OPPO Learn me some GX470

"Shift24" (the-nope) 07/25/2018 at 09:50 • Filed to: GX470, Lexus, J120, GX 470

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So I have been looking to replace my k1500 for awhile now and I think i have finally settled on a used Lexus GX470. I have done my research and do diligence into this including a break down of getting a Truck vs SUV. With that I will consider suggestions but your going to have to really convi nce me . (budget ~ $ 12k )

I have some knowledge into the J120 platform as it is more commonly called else where the Land Cruiser Prado. Only engine option is the 4.7L v8 which was updated in 2005 with vvt-i which bumped up the power. So I am staying newer than 2005. There was also an option for Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) in 2004 . I have heard mixed info on whether or not this is beneficial in the Off- roading community.

So to continue doing my homework I was wondering if anyone had experience with the GX470. Any inside knowledge to the platform or   weak spots. I know the Air suspension is fairly expensive to replace but unlike Land R over’ s its actually reliable.

Please note why I am not considering the 4th gen 4runner is because I dont like the interior. Overall the two are relatively the same and the 4runner might be better looking but I couldn’t get over that interior. (especially the h vac controls ). And as it is the thing you deal with on a daily basis the 4runner is a no go .

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 10:04

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Just buy one. The rear air replacement kit and is cheaper then new air. The 2UZ is easily one of the best engines ever made as well. I’ll be buying either a 470 or 460 in a few years(wife’ s going to want a new car first) for an off road build myself.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/25/2018 at 10:04

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Pay at most $10k for a 2006.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 10:05

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I also am shopping for one in the same price range / age as you. They’re hard to find, most tend to be 2004 or older.

Other than what you’ve posted, the only consideration I’ve heard is that the VVT ones recommend premium fuel. And that you’d better not mind some body roll.  And it’s very difficult to update the head unit.

I briefly considered the 460 (which comes with coils on the base models) but the interior seems less plus and the road manners even more floaty.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/25/2018 at 10:20

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They recommend but they really don’t need it. It’s still a Tundra engine.

Shift24 > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/25/2018 at 10:31

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Thats what I am aiming price wise. I might pay a bit more for newer 08 or 09 but would like to stay right around there. And I would like to do mild offroad upgrades, is there anyone upgrade preferred or greatly improves the GX?  

One thing I am dealing with and why I am moving on from my K1500 is rust. And as I live in the rust belt are there any rust concerns? I havent seen any issues but was just curious.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 10:40

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With those I would just make sure you keep the bottom clean. Biggest off road thing is bumpers(4runner bumpers sometimes work), and then lift. 

HammerheadFistpunch > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 10:46

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I’ve liked my 2008. I replaced the air springs on mine, which wasn’t too hard or expensive

https://overland.kinja.com/hhfp-1-stupid-air-lines-0-1818553436

I’ve also had to replace a seal on a the t-case that was leaking and a few other small things.

I think these work best as all rounders, and not specialists. Its okay off road and the ATRAC works fine.

but the stroke is too short and they bottom relatively easily with the stock suspension. You can certainly upgrade but you will need new upper control arms to do it right, and probably lower too depending on age and you will likely spoil the ride which is one of the things that make the GX a good all rounder. flex is so/so and the rear axle is a two pinion design which will grenade if you put big tires and wheel hard.... They say.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/cruiser-stuffs-1823673032

A swap you can do is put an FJC rear axle with locker on the back to beef it up, plus it will have coil perches.

I paid about 16500 for 122k example in pristine condition.

Driver_41 > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 10:48

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I bought an ‘04 last year . The lack in power over the 05+ wasn’t that noticeable to me and no vvt should mean less to go wrong. Also I couldn’t find any 05+’s in my area at a price I liked, so I was happy to get a discount by going for the 04. Keep in mind that the 2UZ is a timing belt engine for all years.

If you can find one without GPS, I recommend it. If (when) the screen fails, you can’t control the HVAC system. It also makes upgrading easier.

Watch for rust.

Leaky air springs are no big deal. I replaced mine myself for free (side benefit of working for a parts company), but even if you choose to do OE replacements it’s not stupid expensive. The level sensors and compressor, however, are kindof expensive, so make sure the vehicle can get to the right ride height, even if it falls quickly and has to cycle the compressor often.

I can’t think of any other recommendations off hand, but feel free to message me if you have questions. Mine had 136k miles when I picked it up. It got a fresh timing belt, fluids, brakes, and tires (plus I did air springs and a few trim items ) and it’s pretty much been my daily for the last year. I’ve enjoyed it and would recommend them.

OmerCarrothers333 > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 11:08

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As long as you’re not buying it in Colorado or Utah you should get a pretty good deal.

SUVs with a 3rd row and AWD command a pretty YUUUUGE premium here.

Shift24 > OmerCarrothers333 07/25/2018 at 11:18

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Luckily im midwest to east coast in Ohio but havent found any outstanding deals just yet

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/25/2018 at 11:50

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$10k for a 2006 seems really low compared to KBB and the asking prices I’m seeing. Are they really selling that low?

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Driver_41 07/25/2018 at 11:54

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I’ve only seen like one that doesn’t have the Nav screen. If it doesn’t have Nav, does  that mean the regular head unit could be easily swapped for something more modern?

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/25/2018 at 11:54

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It depends. I’ve seen them that low , just patience . Miles are not that big of a deal with them.

adamftw > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 12:00

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I’ll play devil’s advocate and say,

“Just get a Tahoe.”

Shift24 > HammerheadFistpunch 07/25/2018 at 12:25

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Looks really good, I like the white (pearl?) color on them. And that’s exactly what I am looking for, an all-rounder. I want it to move people, vehicles (as you saw last week), and do some mild off roading. And it’s good to hear the air suspension is easily replaced. And I’m fine just replacing suspension to get it back to stock. I might look into the FJC swap down the road, a true off-road bumper, wheels, and lift. But for right now the GX is perfect.

Driver_41 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/25/2018 at 12:33

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Correct. Otherwise you need to find a way to retain HVAC control. It’s apparently not impossible, but it makes things more difficult.

HammerheadFistpunch > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 12:38

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I love mine as a tow vehicle. It pulls the 3500 camper with great ease and handled the 7000 boat with surprising competence if not speed p.s. max load is 6500 lbs with the factory class 4...which many don’t have...and only in the later models (05 and on I think).  I only tow the boat a few miles on slow roads to the marina and back.  if you do tow the air suspension is key, self leveling makes the ride better and the confidence go way up.  

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/25/2018 at 13:14

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I’ ve come across a high mileage (300k) 07, overdue for a timing belt and the suspension is original. Guy wants $9k.  NPoCP?

Shift24 > adamftw 07/25/2018 at 13:23

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Ha yeah I am a GM guy and the LS V8s are practically bullet proof. I heavily favored a 2500 Suburban. But its GM fit and finish and out classed by the GX in offroad capabilities.

Under_Score > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 13:47

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https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/741219770/overview?aff=share_other

You can carry a lot of dirty stuff thanks to the bed and be cradled inside.

Shift24 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/25/2018 at 13:54

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Maybe but i have been finding some 05s and 06s. Definitely not 07 to 09 unless high miles. And the Premium fuel doesnt bother me as my BMW requires it now. And Body roll you say? E ver been in a 90s Chevy conversion van with 200k miles?

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 07/25/2018 at 14:07

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I said miles is not an issue but 300k is a lot. I’d offer less, check mall the records, and have a mechanic really inspect it.

Shift24 > Driver_41 07/25/2018 at 14:09

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Yep counted on that and have been looking for 100K models with the sticker that Lexus Dealer put on saying the belt was done.

And for me with towing cars, I really want that extra power just in case. And upgrading the Stereo or are there other controls (not hvac) through the screen?

HammerheadFistpunch   has said that as well about the suspension. I am glad my worries on the air suspension are miss placed as it sounds like the non air replacement isn’t too bad.

Rust was a concern I have had since im in a rust belt state but I have been looking up carfaxs and looking for ones that have lived most of their lives in southern States. Couple inner North Carolina and Virginia  models but if there is a spot to watch for where would it be? Seam welds?

And thank you, I most likely will message you if you dont mind as I think I am going to look at an 05 next week.

Shift24 > HammerheadFistpunch 07/25/2018 at 14:12

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Awesome, knowing that towing wont be an issue and your video above makes me want one even more now.... Off to A utotrader! Thank you for the a dvice.

Shift24 > Under_Score 07/25/2018 at 15:24

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Only thing I think of when I see that gen. And while a good choice, nope to that interior. If I was going to deal with that kind of interior in a truck I would get a 07 or newer Silverado/Serria . Plus with a t ruck everyone wants to borrow it to move their house. Major reason I wanted to move to a SUV

Driver_41 > Shift24 07/25/2018 at 15:51

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I was looking at both LX and GX470s when I got mine, and there were some that looked like they had been parked in a lake. Frame and underbody rust can be baaad. I’m not sure if there’s any trouble spots on the body. Mine is rust free but LXs and Land Cruisers get bad tailgate rust.

Also keep in mind that the dashboards all crack. There was a recall to replace the whole dash that is still available for some model years.

Edit: See picture for the frame rails on mine. It’s possible to find clean ones even in the northeast.

adamftw > Shift24 07/26/2018 at 06:51

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How much off roading do you really need to do? The GM stuff does really well for what it is, I’ve three-wheeled my way on p lenty of obstacles with the rear G80 pushing my pickup’s heavy ass up hills. The GX is great if you need rock crawling and 35s, but the GM stuff takes 33s with no mods, 35s the “right way” much cheaper.

Shift24 > Driver_41 07/26/2018 at 13:02

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Nice l ooks really clean for the rust belt , I am thinking about when I get mine  having the underside coated. But we will see.

Shift24 > adamftw 07/27/2018 at 00:24

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W hile off-roading is a nice to have, like I have said interior higher on the priority list . Now I have dealt with GM interiors for 10+ years and while not the worst in the market, my E39 has shown me the way and what I have been missing.

S o I want to move up in interiors, not laterally. And imo the GMT400 interior has aged better than the GMT800.

adamftw > Shift24 07/27/2018 at 06:31

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Yea, can’t argue there.  The 800s I think is the best between the 400, 800, and 900. The 900 is terrible.