About to pull the trigger on a GX. Need some advice (high mileage, year changes, etc)
#17
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
#19
#20
Two freaking grand for the 90k service?! Holy sticker shock, Batman.
My 2GS was just over a grand at the stealership and just under with an independent.
My 2GS was just over a grand at the stealership and just under with an independent.
Last edited by Johnny Rad; 07-17-12 at 09:04 PM.
#21
looks about right - gl
Thanks everyone for the input. I called Lexus and they quoted me $1800 for the 90k service. I called 4 other trusted shops of mine and they all quoted me 1200-1400 as well for:
1. Engine oil
2. AC filter
3. Brake fluid
4. Timing belt
5. Water Pump
6. Lubricate drive shaft
7. Drive belts
8. Coolant
9. Differential oil
10. Spark plugs
Does this price sound about right?
1. Engine oil
2. AC filter
3. Brake fluid
4. Timing belt
5. Water Pump
6. Lubricate drive shaft
7. Drive belts
8. Coolant
9. Differential oil
10. Spark plugs
Does this price sound about right?
#22
#24
1. Is it not wise for me to purchase such a high mileage and use it for a daily driver? I really need this to be dependable as it'll be my only vehicle for the next few months.
2. Because of my price range I'll have to purchase an older model ~2004/2005 but I'd like to convert the appearances to a 2009 look. I had a difficult time finding a comprehensive list but this is the best I found.
The website lists the following:
-Clear lens indicators on taillights (easy DIY swap)
-Chromed door handles (has anyone attempted this yet?)
-Darker grille (I've searched everywhere and the grilles don't appear different to me. Could someone enlighten me?
3. Is the 05 VVTi with the extra hp worth the extra $ to get? Is there any noticeable difference in acceleration or everyday driving? And Can I still use regular at the pumps with this engine?
4. Last but not least, I noticed while driving some GX's have a slight blue tint to their headlights and some don't. Is this a year to year change or are the non blue-ish ones just oxidized from age. Its something I'd really want on mine.
)
2. Because of my price range I'll have to purchase an older model ~2004/2005 but I'd like to convert the appearances to a 2009 look. I had a difficult time finding a comprehensive list but this is the best I found.
The website lists the following:
-Clear lens indicators on taillights (easy DIY swap)
-Chromed door handles (has anyone attempted this yet?)
-Darker grille (I've searched everywhere and the grilles don't appear different to me. Could someone enlighten me?
3. Is the 05 VVTi with the extra hp worth the extra $ to get? Is there any noticeable difference in acceleration or everyday driving? And Can I still use regular at the pumps with this engine?
4. Last but not least, I noticed while driving some GX's have a slight blue tint to their headlights and some don't. Is this a year to year change or are the non blue-ish ones just oxidized from age. Its something I'd really want on mine.
)
My wife & I test drove both an 04 & an 05 before we ended up buying our 06 a few months later. I only noticed slight differences when flooring it off the line in that the 04 was "very slightly" slower to get up and go. My wife (probably didn't notice anything, but when given the choice she will always choose the newer, better & bigger version...as she did. lol
2. I can't really comment and you wanting the newer "visually different" things, as I'm a big proponent to Plastidipping every piece of chrome that I can find. The only thing I would ever both with is the tail light swap, but I'd only bother if one of them got cracked or needed to be replaced for some reason. I already have a back-up cam & bluetooth (can attest that they are a wonderful addition to helping you not back this big rearend into things that you don't want to--not to mention being able to control all climate & audio through the nav screen).
3. I've done the Premium vs. Regular comparison and have noticed this: with Premium you get a higher price at the pump & better MPGs, with Regular you get a lower price at the pump & lower MPGs. It's pretty much a wash. Did this on a road trip home from Spokane, WA to the opposite corner of the state (Long Beach, WA). Only other "slight" difference I noted was when going thru winding/hilly curves with the Premium the engine was more responsive, but with Regular slightly less so. On a flat highway doing 60-70 you should be able to do this test yourself and get some pretty easily comparable results.
4. For the headlights, yes, the newer ones have a slightly blue/green tint in the actual glass lens (our 06 certainly does).
Hope this helps you out a little bit. Haven't done a good write-up like this since I've had the ol' GX (just at 3 years now). Good luck with your purchase and let us know how it all turns out!
#25
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thank you everyone for your help. I just put a deposit down on an 04 blizzard white with 98k miles. It seems to be in great condition and it also has a rear camera. Just had the major 90k overhaul and they also did the brakes, new tires, and waterpump, etc.
I noticed there isn't much wiggle room when buying used GX's I really tried to hustle a couple used car places.
I'll be paying $19k cash ($990 of asking price) and I just wanted to get some of your opinions before I pulled the trigger.
Heres a link to the car: http://www.mypaylessauto.com/1451/20...-Sport-Utility
Thanks again for all the help. I'm on the verge of finally owning a GX!
I noticed there isn't much wiggle room when buying used GX's I really tried to hustle a couple used car places.
I'll be paying $19k cash ($990 of asking price) and I just wanted to get some of your opinions before I pulled the trigger.
Heres a link to the car: http://www.mypaylessauto.com/1451/20...-Sport-Utility
Thanks again for all the help. I'm on the verge of finally owning a GX!
Last edited by shiraki; 07-20-12 at 11:30 AM.
#26
Honest opinion? It looks pretty clean but with an accident in the carfax that price is way to high. I understand they can be hard to find, but still... My best guess is there is a big difference in the west coast vs east coast market. You may want to expand your search distance and look into shipping.
I would be thrilled to get 16K for my loaded 04 w/ 82K miles. Trade in offers have been 15K and less. Even it costs $1000 to ship you would be saving alot of money. I looked at an 07 w/ 80K miles the other day, dealership came down to 21.5K.
I would be thrilled to get 16K for my loaded 04 w/ 82K miles. Trade in offers have been 15K and less. Even it costs $1000 to ship you would be saving alot of money. I looked at an 07 w/ 80K miles the other day, dealership came down to 21.5K.
#28
i can give ya $16k for that rig and split the shipping cost with ya...
Honest opinion? It looks pretty clean but with an accident in the carfax that price is way to high. I understand they can be hard to find, but still... My best guess is there is a big difference in the west coast vs east coast market. You may want to expand your search distance and look into shipping.
I would be thrilled to get 16K for my loaded 04 w/ 82K miles. Trade in offers have been 15K and less. Even it costs $1000 to ship you would be saving alot of money. I looked at an 07 w/ 80K miles the other day, dealership came down to 21.5K.
I would be thrilled to get 16K for my loaded 04 w/ 82K miles. Trade in offers have been 15K and less. Even it costs $1000 to ship you would be saving alot of money. I looked at an 07 w/ 80K miles the other day, dealership came down to 21.5K.
#29
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Honest opinion? It looks pretty clean but with an accident in the carfax that price is way to high. I understand they can be hard to find, but still... My best guess is there is a big difference in the west coast vs east coast market. You may want to expand your search distance and look into shipping.
I would be thrilled to get 16K for my loaded 04 w/ 82K miles. Trade in offers have been 15K and less. Even it costs $1000 to ship you would be saving alot of money. I looked at an 07 w/ 80K miles the other day, dealership came down to 21.5K.
I would be thrilled to get 16K for my loaded 04 w/ 82K miles. Trade in offers have been 15K and less. Even it costs $1000 to ship you would be saving alot of money. I looked at an 07 w/ 80K miles the other day, dealership came down to 21.5K.
And I think you're right with the whole west coast vs east coast thing, it also doesn't help that I'm so stubborn and set on Blizzard Pearl + gray interior (which seems to be a popular combo).
#30
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19k is WAAY to much for an 04 with an accident. I'd keep looking and consider shipping.
Try searching the Houston area. It's a huge market, and mostly salt free roads so you'll know it wont have tons of rust.
Try searching the Houston area. It's a huge market, and mostly salt free roads so you'll know it wont have tons of rust.
Last edited by SouthernSS; 07-20-12 at 08:47 AM.