 GX 470 with 23,000 miles , same goes for me , oil change every 6 months , can't use due to health issues .
Congrats on your Lexus you're going to love it .
Old 09-11-10, 11:33 AM
  #12  
pjarvis
Rookie
 
pjarvis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Ca
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Bob, Tires over 5 years old are dangerous as the ozone damages the compounds and the GX is no light weight. Also the battery has to be on its last legs no matter want you have done to care for it.
Old 09-11-10, 01:42 PM
  #13  
JohnJerk
Driver
 
JohnJerk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Park City, UT
Posts: 125
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Jasmin
I know anything that is supposed to be done according to the dealer has been done. I don't know if that makes any sense.
90K service is due at your current 180K, so timing belt etc etc should be fresh. If he did all that, then grab it and go. Just put $100-$200 away each month so you can take care of any problems that may show up.

My 04 needed a radiator and a door actuator over the last 18 months and 15,000 miles. Cost was $850 total for these repairs. A modest slush fund can easily keep up with an aging GX that's had diligent service.
Old 09-12-10, 11:10 AM
  #14  
Rob Daman
Rookie
 
Rob Daman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ca
Posts: 62
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

9k is a great price.
Old 09-15-10, 03:48 PM
  #15  
Jasmin
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Jasmin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: CA
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by rcantu
9k is a great price.
I got him down to 8850.

Originally Posted by JohnJerk
90K service is due at your current 180K, so timing belt etc etc should be fresh. If he did all that, then grab it and go. Just put $100-$200 away each month so you can take care of any problems that may show up.

My 04 needed a radiator and a door actuator over the last 18 months and 15,000 miles. Cost was $850 total for these repairs. A modest slush fund can easily keep up with an aging GX that's had diligent service.
Thanks for the tips! Should the oil be changed every 3000 or 5000?


Quick Reply: Buying a 2004 GX 470 tomorrow!!



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:36 AM.