So I'm currently thinking of trading in my 2011 FJ Cruiser for a 1st Gen GX. I've owned several Lexus, all used, and have loved all of them. The FJ is cool, but I'm really missing that Lexus comfort and refinement.

My question is this:

Do you think it's better to get an older model year with lower miles than it is to get a younger model year with higher miles? In other words, which of the following is less likely to have issues:

a 2006 with 80k, or a 2009 with 150k?

I know there are many factors to consider such as maintenance history, and what the vehicle was used for, etc etc., But GENERALLY speaking, is there an advantage to going one way or the other?

I know there's a lot of ways to slice this answer, and it basically applies to pretty much any used car purchase, but I just wanted to get a feel from actual GX owners.

Thanks!

 

I would go with 06 80k.

 

2006 with 80k miles

Most of the effects of age are whether the car was garaged or not and effects mainly the cosmetics like paint and the interior materials. If it's been kept out of the elements, 2 years older makes very little difference.

At 150k miles, most of the suspension is probably going to need to be replaced in addition to a lot of other issues that are related to mileage.

 

An 09 is not appreciably better than an 06 except for some nav-system improvements (if it has nav), so it really comes down to maintenance histories and corrosion. It could go either way.

 

If money is similar, I would go for the 09. You'll get extra interior features, plus the VVT-i engine. Just make sure the emissions air pump isn't setting codes.

Chip H.

 

.... '06 has vvt-i ....

 

Oops. I always forget when that got added. Thought it was in 07

Chip H.

 

2005+ had vvti.