GX 460 - Adventure Vehicle?
#1
GX 460 - Adventure Vehicle?
I've visited CL frequently over the years to look for information regarding my 06 LS 430. My LS has been an incredibly reliable vehicle. I've had virtually no repair costs beyond routine care other than some suspension work. I'm now at new point in my life (early retirement) and have been exploring different vehicles to get me from Texas to frequent outdoor adventures in Colorado and beyond. This has led me to the GX forum.
I'm looking for a used vehicle for extended camping trips and general exploring in the Rockies. I don't plan on doing any rock crawling but will be traveling forest and blm roads for remote camping and fishing. The obvious choice would be a 4runner but the 4wd trims are more expensive than used GXs. Right now I'm looking at a 2013 GX 460 with 100K mile for about $23K. Also, I'll be logging a lot of highway miles and I've been spoiled by the serenity and comfort of my Lexus.
My questions:
1. The GX 460 has plenty of off-road capability so why wouldn't I go with a used one over a 4runner?
2. Obviously maintenance costs will be higher for the GX. I have a good indy mechanic who will let me buy my own parts. Are there any big issues with a used (2010-15) GX that I should be concerned about?
Thanks for any thoughts!
I'm looking for a used vehicle for extended camping trips and general exploring in the Rockies. I don't plan on doing any rock crawling but will be traveling forest and blm roads for remote camping and fishing. The obvious choice would be a 4runner but the 4wd trims are more expensive than used GXs. Right now I'm looking at a 2013 GX 460 with 100K mile for about $23K. Also, I'll be logging a lot of highway miles and I've been spoiled by the serenity and comfort of my Lexus.
My questions:
1. The GX 460 has plenty of off-road capability so why wouldn't I go with a used one over a 4runner?
2. Obviously maintenance costs will be higher for the GX. I have a good indy mechanic who will let me buy my own parts. Are there any big issues with a used (2010-15) GX that I should be concerned about?
Thanks for any thoughts!
#2
The GX has several significant advantages over the 4R (at least from my research)
Far better headlighting
Better rear AC (actually, better AC in general)
More comfort on-road
The GX (except for overhangs) is just as capable as the 4R with the correct tires
The 4R is more customizable (since there is more stuff available)
The 2020 4R should have Apple CarPlay (if anyone cares)
The rear door is polarizing.
Far better headlighting
Better rear AC (actually, better AC in general)
More comfort on-road
The GX (except for overhangs) is just as capable as the 4R with the correct tires
The 4R is more customizable (since there is more stuff available)
The 2020 4R should have Apple CarPlay (if anyone cares)
The rear door is polarizing.
#3
I've visited CL frequently over the years to look for information regarding my 06 LS 430. My LS has been an incredibly reliable vehicle. I've had virtually no repair costs beyond routine care other than some suspension work. I'm now at new point in my life (early retirement) and have been exploring different vehicles to get me from Texas to frequent outdoor adventures in Colorado and beyond. This has led me to the GX forum.
I'm looking for a used vehicle for extended camping trips and general exploring in the Rockies. I don't plan on doing any rock crawling but will be traveling forest and blm roads for remote camping and fishing. The obvious choice would be a 4runner but the 4wd trims are more expensive than used GXs. Right now I'm looking at a 2013 GX 460 with 100K mile for about $23K. Also, I'll be logging a lot of highway miles and I've been spoiled by the serenity and comfort of my Lexus.
My questions:
1. The GX 460 has plenty of off-road capability so why wouldn't I go with a used one over a 4runner?
2. Obviously maintenance costs will be higher for the GX. I have a good indy mechanic who will let me buy my own parts. Are there any big issues with a used (2010-15) GX that I should be concerned about?
Thanks for any thoughts!
I'm looking for a used vehicle for extended camping trips and general exploring in the Rockies. I don't plan on doing any rock crawling but will be traveling forest and blm roads for remote camping and fishing. The obvious choice would be a 4runner but the 4wd trims are more expensive than used GXs. Right now I'm looking at a 2013 GX 460 with 100K mile for about $23K. Also, I'll be logging a lot of highway miles and I've been spoiled by the serenity and comfort of my Lexus.
My questions:
1. The GX 460 has plenty of off-road capability so why wouldn't I go with a used one over a 4runner?
2. Obviously maintenance costs will be higher for the GX. I have a good indy mechanic who will let me buy my own parts. Are there any big issues with a used (2010-15) GX that I should be concerned about?
Thanks for any thoughts!
#4
I traded my 17 4Runner SR5 for a 19 GX Premium. Yes the 4Runner is more customizable but I don't really care since I'm not building a mall crawler.
Just finished a 7 day 2400 mile road trip and the GX's ride and comfort is way better. Averaged around 20.4 mpg even thru Montana and Idaho going 80-85.
The 4 Runner felt under powered in the mountains, the GX hardly notices them. I also prefer the side opening door over the hatch since I'm tall and was hitting my head on it
Just finished a 7 day 2400 mile road trip and the GX's ride and comfort is way better. Averaged around 20.4 mpg even thru Montana and Idaho going 80-85.
The 4 Runner felt under powered in the mountains, the GX hardly notices them. I also prefer the side opening door over the hatch since I'm tall and was hitting my head on it
#5
I guess one thing you can count on is that the GX is getting more popular. As this happens the more aftermarket you will see. JCR Offroad a JEEP aftermarket company has opened Victory4x4. I went to Slee Offroad in Colorado and they told me the same thing. They are working on GX bumpers etc etc. I like the 4R however I think the GX has more room especially rear passenger space. That did it for me. I have a 13 Gx460 with 33K on the dial. I love it, but I still have my Wrangler. I love my garage....
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robertf (09-09-19)
#6
2013 Brochure
If you have a model with 3-zone HVAC there is another heater core and another AC evaporator in the rear right passenger area. I don't think 4R can be ordered with 3rd zone.
If you have a model with 3-zone HVAC there is another heater core and another AC evaporator in the rear right passenger area. I don't think 4R can be ordered with 3rd zone.
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tigmd99 (09-09-19)
#7
1. for your plans there arent any reasons
2. main 3 to look for: valley leak, airbag, secondary air system.
Ive had both 4runners and GX. Price was the only thing the 4runner had going for it in the past. doesnt seem to apply much anymore
the v8, smoother ride, better features for me make this no contest
2. main 3 to look for: valley leak, airbag, secondary air system.
Ive had both 4runners and GX. Price was the only thing the 4runner had going for it in the past. doesnt seem to apply much anymore
the v8, smoother ride, better features for me make this no contest
Trending Topics
#8
[Bumpers thread]
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...g-bumpers.html
[Skid Plates] (I have essentially a prototype set of Budbuilts on my '12 460)- Post 417 - also easy access to oil filter
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...id-plates.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...g-bumpers.html
[Skid Plates] (I have essentially a prototype set of Budbuilts on my '12 460)- Post 417 - also easy access to oil filter
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...id-plates.html
The following users liked this post:
robertf (09-08-19)
#9
2013 Brochure
If you have a model with 3-zone HVAC there is another heater core and another AC evaporator in the rear right passenger area. I don't think 4R can be ordered with 3rd zone.
If you have a model with 3-zone HVAC there is another heater core and another AC evaporator in the rear right passenger area. I don't think 4R can be ordered with 3rd zone.
#11
#12
#13
GX is the best of both worlds.
#14
Agree with the bolded part of course. Unless you want to go strictly offroad
Last edited by cb1111; 09-09-19 at 10:26 AM.
#15
For '19 at least looks like Crawl and MTS is only on the TRD Off-Road and Pro
https://www.toyota.com/4runner/ebrochure/
https://www.toyota.com/4runner/ebrochure/