tftimm

I've posted a thread about looking for a smooth SUV in the LX section.

After reading comments and looking at things with the wife, a smarter bet will be the GX.

What are typical issues with the GX? I've driven one, about a year ago and I really liked it. I want the ML sound system, but don't want the navigation, so we'll see.

I've seen some around the $22K range, 2005 w/70K miles and seen some Certified Used 2006 models with about 70K for about $26K or so. I'd like to get certified if possible, but we'll see. I'll be putting about 15K a year on so that Certified warranty is only good for about 2 years, once I hit 100K. So is it really worth it?

In general, I'm looking for a smooth SUV with ground clearence. At the same time, my wife is pregnant so it can't be like climbing a mountain for her to get in it. I'll probably end up cross shopping the MDX and GX, both 2004-2006 models.

Thoughts?

mansito

I purchase a 2005 for my wife in Nov/09. She really likes it. Even though I am not an SUV person, I also really like driving her car. Much better than her previous Infiniti QX4. Very impressed with the smooth ride. The breaks are awesome. Nice mileage for a large vehicle. Very quite ride. I am very happy with the purchase.

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

I think you'll love it, especially with the baby. I've owned all manner of trucks back when I needed them for work, but was NOT an SUV person when it came to a job that a Sedan could do -- I preferred a car. However, that all changed once I drove the GX. It's one of my favorite vehicles I've ever owned or driven, and my wife feels the same way. (I've owned about 40 and driven about everything on the market for the past 20 years.)

jditom

05 and above!
BT phone was 04 or 05?
A must have as more states are requiring them.

tftimm

I've also always been a car guy. I got the truck and like the feel of driving a truck, but there is something to be said for cruising down the highway at 75-80mph in a nice car.

At this point, I know I can't get a car, it makes no sense considering our drive and we do go off-road on some ranch roads on occasion. I could use the TSX, but I might leave the bumper somewhere if you know what I mean.

I liked the GX when I drove it, its just selling the wife.

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

Absolutely. I would not prefer the GX for a lot of highway work, but the way we use it -- mostly around town -- I like it a lot.

Has she driven it? My wife loves the GX even though she was always a performance car person before.

Also, re: your other questions, my GX has been completely trouble free to 102K miles. That doesn't prove that others won't give a few issues, but a warranty wouldn't have been worth squat in my case.

tftimm

It seems like the certified warranty difference is about $4K or so. I can get a Certified 2004 for about $26 and $23 for a non-certified. Again that's retail price without bargaining.

What price should I am for when I'm looking at a 2004/2005 with about 65K miles?

tftimm

What should I know about the driveshaft replacement? That seems to be the only "common" problem with the GX.

I'm strongly leaning towards the GX. As for differences in years, I would like your advice. Would you consider a 2004 with lower mileage or 2006 with higher mileage?

Also, a random question, does the GX have HID headlights? I like them in my TSX and assume that they have them, can you confirm? Also, how about an OEM brush guard? Does Lexus sell them or are they all aftermarket? I think they look nice.

orakle44

The GX actually does not have HID headlights, but seems to be a common and fairly easy upgrade that some do. About the brush guard im pretty sure lexus does not sell an oem unit, but there are aftermarket units out there

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

I'd check Autotrader to get an idea of what the vehicles are selling for -- take the typical asking prices and deduct about 10% would be a decent, *conservative* assumption for what you can buy one for.

They don't have HID lights, but IMO the lights are perfectly fine. Maybe I just have great night vision, but I don't notice a big difference between my LS430 Projector headlights (generally considered some of the best headlights in the industry) and the GX.

There was a HP increase in '05 to 275 from 235. I'm not very tollerant of a sluggish-feeling vehicle, yet I've never felt that the 235 HP-rated '03-'04 was lacking in power for what the vehicle is. The transmission works great and always kicks down quickly when you need the torque multiplication, so the drivetrain gets the job done just fine, IMO.

I haven't kept up with the driveshaft/clunk fix, but I'm pretty sure there is a thread or two on it here.

The other thing you might want to research is the KDSS suspension option that came on some of the vehicles. Some people swear by it.

Lexus 4 ME

I would go with 2004 less miles, then 2006 with higher miles. You can always buy automarket warranty for 1-2k price range depends on your state.

In addition, new SAE engine-testing procedures resulted in a slight drop in the amount of stated power for the V8, from 270 to 263 for the 2006 models

So the 2006 have 263 HP. I have 2004 and drives perfect, it has enough amount of power. My wife loves the car. Its safe, it has almost 0 body roll. It very smooth, reliable. It has plenty of space for the car seat, and the two strollers.

Only problem is that early models had radiator leak. Not everybody had this problem. Gas mileage is very fair between 16-19 mpg.

mansito

This is a good time to buy Toyota made vehicles. With all the safety problems Toyota is having, you should get a good price on a used or new GX. I bought a 2005 with 48K miles for $18,500 from a private seller in NJ.

Irishman

I looked at the GX for 6 months before I could get my wife to test. She was driving an RX350 2007. She liked the way she could zip around in the small car.
After driving the GX470 2007, I did not have to sell anymore. We have had it a month and the wife likes the driving heigth and the smoothness of the truck, even compared to the RX.
I think it is the finest driving vehicle that we have ever been in.

07 GX470
06 GMC Sierra

tftimm

Well, we drove the GX470 and my wife loved it. No doubt about it, but it came down to needs and budget rather than want. I must say, the GX is probably the best 4x4 SUV available. The ride is sooo smooth, yet can go offroad.

We ended up getting a Certified 2004 RX330. I posted in the RX forum. We won't be taking it "off road" at all, maybe a dirt road or two, but 98% of the time it will be highway and city driving. The only thing the RX didn't have that we wanted was the ability to put 7 people in it.

In exchange, we got a CPO vehicle that meets my wife's needs, a smooth riding vehicle with some ground clearance. Honestly, the RX seems like it was really made for a woman. I'll deal with it, but so far I think we met our needs.

Thanks for your help and I'll be floating around in the RX forum.

Thanks for all your help...

ROSCOGX470

Just bought my 04 silver GX470 loaded with ML/NAV with 60k miles for $22,500. I also bought a 4/48 bumper to bumper after market waranty for $2500. The only thing you will like about the MDX over the Lexus is the lower stance.