4Runner vs Lexus GX 470

J

jongolds

New member
Hi,

I'm new to the list and am hoping for a little very quick help. I was looking to buy a new 4Runner. After moving it up to the V8 (need it for towing) and Limited (wife wants leather) the price difference with the Lexus narrows quite a bit. So, I have two questions.

1. If I buy the Lexus am I still welcome here.

2. Any pros or cons (excluding cost) of the 4Runner vs the Lexus. I know there are some subtle differences, ie. 4Runner has the operating rearglass in the lift gate vs the GX's fixed glass swing open tail gate. I personally prefer the 4runner on this but the wife again prefers the Lexus. She has trouble pulling down the liftgate on my Cherokee ever since I replaced the gas cylinders that hold it open.

Anyway, thanks for any advice you can offer. I spent a couple hours checking out this forum last night and it made me feel a lot more comfortable about buying my first Toyota.

Thanks,

Jon
 
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You will still be welcome, so no worries there.


As far as the differences:
Lexus will still be more expensive. While you can bargain down a bit on the 4runner, Lexus is not open to much negotiation on pricing. If you can afford a Lexus, you don't need to haggle on price. So a loaded T4r Limited would run you around 40k, a base GX will run you about 48k.

Lexus comes with a much more advanced suspension system (KDSS) which is absolutely incredible. The ride and capability of the system put the stock and XREAS suspensions of the 4runner to shame. However, like anything Lexus, expect the cost to double if/when you need to repair it.

Lexus has more headroom but the same leg room for the 2nd and 3rd rows.

Lexus will have a better stereo and better leather inside. Should be quieter too.

As for the 4Runner - the retractable glass is a must for parking on the road in cities. The GX with the swing out door either opens into the street or takes a hit from something on the sidewalk (like the parking meter).
 
Of course, you are welcome here. We even have a subforum dedicated to GX: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/forumdisplay.php?forumid=78

Bottom line, IF you can afford a Lexus (NOT BASE MODEL) and put up with higher maintenance fees, then get it. If not, then get the 4runner. The GX is a fine machine with a great stereo (ONLY IF you get Mark Levinson), nice leather, nice wood, and MEMORY SEATS. (Does the 4runner ltd have memory seats?) If you're going to get a BASE model GX, then i would probably go for the top-of-the-line 4runner Ltd. But, if you can afford the more expensively-optioned GX, then i would definitely get the GX!!

With fuel prices going up, poor economy, and piss-poor GX sales volume, i do think that you will have room to haggle prices with the Lexus dealer. MUST BE PERSISTENT in haggling and don't be afraid to go to different dealers to get your price.

EDIT: 4RUNNER ltd does have memory seats. :)
 
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parents had the GX while I had the 4Runner.

i've driven other people's lexus(es) and i have to say, their braking system is VERY TOUCHY when compared to Toyota's. why? i dont know. same cars and all with a different body, yet different feel. It's very firm and jerky...makes for an uncomfortable ride in stop and go traffic unless you're real careful


services and whatnot, even oil changes at the dealer, go up considerable with the lexus.

i just think the 4Runner looks better..but obviously, its a bias there. but the suspension is killer on the GX. just the brakes turned me off....
 
The GX was actually a bit less than that. Not sure about room to negotiate. The Toyota was only $4k less than the GX. but presumable has plenty of room to negotiate plus 0% financing.

Silly repair costs are why we're trading in her Audi to begin with so I'm not anxious to get involved with that sort of thing again. I'm used to being able to work on my 96 Jeep myself. I thought the engine/drivetrains were identical on these two but apparently not. Can a fairly incompetent guy work on either model on their own once the warranty runs out or do you need a laptop to work on these things.

Other than the suspension are there any differences? I thought the 4runner was a full AL engine though I can't find where I saw that. The Lexus brochure says Iron block with AL heads. Also it looks like the 4Runner runs on 87 vs premium for the Lexus. I'm not sure I can bring myself to buy premium fuel.

I couldn't agree more about the tailgate. I can't tell you how many times I've left it up on my Cherokee with something hanging out. Can't really do that either with a swing open door.

I'll check back in later. We'll be making a decision soon. It'll be her car so I'm leaning towards caving on the Lexus since she gave in on getting something that I can tow the boat with. She really wants something much smaller.
 
Is the suspension really that different? She test drove an 05 4Runner and was satisfied with the ride so I don't think the suspension is really going to come in to play for our decision. We will not be offroading. Maybe an occasional dirt road but that's it. Towing capacity is more of an issue for us than suspension travel.
 
I have a 05 4Runner V8 4x4 LTD. Parents have an 06 GX470 Sport Ed. completely loaded.

If given the choice and money was not too much a concern, I'd spring for the GX470 without question. If I were to do it again, definitely GX470.

Several big differences that make the $6k a solid value:

GX 470 can seat 7 rather comfortable. 4Runner w/ 3rd row (I don't have) is an afterthought. The suspension with KDSS, adjustable shocks, and rear height is just awesome. It goes from buttery smooth to pretty stiff for an SUV. Best of both worlds for that long fwy road trip, to tight switchbacks up the mountain, to full compliance in the rough to a campsite. Nothing beats that luxury flexibility. While my 4runner is rather nice...it just doesn't have those features that pamper you.

The GX470 cabin is just so nice and airy with the taller ceiling. You really get that 'pampered feel.' The 4R LTD is pretty nice but doesn't hold a candle to the GX in comparison. Not the mention the GX is that much quieter.

My 4R feels a bit peppier by a small margin. Essentially the same driveline though.

The GX really is the perfect everything car...family mover, luxury vehicle, vacation all terrain car.

If I ever get the opportunity, I just might trade in for one.
 
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The name Lexus adds cost to the initial purchase, maintenance and the special features that are unique to the GX. You'll also have to go to a Lexus dealer for some services, as Toyota dealers don't like to touch Lexus products. Toyota dealers can't get Lexus-only parts. I'll agree that its a nice vehicle, and if those factors don't bother you, then get it. Otherwise, I'd stick with a well-loaded 4Runner limited. I have no regrets about the 4Runner whatsoever, and I traded in a Lexus RX to get it.

The 4Runner got the memory seats in 06, but I think the Lexus has memory for the side mirrors as well.
 
TeCKis300 said:
The GX470 cabin is just so nice and airy with the taller ceiling.
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That's good to know. I bumped my head getting in to the 4Runner twice this afternoon. We'll check out the GX tomorrow morning. We'll make the call one way or another tomorrow.

I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again.
 
Moot point, but the 4Runner Limited has 18" wheels. The GX has 17" and has a lot more tire choices.

IMO, no one will really notice that your 4Runner cost $40k. But everyone will know your GX was at least $45k. So if status and prestiege matters along with the extra headroom, get the GX. For me, I like the 4Runner's looks much better and I didn't need the V8. When the 4Runner and GX made their debuts, I liked the GX more and would've gotten the GX in 2003 or 2004 over a 4Runner. But as time went on, the 4Runner grew more and more and the GX faded away.
 
I actually prefer the smaller wheels. Unfortunately, it's going to be the wife's car, at least for the first 5 years so yes, the Lexus cache does count. It looks like that's the one we're going with. Talking to two dealers now to see which comes out with the best deal.
 
I forgot...but the MOST IMPORTANT reason to get a GX over a 4runner....REAR END CLUNK upon coming to a stop. Lexus has a TSB out to definitively fix it...4runner owners are screwed. I am not sure if the 2008 4runner have the fix from factory, but this very reason could be enough for you to get the GX.

4runner clunk: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=975

Plenty to read...just go to page 18 and read from there.
 
GatorGreg said:
Both are great but if it were me I'd wait for the '09 Trail Edition T4R :)
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Yeah, but not many people want to be you since you bought that gayish jeep sahara! :D
 
GatorGreg said:
You're right, it's almost as homo as your Corolla :flipoff:
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Yeah, that is why my wife drives it...one cannot say the same about your Jeep, right?
 
Thai said:
Yeah, that is why my wife drives it...one cannot say the same about your Jeep, right? :biggrin2:
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True, but since your G Wagon only gets 7 mpg I'm guessing you spend most of your time driving your minivan instead? So Gay
 
well it looks like it will be the Lexus after all as long as we can come to agreement on the trade-in value of the wife's A4. I can't wait to be rid of that damn Audi. Anyone in the market for a lightly used VAG/COM tool to read codes from your Audi/VW? More importantly, anyone know where to get the same for the Lexus?
 
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