finally test drove the GX460 after driving the......

[Bruin1md]

.TEP with and without KDSS.

I know this subject has been semi-beaten to death in other threads, but I thought I'd post my thoughts.

I had pretty much decided on a TEP with KDSS black on black, but thought "let me just scratch this itch and drive the GX 460 before I write it off".

What I was expecting and what I discovered were very different. To start with, the GX460 doesn't ride nearly as 'big' or as 'high' as I was expecting.
Second, I felt the effects of KDSS during on road driving/handling were very pronounced with respect to minimizing body roll-- even more so than in the TEP that I had driven some time ago.
Third, that V8........ now i think I finally understand why some of you 5th edition owners lament the change to the V6. It's a HUGE difference in performance compared to the 4runner.
Even with the extra weight of the GX relative to the 4runner, the GX feels more adequately powered for daily driving than the 4runner does.
Fourth, steering feel and feedback on the GX was much better than the 4runner.

The creature comforts are of course no comparison but some of the above differences were a surprise to me-- at least in terms of their extent.

Anyway, just my $.02.
So now, I'll be splurging the extra $14K on the GX 460 premium over the TEP.
Also, if it's true the GX will be going away after 2016 (lexus hasn't confirmed this quite yet) and they switch over to yet another crossover, the LX will be the only body on frame SUV lexus has left.

And yes, I still plan on getting the GX dirty off road-- maybe not to the same extent as the TEP, but will test it out for sure.

 

[sch0enne]

I work for Lexus and the GX is a wicked vehicle! Every chance I get I jump in and drive one. If it was in the Budget for me I would have gone that route.

2004-2008 GX's that we get in on trade seem to need a lot of mechanical work; front end, oil leaks etc. but the newer body style is better. Nice choice!!

 

[T4R2014]

2004-2008 GX's that we get in on trade seem to need a lot of mechanical work; front end, oil leaks etc. but the newer body style is better. Nice choice!!

Keep in mind that they are also much older. The GX460 will show more of its known issues with time.

 

[sch0enne]

Keep in mind that they are also much older. The GX460 will show more of its known issues with time.

Of course. That gen GX seem to be a one off from the regular quality of Lexus though. I've had 4 on the lot in the last 6 months and almost all need $3,000 plus of mechanical work to get it lot ready. Nothing else has been like that.

 

[wfo9]

Of course. That gen GX seem to be a one off from the regular quality of Lexus though. I've had 4 on the lot in the last 6 months and almost all need $3,000 plus of mechanical work to get it lot ready. Nothing else has been like that.

There is nothing wrong with them... Good platform to build on. They can also be found cheap in good shape if you look around. Many have high miles though.

 

[sch0enne]

There is nothing wrong with them... Good platform to build on. They can also be found cheap in good shape if you look around. Many have high miles though.

I agree. Certainly not bashing them at all. My favorite vehicle Lexus makes. Wish I could get into a new one. One day!

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

If you are getting a new GX, keep in mind that the new front bumper reduces approach angle a bit so be careful when getting it dirty the first few times. I'm pretty sure that there are currently 0 aftermarket options in the US to fix it - and there probably wont ever be any. On the other hand, it is basically a LC 150 Prado with a V8, so elsewhere in the world there is a ton of aftermarket support. I have been looking for a long time at vehicles that could replace my 4R, and I really like the GX, but have decided that the only suitable option for me is a LC 200. No real reason, besides wanting the words Land Cruiser on the back. GX would be my 2nd choice, followed by nothing else. Good luck with your purchase! What packages are you planning on if any?

 

[Bruin1md]

good advice--thanks. Ground clearance is a little over 8 inches I believe and not quite what I would have had in the TEP. But it will still be plenty for the heavy rains we get here on occasion and for daily driving on the crappy roads we have down here, I think it will be the better choice.

With respect to options, I'm getting the base (9700) with the premium package and blind spot monitoring -- which essentially makes it a GX premium (I believe that package provides full leather with heated and ventilated seats, upgraded wheels, nav, wood trim, windshield de-icer, and a few other options). Lexus is strange with how they build these-- I actually prefer the base model over the premium or luxury models b/c I don't like the wood trim, but the the way the build out the base model, it comes with nothing- -not even nav.

 

[ST1FLER]

So now, I'll be splurging the extra $14K on the GX 460 premium over the TEP.

used? if not show me where you can get a new GX for sub $50k.

 

[Bruin1md]

Interesting --thanks for the heads up. What about this current generation of GX's -- any issues you're aware of? I had read they seemed rock solid, but perhaps I haven't dug deep enough?

Also, the packages that lexus provides drive me a bit crazy. I actually prefer the base model without the wood trim, but that model comes with nothing (no nav, etc) according to the dealers. But when you go to the lexus website, it allows you to build the base model and add the comfort package and navigation packages-- yet, in the real world at the dealership it seems impossible to find this version.

The addition of the premium package (with the full leather seats as opposed to the NuLuxe) and the moonroof, roof rails, and all the other amenities make the GX premium a better choice over the base + nav/comfort package, and probably add to its re-sale value, but I just don't like the damn wood trimmed steering wheel. I wish I could get a 9700 with the premium package minus the $310 wood trim steering wheel option.

In addition, the GM is close friends with a friend of min, and he told her that he would sell me the GX at invoice (approx $4K less than MSRP according to him). It appears most dealers don't discount this truck very much normally.

 

[Bruin1md]

used? if not show me where you can get a new GX for sub $50k.

You can't .

I'm getting mine at invoice -- at $53K. The TEP with KDSS was a truck I was going to pay around $39K for, and that too was a huge headache to order from a local dealer a few hours away given that Gulf States Toyota doesn't normally produce TEP's with KDSS. I would have had to travel about 10 states away to get a better deal at around $38K. Most dealers I communicated with are selling their TEP with KDSS for between $40-42K.

 

[philsey]

@OP Curious about your take on the tailgate/rear window. I've looked at the GX twice and I don't care for that barn door gate - maybe I'm making too much of it - I want to like this car. I know I'd sure miss the rear power window.

I only have one Lexus dealer, and the buying experience there is kind of offputting/snooty. I know it's partly my personality, but this really annoys me.

 

[M1911]

Of course. That gen GX seem to be a one off from the regular quality of Lexus though. I've had 4 on the lot in the last 6 months and almost all need $3,000 plus of mechanical work to get it lot ready. Nothing else has been like that.

What sort of problems were you seeing?

 

[mdogg]

For what it's worth, base GX with no options can be had for $48,200 (according to both Edmunds and TrueCar). I'm assuming those figures are without TTL, so it will go up a bit for a final OTD price.

The point is that they are cheaper than ever to get into a base model. Once you add any options, though....... not so much.

 

[Lone Star 4Runner]

The GX is a very capable vehicle that drives well and will go just about anywhere. Although, I was very disappointed with the design of the front end when Lexus updated the 460 in 2014. To me it looks awful and really ruined a nice looking vehicle. It is also made it look less rugged and offroad worthy.

The GX 470's and the pre-facelift 460's are very good looking vehicles imo. The GX 470 body style is one of my all time favorite SUV designs, it's a refined rugged looking vehicle. Like a small Land Cruiser.

We used to have a 07 GX470, that we put 120k miles on before we traded it in. It did have more issues than you would expect from a Lexus/Toyota and it left my wife stranded numerous times. Something was never quite right with the charging/electrical system, even though Lexus techs said it was fine, we went through like 5 batteries in 3 years. My wife was driving on the highway one time and the alternator failed and all the electronics in the car died. She had to wait on side of the highway until the Lexus dealer showed up (I was out of town) with a flat bed and a loaner for her. Also had a front adjustable damper fail, front cv boot fail, and the sun roof would constantly become "loose" and would loudly rattle when closed. I will say that Lexus service is top-notch, especially at our dealer in west Houston. Kind of funny that our Land Rover has had less issues than our GX did. But we still really enjoyed our GX, and a GX is miles ahead of a 4runner in terms of comfort, refinement and engine.

 

[jrandom]

I'd bought one if I had the extra money at the time. LOL never thought I would say that about a Lexus either. For as dated as they can be so early on I am a dork for creature comforts.

The V8, six speed sequential shift, 6500lbs towing, all side camera system, all yummy stuff... and 90+% of suspension upgrades are direct fit.

...and honestly I think the front end looks way better than the 5.5 :biggrin1:

 

[M1911]

I'd bought one if I had the extra money at the time. LOL never thought I would say that about a Lexus either. For as dated as they can be so early on I am a dork for creature comforts.

The V8, six speed sequential shift, 6500lbs towing, all side camera system, all yummy stuff... and 90+% of suspension upgrades are direct fit.

...and honestly I think the front end looks way better than the 5.5 :biggrin1:

I wonder if there will be offroad bumpers that will fit, now that Lexus has put on that spindle grill. I would love to get one, put on an offroad bumper and a Prado grill. But I bet that would cost stupid money.

 

[jrandom]

I know right

I have seen a few older models with custom bumpers+upgrades, nothing this new though.

 

[rainmn]

We used to have a 07 GX470, that we put 120k miles on before we traded it in. It did have more issues than you would expect from a Lexus/Toyota and it left my wife stranded numerous times. Something was never quite right with the charging/electrical system, even though Lexus techs said it was fine, we went through like 5 batteries in 3 years. My wife was driving on the highway one time and the alternator failed and all the electronics in the car died. She had to wait on side of the highway until the Lexus dealer showed up (I was out of town) with a flat bed and a loaner for her. Also had a front adjustable damper fail, front cv boot fail, and the sun roof would constantly become "loose" and would loudly rattle when closed. I will say that Lexus service is top-notch, especially at our dealer in west Houston. Kind of funny that our Land Rover has had less issues than our GX did. But we still really enjoyed our GX, and a GX is miles ahead of a 4runner in terms of comfort, refinement and engine.

I had to laugh at the Land Rover comment in there, since I had a similar experience. We've had 2 GX470s, and as much as my wife absolutely loved them both, our LR4 actually had fewer issues than either of them.

 

[M1911]

I had to laugh at the Land Rover comment in there, since I had a similar experience. We've had 2 GX470s, and as much as my wife absolutely loved them both, our LR4 actually had fewer issues than either of them.

That's scary.