407860037

Switching from LX470, one thing i dont like about the lx is it is heavy and under power.
I know the GX is a lot light, but I am wondering two things:
1. there was a hp and tq boost when lexus put the vvti in the 2005 model, is the gain significant? meaning can you tell the difference when you driving it compare to the older version?
2. the market right now, there is a pretty obvious price gap between pre 2005 and post 2005. i am just wondering is it worth the money to hunt for a post 05? or should i just settle with the lower priced pre 05?

thank you.

wavesonic

I have switched from a 2001 LX470 to a 2006 GX470. I really liked the transmission in the GX comparing to the 4 speed tranny in LX. My commute home requires some hill climbing, so the GX definitely feels more powerful and adequate when doing the hill climbing. When I was driving the LX, I also try to ask myself "are we there yet? are we there yet?" in terms waiting for the engine to down shift. I don't have to do that with the GX at all.

tz693

The power boost for 2005 and later is not significant and not noticeable. I think 2007 and later have the NAV SW updated and Bluetooth added. 2008 and later have some appearance updated. Other than that, they are pretty much the same performance.

407860037

yes I had the same experience. LX is not made for commute, really. it is not made for hwy driving either. Places like Tibet is where LX really belongs, tough terrain, constanly low speed hill climb and stuff.

407860037

I would not imagine it has significant performance difference, but I was also told that the difference is pretty noticeable between these two engines, but i am not in a position to tell.

IanB2

From a quick search it looks like '03-'04 were rated at 235hp, 320ft/lb, '05+ w/ vvti were rated at 275hp, 330ft/lb, it's not a huge difference. The vvti motor also has the secondary air pump system that can fail, and it's recommended to use premium fuel (if you want to see the numbers it's rated at). Both are good.

407860037

hey Ian, saw you had a e55, me too! but mine is a 2004 w211.

GXinSD518

I have an '04 GX and although it's no Porsche, I've never felt like the power was lacking. The 5sp transmission downshifts quickly and the 4.7 always feels strong.

IMO, the big reasons to go with the newer models are for the updated Nav and rear view camera (early '04 models like mine don't have the rear view camera) or if you want KDSS.

407860037

I guess the reason why I am concern is that essentially the LX i had has the same power output as the 03 and 04, and it was painfully slow for me. but again, lx is much heavier and has the 4spd box. and i dont really care about the new nav and stuff, but a rear view cam will certainly be nice.

IanB2

The change in transmission and the reduction in weight will combine to make a pretty noticeable difference I'd bet. Go drive an early GX470 and see for yourself if it's what you're after.

407860037

Yes, I test drove a 06 one locally at the dealership, night and day difference compare to the LX. i really like my test drive with the 06 and I'd like to try a 03 or 04, but sadly we dont have many gx around my area.

407860037

what is ineresting is that, tho i know it doesnt matter in the case of gx, but i just looked up the 0-60 time, 03 is at 8.3 and 07 is 7.1... pretty big difference, i dont know how valid is it tho.

IanB2

We've had this vehicle for over 5 years now, if I was to go back and do it over again, the must have's would be no-nav, and grey interior. While the vvti engine might be better, the non-vvti is still very good, and is not on my list of complaints about this truck.

470SNC

My previous GX was a 06 and my new one is a 03, cant tell the difference at all power wise.

Jreask