3rd Gen guys, this isn't a 3rd gen, but you're a wealth of knowledge.....

[BlackCat914]

Looking at a GX470 locally. It's an 03 with 86k. I haven't seen it in person, but it is supposed to be absolutely spotless. Do you guys know anything specifically I should be looking at? I can buy it in the 14-15k ballpark, since its my bosses brothers store.
International Autos Group | New Audi dealership in West Allis, WI 53227

 

[LittleCaesar]

Excellent SUV. My best friend had one, but being the non mechanical type plus one wealthy lawyer, he traded it in at 105,000 miles since the warranty was up.

The issues that he had similar to that with the 4th gen 4runner was that he had one caliper slowly begin to seize up. Also the air ride system began to falter (not sure the fix and not sure if the problem is similar to Land Rover with a compressor going bad). A window motor also needed to be replaced.

My two personal gripes is the rear swing out door. Not for me. The third seating is a joke unless you are transporting jockeys or little children to and from. The Lexus OEM parts are much more $$$ than Toyota, but can still be ordered online for less.

I'd buy it. Much better than the newer GX460. A friend of my parent's has one (05) with less than 50,000 miles (retired). I sell my 4runner today to get it. Post some pics if you get it.

 

[Ed_C]

See if your brother's store has an affiliate Lexus dealer or one they're friendly with,have them pull a service history.

I worked for Lexus and from what I remember -
Front calipers - look for pistons seizing,also happens on 4th-gen 4Runners with the larger brakes (uses the same calipers).
Rear air suspension - there was a TSB to replace the compressor and solenoid valve,but it's usually faulty height sensors when a GX came in with issues.
Driveshaft clunk - customers would feel a clunk when slowing down,there was an TSB for an updated driveshaft.

My parents have a 07 GX,it was a lease and they bought it out when the lease was over. 15k sounds like a good deal and mileage is pretty low for a 10 year old vehicle. And the color looks more like Pine Silver than Dorado Gold, even the carfax link said "Vehicle color noted as Silver", the ones I worked on always had tan not dark gray interiors.

 

[BlackCat914]

See if your brother's store has an affiliate Lexus dealer or one they're friendly with,have them pull a service history.

I worked for Lexus and from what I remember -
Front calipers - look for pistons seizing,also happens on 4th-gen 4Runners with the larger brakes (uses the same calipers).
Rear air suspension - there was a TSB to replace the compressor and solenoid valve,but it's usually faulty height sensors when a GX came in with issues.
Driveshaft clunk - customers would feel a clunk when slowing down,there was an TSB for an updated driveshaft.

My parents have a 07 GX,it was a lease and they bought it out when the lease was over. 15k sounds like a good deal and mileage is pretty low for a 10 year old vehicle. And the color looks more like Pine Silver than Dorado Gold, even the carfax link said "Vehicle color noted as Silver", the ones I worked on always had tan not dark gray interiors.

Can toyota pull Lexus history?

 

[BlackCat914]

Turns out they're in to it more than I thought they'd be. I can buy it for 17k, which is still an ok deal, just not where I thought it'd be. It apparently needs nothing. Only option it doesn't have is rear DVD players.

 

[GSPRunner]

I think 17 is a tad high

 

[LittleCaesar]

For a ten year old Lexus, that still is not too bad even though it is the first year for the GX470 I think.

What do similar ones go for on CL in your area, or even up to Chicago? Knowing the history personally adds value in my book. I have not seen one in the last year under 20k with less than 100,xxx miles on it regardless of year.

Good luck.

 

[mmml4]

My wife drives an 04, awesome vehicle and no problems. We paid about 18 for it at 99,000 miles about 2 years ago. When we get it paid off she gets a 350Z and I get the GX.

 

[BlackCat914]

For a ten year old Lexus, that still is not too bad even though it is the first year for the GX470 I think.

What do similar ones go for on CL in your area, or even up to Chicago? Knowing the history personally adds value in my book. I have not seen one in the last year under 20k with less than 100,xxx miles on it regardless of year.

Good luck.

It's still on the cheap side for this area. There's an 06 with a few thousand less miles for $24,000, and several 03 and 04's in the 100,000+miles range for $16-17,000. I like that its an 03, so it doesn't have KDSS, which makes it easier to lift. It doesn't have a really great service history, at least with Lexus. The T-case was resealed in 2010, and the rear air leveling sensors were done at the same time. It's due for a timing belt at 90k though, which I can do myself. I don't mind paying a few extra bucks for a extra clean truck, either. It's also got brand new tires.