MPower

Hello,

I am thinking about buying either the new GX fully loaded or a 3.0 X5 that is pretty well loaded. Does anyone have any opinions on either car. I test drove the GX last night, and it drove very smooth. I love the way BMW's drive, but for around the same price, the GX comes with more features.

Also, since its the first year of production on the GX, does anyone worry about problems or issues down the road?

Thanks,

Chris

looknow12

In my opinion Lexus doesn't release vehicles without thoroughly testing them through. I have consistently purchased first year vehicles from Toyota and Lexus and have never had any issues.

As far as comparison, if you go to Lexus's web site and click on compare (I have also posted this) you can configure the vehicles you wish to compare the GX to and Edmunds (I believe) does the comparison.

Johnny Mo

The GX spanked the X5 3.0 in the rankings. I am holding off on my GX purchase until '04 I think, not so much first year issues, but more for some new options/packaging of options.

MPower

If you look at the numbers, the X5 got a 5 for amenities. If I get a fully loaded X5, it will be just the same. A 5 was a terrible score, which is why the X5's overall number was so down.

looknow12

Qualification on the first year vehicle purchases.

2 - 1986 Toyota 4runners.
New that year:
Independent Front Suspension :-)
4 speed automatic overdrive transmission
Automatic Locking Hubs
Turbo 1.6 4 cyl engine
Digital Dashboard

No problems with either
1990 Toyota 4runner
New that year
Revamped suspension
New transmission
Brand New V6 engine
Different Body, different tailgate

1996 Toyota 4runner
New that year
Revamped suspension
New transmission
Brand New V6 engine
Different Body, different tailgate

1999 Lexus RX300
New Model - Everything


2003 GX470 :-)
New Model - Everything

If you don't buy one, I'll let ya know, but I'm banking on my past experiences!

degeester

I was in the same predicament as you. Which one GX-470 or X5 3.0? X5 is more car like (primarily because its a unibody design and tuned to have a BMW feel) but the GX is more rugged with a body on frame design. The GX for the rest of the world is a Land Cruiser. Toyota is legendary for the Land Cruiser's reliability, sturdiness and off-road abilities. Although a tough choice, I will buy a GX hopefully before the end of the year.

golfnut

You mean the GX is a 4-runner. Land-cruiser is the LX. I bought a 2003 LX 470 but went and test drove the GX anyway.
GX is a better buy for the price but I think I like the ride , feel , and roominess of the LX better. Just a personal preference but you can't go wrong with either one.

Back to BMW X-5, I drove it before buying my LX. BMW is more "spirited" but Lexus is more useful. I think you have to go outside to the back of the Bimmer's rear hatch in order to recline the second row seats. ( That's what the salesman told me) It makes no sense. Besides, lugguage space in the x-5 is pathetic with the rear seat up. With the 3rd row seats folded, GX has more cargo space. I am sure the GX will be more reliable in the long run. Just speculating based on past experience.

degeester

No I mean the GX470 is the Land Cruiser 90 or Land Cruiser Prado, depending on where you are in the world.

EP88

You can goto the Benz forums under M Class for second opinion. There are reasons for X5 slow sale. One of the problems - car fire, perhaps they have alredy made some improvement like a auto distinguisher.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/
http://www.mbworld.org/forum/w163/board/home.html