z0lt3c

iTrader: (1)

The dynamic suspension on the GX also varies the dampening in the shock absorbers. You basically select 1 of 4 pre-set programs to change from comfort to sport modes. By changing the dimensions of the tire:sidewall ratio you distort the expectations of these programs. The larger wheels almost always weigh more, so the rotational mass of each wheel is also different. The likely result is a harsh ride and a mostly ineffectively dynamic suspension system. I find these programs useful- for entering and exiting I set it towards sport and for long distance driving more towards comfort.

The air suspension is worth any additional hassle if/when you use the GX to tow. The auto levelling maximises stability and the manual levelling is very useful to back under and then raise up into a hitch-up (with the rear camera this is very impressive manuver without leaving truck).

You also need to remember this is a full body on frame truck with all time 4WD and a locking rear differential. It will NOT drive like a typical RWD Lexus sedan or crossover. The drive is very comparable to similarly built vehicles utilising such a drive-train -- this is NOT a cross over, it's has some rear capabilities on and off road.

Here is a good extreme demonstration of the GX; http://www.fourwheeler.com/projectbu...ion/index.html

Vlad6525

The stock wheels on 1st Gen GX are 17"...tires are 265/65, but it is possible to change them to larger wheels (look at TireRack and you can see how the larger wheels would look on your GX and they automatically calculate appropriate tire size)

The HID were not offered on 1st gen GX, however it is easy to outfit them with aftermarket kits. The headlights are projector type and give nice and even light pattern. The low-beams are H11 and fogs are H3.

I owned a 2004 CPO (without Nav) and the only problem I ever encountered was the clunk and the drive shaft was changed at approximately 82K miles at no cost since CPO warranty covers it up to 100K.

Now I own a 2008 CPO with Nav unit and so far I had to change the rear shocks due to leakage (under warranty)...also had to change the tires since the stocks were complete garbage and wore out at 27K miles...

Overall Lexus offers the best CPO warranty (3yrs 100K and it covers almost everything within this period of time)...you mentioned that you are buying Japanese cars only, so out of the 3 luxury brands (Lexus, Acura, Infiniti), Lexus warranty is the best by far. Also Infiniti FX45 is a totally different machine compared with GX...Infiniti is a crossover and FX45 comes with standard 20" wheels, which ride better on the dry roads, but you can't take it off road or into any snow over a few inches, while GX will get you out of a foot of snow without any drama...

Muti007

SO from a few of your posts, it really sounds like you guys are saying just make sure you buy a newer, low milage truck with a CPO warranty and theres nothing to worry about. Im not looking for a CPO truck necessarily so that changes my take on some of these issues as compared to the way some of you might look at them.