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The Captains Chairs are a love it or hate it. I actually like them but didn't have a need for a bench seat for the second row as we are DINK's with a couple of Pugs to fill out the vehicle and an occasional trip with the in-laws.
2017+ GX 2nd Row Captains seats for pre-2016 GX's?
I'm cross shopping 2018 4Runner Limited, 2018 Highlander SE and a $25-45k GX460. My 460 budget doesn't stretch to a 2017+ Luxury with the captains seats.
If I buy a 2010-2015 GX460 with 3rd row seating, can I swap in the captains 2nd rows from a wrecked 2017+?
Not sure on the seating retrofit but stay away from the Highlander if you want to do even minimal off-roading unless something changed '16+... it appears to have an abysmal off-road system. No ATRAC on the Highlander in any way.
I think the Highlander is the car we ''need''. It would do everything our 13' Outback does (bought before we had kids, now we have two kids and a lab). A 4Runner is the car I ''want'', but then the GX would be (from what I've read) quieter for road trips, more space, Lexus build quality and offers savings buying used.
The big selling points for the Highlander for me, are 26mpg highway, captains chairs for $39k.
4Runner will last forever, but looks like 2019 or 2020 will be a new model, and it's not worth buying used (so $45k for a Limited)
GX means I can buy used, save a little, and get the V8 ... Found a nice 2015 20k CPO for $46k, so same as new 4Runner. But no captains chairs.
I'm in the EXACT same situation as you. 4Runner, highlander, GX, and I keep looking at the new VW atlas SEL R line as well for the space, huge pano roof, and exterior styling. I expect horrible reliability on that one though, but they do give a 6 year warranty. At the end of the day for me thus far, all roads lead back to Lexus which is why I'm here. With the 4runner you're getting a 45K car for 45K and that will get redesigned soon. The GX you're getting a 55-60K car for 45K with higher end interior and V8 with similar gas mileage. For sure the highlander is the most sensible one, but like all things sensible and what you "need", likely it'll be the most boring of the bunch. Sorry I didn't answer your question, but I would vote GX for sure unless the captains chairs is make or break.
I imagine the mounting holes are basically the same between captains and bench. Carpeting cutouts and wiring connections for heated seats might be different though. Redesign may be like 2021 or 2022 though. We may see some of the safety tech trickle down from the '18 Prado for '19 though. All speculation though.
Since Lexus just released RX350L, three row configuration, my speculation the GX will be most likely discontinued from the Lexus line, leaving LX being the true off-road high end SUV. Consider over the years, Lexus has pretty much refreshed all Lexus to newer interior configurations except GX. From sales figure, there are number of potential buyers wants the third row seats but not particularly wants a true off road SUV. For die-hard Lexus and true off road lovers, this would help to push them become potential LX buyer....Sure, there will be one departing from Lexus to Toyota 4 Runner. At same time, Lexus will capture more from Highlander who wants to upgrade to Lexus family, which is far larger of population compare GX buyers. Just my 2 cents. Personally, I hate to see that happen, and will hold down to my GX as long as I can just like when I had first GX470.......
GX sales were up 2,191 as of the end of November 2017 compared to the same time previous year. It will be interesting to see how "December to Remember 2017" treats the GX.
I'm in the EXACT same situation as you. 4Runner, highlander, GX, and I keep looking at the new VW atlas SEL R line as well for the space, huge pano roof, and exterior styling. I expect horrible reliability on that one though, but they do give a 6 year warranty. At the end of the day for me thus far, all roads lead back to Lexus which is why I'm here. With the 4runner you're getting a 45K car for 45K and that will get redesigned soon. The GX you're getting a 55-60K car for 45K with higher end interior and V8 with similar gas mileage. For sure the highlander is the most sensible one, but like all things sensible and what you "need", likely it'll be the most boring of the bunch. Sorry I didn't answer your question, but I would vote GX for sure unless the captains chairs is make or break.
Exactly my dilemma too. I think if I find the right used GX for a good price (i.e. $45k for a 20k 2016, or more like $25k for a 60k 2014), I'll end up with a GX. If that all takes too long and is too much work, I'll just go see the Toyota dealer. I was shocked at how much heavier a GX is than a 4Runner. The GX has an alloy block, and the 4Runner iron ... so I thought the difference would just be a couple hundred kg's, but it looks to me more like 400kgs.
One big selling point for me with the GX, is the head room. I hate riding in a 3rd row when the 2nd row blocks you in. I think the GX 3rd row would feel a lot more open.
I'd thought about the trim, carpet with 2nd row captains seats, but not the wiring. That's a good point. Thanks
Yeah, I think it was a 12 for $25k, and then like you say, a little over $30k for a 14. I'd really like to get something like the one you linked to, in good condition etc, and then not be driving around in a car that cost me $50k. I'd like to not be paranoid about parking it places.
I'm looking now, but I do have time, as my current beater commuter car is going fine. If I could have something by 4th July, then that would be useful for our planned driving vacation which is 8 hours each way.
My brother just got a '14 base with navi, heated seats..26k miles CPO one-owner for $38k. So, your $45k budget can get you far.
It does seem to me, that GX460 prices are pretty ''reasonable''. There's no clear sweet spot where you get a significantly better deal. A $35k one is likely a 2014 with 40-60k on it, and if you spend $10k more you get a 2015 with 20k. To me, that extra $10k seems to get you something. Don't get me wrong, I wand to spend $30-35k (i.e. what I'd spend on a new Outback 3.6), and get a 2014 with sub 30k miles, but if that's simply not possible (or too much work), I have found a nice 2015 CPO with 20k for $46k that would be really easy to buy, and has Lexus warranty through to 100k or 2021 ...
And then if the whole process of buying used becomes too hard, a 2018 4Runner Limited can be had for $45k any day of the week.
Fingers crossed for a GX sometime before summer 2018. (I find it hard to rush to spend this kind of money on anything).
That price range with sub 30K miles is hard to come by. You have to be very lucky if there’s one pops up because it’ll go fast. A sample of what are around my area.
05-22-17, 04:55 AM
