01Snake

We finally sold the wife's G35 coupe today and she is looking to get a GX this weekend. I've got a friend at Sewell in Dallas so we are going to head up there this weekend to look since they have a ton there. Anywho, a few questions:

1. 2005 vs 2006: Doesn't look like much changed between these model years. Should I save a few bucks and go with a 05' or is the 06' somehow a better choice?

2. Looking for something in the 30-40K mile range and wondering if its worth the extra expense to go with a CPO model. The wife does not drive much (about 6k per year) and we would no doubt hit the 3yr warranty mark without approaching the allowed 100K miles. Is paying extra for a warranty going to be worth it?

3. Last one...in our area, it seems the 05-06' models are running between $28-33K w/ anywhere from 30-45K miles on them. Do these prices seem high or is that about par for the course?

I'd appreciate anyone's input. In the meantime, I'm going to keep searching this site for great info!!

Jeff

Robertsarg

I just found a 2005 GX at Car Max. It had 34k miles with Nav. I paid $28k. I did a lot of research and there accually isn't much that has changed between the two years. virtually the same. I think the 06 has generation 5 Nav instead of 4, and even that isn't a major difference. 05 started with the bluetooth connectivity for hands free. I think if you can score a 05 with low milage like I did, in the $25 to $28 range you would do good. I haven't seen any 06 GX's under $29k and that was ones with 50k miles or more. Just make sure you do your research on the vehicle. I called my local Lexus Dealer and they looked up the Vin number and gave me the whole history of the vehicle. Also Auto Check vehicle history report. Mine had all the required scheduled maintenance, and no major problems. Just a replaced rear drive shaft, because of the famous clunk problem. Other than that, with 34k miles the car is parctically new. Given Lexus history and service, I have no worries about my car. The engine and transmission are under warrenty for 6 years 70k miles.
Good luck on your GX search. Keep us posted!
Robert

Johnny Rad

Hit up edmunds.com for a year to year review of the model year changes. I find it helpful to figure out, among other things, when you're only buying one model year newer without major changes.

Reliable? On one hand, it's a Lexus / Toyota. On the other hand, they're filled with tons of electronic doodads and the extra drivetrain associated with 4WD. In my mind, the CPO or Lexus extended warranty makes for stress free ownership. If you're really going to own it for a number of years, get the CPO / extended warranty. If you're going to turn and burn it, pass.

Trusting that the model year difference is slim to none, I'd vote on the rig with lower mileage and not worry about the year IF it could meet the requirements for CPO or Lexus' own extended warranty.

malmon

2006 Model

The 2006 model didn�t change much from the 2005 model.

Due to new SAE specifications power ratings were changed to 263 HP at 5400 RPM and 323 lb-ft at 3400 RPM.

Some the changes were:

* New Digital Lexus Link
* More coat hanger
* Additional color options
* New Park Brake Grip

The quote above is from this site I found while doing research on the GX. It gives an overview of year to year changes.

http://www.toyota120.com/html/lexus_gx470.html

cssnms

You cannot go wrong either way. There are no material differences IMHO between the '05 and '06. If it were my dough and the right opportunity presented itself and by that I mean a relatively low mileage, clean, CPO'd vehicle I would save a few thousand $ and go with a 2005. You will have no regrets one way or the other.

Defender

I think the VVTi engine started with the 06 model. Other than that, they are the same. I just got a 2006 Savannah Gold GX470 last week. CPO with under 30K miles on it. 35K.

You will see more 06's on the lots as more of them come off lease but demand is high for GX. I heard that auction prices for 06 GX's are already at 30-32K so if you see CPO's at 35K, they are purchased at auction at lower prices or trade ins.

The G Man

The vvt-i started on the 05 GX.

01Snake

UPDATE:

We ended up purchasing a 2006 Silver/tan combo car with 33k miles on it. We preferred the gray interior but where in a bind due to work-related issues so we pulled the trigger on the car with the tan interior. I'm not too upset since we got a low mileage, on-owner car in good shape. The only option it did not have that the wife wanted was the rear DVD system.

I haven't had the chance to drive it yet since I had to leave town but the wife said she absolutely loves it. I'll have her snap some pics soon to post.

Thanks for the input everyone.

cssnms

Welcome to the family!

LexusBob

01Snake, There are plenty of after-market DVD systems, portable or not, that you can purchase. Just search these forums and you'll find enough help to assist with this.

Defender

Check eBay for a Vizualogic headrest mounted RSES. I was able to get a Dual DVD A-1000 Unit (Previously owned but never used) for $400. Now my kids can watch their own shows and the monitors are eye level. It made a real difference as my son gets dizzy looking up and right at a ceiling mounted system while the vehicle is in motion.
I had a Tahoe Hybrid a couple of months ago that had a ceiling mounted RSES and I not being able to see anything with my rear view mirror. I got the GX after GM repurchased the vehicle so decided to get one without the RSES.