ny888

Since I moved to California 9 years ago, I have never been up to Tahoe for the skiing season. Now with kids who are old enough to appreciate snow, I'm planning on buying a used GX since most of you rave about it even in deep snow.

Any reason to spend extra on the later models or is the 05 good enough?

Exactly how fast are you guys driving when in bad snowy conditions? 30mph? faster?

cssnms

All depends on what's more important to you, saving money or perhaps a lower mileage vehicle. The hp increase with the VVTI engine occured in 2005, so outside of having more lower mileage vehicles to choose from with a later model yr there is no material benefit to purchasing a 2007 vs 2005.

Not sure I understand the point of your second question... The GX does just fine in the snow and it will go as fast as you want it to go, now how quickly you can stop is what you should really be concerned about especially if you are driving around with kids. Drive safe, drive smart.

snhrph

05 is fine, or newer is you can afford. 07+ has ipod integration. The rest is up to you... Judging by the responses, I would avoid the KDSS.

As far as how fast we drive in the snow - that's a function of MANY variables.

30 mph may seem slow if you are driving on the highway in the perfect weather. Now, what about 30mph in a crowded parking lot???

GX will do fine in just about any condition that mother nature can dish out. I made it up the icy hill (with locked center diff) that completely stomped my friends with X5 and Grand Cherokee in upstate NY. I also drove it to Vermont through the blizzard with near white-out. 25mph was max for me during that storm.

I think the most important factors are your experience as a driver, especially when it comes to handling your vehicle while driving in less then perfect conditions; and familiarity with your vehicle and it's features.

Bob GX

A couple of other factors to think about:

My 04 GX runs on 87 octane fuel just fine - the higher horsepower engine in 05 'required' premium fuel (like 91 octane) which is a bit more expensive. Others with 05 and later models may have inputs on whether they get by ok with the lesser grade fuel.

The important thing for winter driving are the tires - good winter tires, or 'better' all season tires, can help with steering and stopping. You will probably find yourself dealing mostly with packed snow & ice on the roads to and from the ski area because they are plowed, and deeper snow in the parking areas (at least that's the way it is here in Utah). If you're not a ski fanatic it works really well to go skiing between the big storms - and not be on the roads while the snow is still coming down. People here seem to drive 35 to 45 on roads up to the ski areas (that is, not on the freeway) when they are still snow and ice covered - another reason I wait for dry roads a day or two after a storm - risk of accidents is pretty high at those speeds on snowy, twisty roads, and fender-bender accidents and slide offs always happen in these conditions.

19psi

the 05 or earlier will do great for what you want. like bob GX said, tires are the most important thing you can have for snow. going isn't a problem with 4 wheel drive, but stopping is. that's where the right tires come in. i recommend bfg all terrains for the ultimate in traction and streetability. plus they look really cool and beefy!

how fast can you go? as fast as conditions dictate. on a good traction snowy surface (seems contradictory but fresh snow will give you pretty good traction compared to packed snow or ice), if it's straight and not banked,k you can probably do 45+ safely. packed snow/ice, curves, banks, inclines, obviously you'll be much slower.

cmarshack

GX in Tahoe in the snow...

19psi

sweet pic.... fj cruiser wheels and bfg all terrains!

ny888

cmarshack - damn you, now I really want one !

cmarshack

19psi...yup, those are the winter/off-road wheels. It's amazing how well this thing does in the snow with the right tires.

ny888...time to sell the Odessey and get a nice 05 GX!!! DO IT!!!

ny888

Love that pic - any more? It's inspiring me ! I have a line on an '04 but would prefer 05 because of the bluetooth capability. I'm looking all over for the right one !

Booyah

GX's Love the snow!!

ny888

That 2nd pic looks like it just popped out of a Lexus brochure !

ny888

Potential monkeywrench in my GX plans.

Wife is getting a RX400h AWD. Everyone is saying having both RX400h and GX would be overkill, that the RX will be good enough for Tahoe in the Winter.

What do you think?

Booyah

RX's are great! We had the RX350 for a couple winters and it went everywhere, I just wanted something bigger and with a Nice V-8 to tow my ATV's:0

ny888

Problem solved !

Bought an 06 RX400h today for the wife and an 06 GX for myself. Took the RX home and surprised the wife. Will pick up GX Monday night. It has the Dunlop tires and chrome wheels. Am having the dealer swap out the wheels and tires with another GX on the lot on Monday. That one had Michelin Cross Terrains - thanks to CL members who educated me on that. Now I just have to hope no one buys the other GX tomorrow and takes those tires with it.

Shopping list:

Vaistech for iPod
Tow Hitch
DVD system (for both cars)