Bruin1md
New member
I don't like the barn door at all-- it's a definite compromise on this car. But everything else about the GX blows the 4runner away IMHO-- at least for most daily driving purposes.
finally test drove the GX460 after driving the......
- Thread starter Bruin1md
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Whiplash Willy
New member
I am surprised to hear so many comments about the reliability issues of the GX470. We bought my wife's 2006 GX470 about 2 years ago, with 82k miles. It just hit 100k miles, and we have had no issues with it, and have only had to keep up with the standard maintenance. I am just about to replace the original set of front brakes and rotors. I have the complete maintenance history from the previous owner, and nothing has been done to it except for standard maintenance.
It is one of the rare "Sport" models, that has KDSS. The only real issue it has had is a slight leak in the rear KDSS. This has caused a slight clunk when driving over uneven terrain, however my wife doesn't really notice it, so I haven't bothered fixing it. I noticed it shortly after we purchased the GX, and it hasn't gotten any worse.
It is one of the rare "Sport" models, that has KDSS. The only real issue it has had is a slight leak in the rear KDSS. This has caused a slight clunk when driving over uneven terrain, however my wife doesn't really notice it, so I haven't bothered fixing it. I noticed it shortly after we purchased the GX, and it hasn't gotten any worse.
Jetboy
New member
That's pretty unusual. My good friend bought a '15 evoque. The front bumper skin fell of - like literally fell off the vehicle going down the highway. I realize it's a Ford Focus with LR skin, but even so I was surprised by it.
Trust me, I was more surprised than anyone that we didn't have any issues with the LR4. Granted, we only had it for about 2 years, but I was expecting it to self destruct at some point during that time. Not a single issue with it.
I've had a fair number of issues with my '03 4Runner, which I bought new. It has 160k miles on it. Many of the issues have been rust related:
- the frame had to be replaced last year.
- transmission cooler lines rusted out.
- steering intermediate shaft had to be replaced, due to rusted u-joint.
- steering hoses had to be replaced due to rust.
- left side running board brackets rusted out.
- both front turn signal sockets had to be replaced due to corrosion.
- spare tire winch rusted to the point that it was almost impossible to operate.
- rear suspension end links.
Other issues included:
- replaced both front wheel bearings.
- replaced front sway bar bushings twice.
- replaced front and rear calipers numerous times due to calipers becoming frozen. The left rear caliper is on its way out right now.
- torn CV boots at least twice.
- replaced the driver's side seatbelt socket.
- replaced the driver's side, rear seat seatbelt socket.
In the summer, the blend doors will often make noise.
While I like my 4Runner, it hasn't been trouble free. I've dumped $5,500 into it in the past year. I was hoping I was over the hump and it would be trouble-free for a while, but I suspect that I need about $500-$700 in rear brake work.
At some point, I'm going to have to cut my losses.
ST1FLER
Banned
well it appears you found the magical unicorn form their production line... those things are hunks o shit
Lone Star 4Runner
New member
Hahaha, I thought I was the only one. The LR4 is one hell of a machine, but it has a few quirks. lol
What sort of quirks?
DesertCanyons
New member
Lexus GX460 compared to 4Runner
There are a few major differences between a Lexus GX460 and the Toyota 4Runner, even though they share the same frame. The Lexus GX460 V8 engine runs on Premium grade gasoline. Here in So Cal that's about $0.20 per gallon more. And the Lexus gets lower gas mileage. That increases the cost of driving the vehicle.
The Lexus obviously costs more to buy, as noted by the OP. In one of his posts above he says he's going to get one for $14k more than a 4Runner because he has an inside deal with the GM of his local dealership. Most of us would pay more.
The resale value of the Toyota 4Runner is very good. The 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon both retain about 67% of their original price after 5 years of ownership. Typical resale value for most cars and SUVs is 50% or less. The Lexus does not have the same resale value as a T4R. This increases the cost of ownership.
A friend of mine owns a Lexus GX470 and does a lot of off-roading with it. I believe he was able to do a lift using spacers. Not sure if bigger springs and shocks are available here in the USA. He tried to create a front anti-sway bar release but ran into trouble due to interference between the sway bar and the suspension. He eventually created a makeshift fix that looks weak and flaky to me. KDSS is probably a better solution for the Lexus GX460.
Yes, Prado aftermarket parts fit the Lexus GX460. Try to find those here in the US before you buy one and plan to lift it or upgrade the off-road capabilities.
I looked at the Lexus GX460 before buying a 2015 T4R TE. For the above reasons, and not needing to pay $15k extra for creature comforts and appearance on a vehicle that is going to depreciate no matter what, I chose the T4R.
There are a few major differences between a Lexus GX460 and the Toyota 4Runner, even though they share the same frame. The Lexus GX460 V8 engine runs on Premium grade gasoline. Here in So Cal that's about $0.20 per gallon more. And the Lexus gets lower gas mileage. That increases the cost of driving the vehicle.
The Lexus obviously costs more to buy, as noted by the OP. In one of his posts above he says he's going to get one for $14k more than a 4Runner because he has an inside deal with the GM of his local dealership. Most of us would pay more.
The resale value of the Toyota 4Runner is very good. The 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon both retain about 67% of their original price after 5 years of ownership. Typical resale value for most cars and SUVs is 50% or less. The Lexus does not have the same resale value as a T4R. This increases the cost of ownership.
A friend of mine owns a Lexus GX470 and does a lot of off-roading with it. I believe he was able to do a lift using spacers. Not sure if bigger springs and shocks are available here in the USA. He tried to create a front anti-sway bar release but ran into trouble due to interference between the sway bar and the suspension. He eventually created a makeshift fix that looks weak and flaky to me. KDSS is probably a better solution for the Lexus GX460.
Yes, Prado aftermarket parts fit the Lexus GX460. Try to find those here in the US before you buy one and plan to lift it or upgrade the off-road capabilities.
I looked at the Lexus GX460 before buying a 2015 T4R TE. For the above reasons, and not needing to pay $15k extra for creature comforts and appearance on a vehicle that is going to depreciate no matter what, I chose the T4R.
I almost bought one, but...
The barn door was a deal-breaker. And worst of all it opens the wrong way.
Unless you live in the UK, the dang rear door opens towards the sidewalk. If you're parked on the side of a busy street, loading things into the trunk with the barn door hinges on the wrong side can be dangerous. And if another car is parked close to your rear, you can't open the door very far, creating even more headaches.
It's too bad, because the 4Runner needs the V8, or the Supercharger they won't let us have.
The barn door was a deal-breaker. And worst of all it opens the wrong way.
Unless you live in the UK, the dang rear door opens towards the sidewalk. If you're parked on the side of a busy street, loading things into the trunk with the barn door hinges on the wrong side can be dangerous. And if another car is parked close to your rear, you can't open the door very far, creating even more headaches.
It's too bad, because the 4Runner needs the V8, or the Supercharger they won't let us have.
KVA
Member
I have a '14. I keep asking my wife to get a little econo car to putt-putt around in so I can mod the GX.
The GX will take all the same aftermarket suspension choices as the T4R.
The engine is great.
The barndoor is something to get used to...but if you are already doing a swingout spare tire it's no different. No rear window controls.
Most of the extra weight (besides the engine) is the electronic seating and electronic third-row seats. Pull those out and there shouldn't be much difference in weight. Third-row must be ton of weight.
Still crossing fingers...anyway, note that it is next to impossible to find a bare bones new GX as these are ordered fully loaded most of the time - it sucks because bare bones is the way to go from a mod POV.
The GX will take all the same aftermarket suspension choices as the T4R.
The engine is great.
The barndoor is something to get used to...but if you are already doing a swingout spare tire it's no different. No rear window controls.
Most of the extra weight (besides the engine) is the electronic seating and electronic third-row seats. Pull those out and there shouldn't be much difference in weight. Third-row must be ton of weight.
Still crossing fingers...anyway, note that it is next to impossible to find a bare bones new GX as these are ordered fully loaded most of the time - it sucks because bare bones is the way to go from a mod POV.
eliminator
New member
I took a good look at a few used GXs at the Lexus dealership close to my work. Just couldn't find one that I was happy with. And most of them were the top trim with every feature = $$$$
So, that made my choices either a 3-4 year old used GX or a 2015 TEP, guess what I picked? (Also looked at FJs)
So, that made my choices either a 3-4 year old used GX or a 2015 TEP, guess what I picked? (Also looked at FJs)
Bruin1md
New member
Just out of curiosity, why did you get the luxury trim instead of the premium?
The premium has most of the bells and whistles and I'll end up saving around $8K-10K over the luxury model.
Can I have one ordered without that stupid wood trimmed steering wheel that seems to come with every premium and luxury model?
Blue Seat Lyfe
New member
TBQH skip the GX and go for a gently used Land Cruiser 200
just a quick search on Cars.com , this one is the magnetic grey you like and has 43k~ miles basically a new car, listed at $45k. 200's dont need anything but fluid and rubber for 150k minimum. Plus you get the best version of the V8.
just a quick search on Cars.com , this one is the magnetic grey you like and has 43k~ miles basically a new car, listed at $45k. 200's dont need anything but fluid and rubber for 150k minimum. Plus you get the best version of the V8.
Jetboy
New member
I'd be interested to know how much difference there is in the weight of the engine/transmission between the two.
The 4runner is a dead heat on acceleration. With the 6 or even better teh 8 speed it should be a few ticks faster. Mostly due to weight.
I drove both back to back and to me the GX felt heavy. For off road use weight kills. Mostly though it was the low hanging plastics and 14-15mpg vs 19mpg that swayed me toward the 4runner. I was looking at a used GX with 50k that was cheaper than the 4runner but went 4runner for the locker, mpg, and lighter weight/sportier feel. You really can't go wrong with either choice. The only 4runner I would probably skip unless it was a really good deal is a limited because the GX has everything in the ltd plus KDSS rather than XREAS.
In my case I kinda have a car on each side so the 4runner fit well in the middle. I have an FJ40 on 39's and an rx350 so I didn't really need another lux suv or a hardcore offroader.
I have had thoughts of selling the FJ40, buying a car, and then building a new soft core offroader. In that case I'd like the v8. A GX460 on 37's could be pretty sweet. In a few years when the used prices are in the 20's it might be a viable option.
The 4runner is a dead heat on acceleration. With the 6 or even better teh 8 speed it should be a few ticks faster. Mostly due to weight.
I drove both back to back and to me the GX felt heavy. For off road use weight kills. Mostly though it was the low hanging plastics and 14-15mpg vs 19mpg that swayed me toward the 4runner. I was looking at a used GX with 50k that was cheaper than the 4runner but went 4runner for the locker, mpg, and lighter weight/sportier feel. You really can't go wrong with either choice. The only 4runner I would probably skip unless it was a really good deal is a limited because the GX has everything in the ltd plus KDSS rather than XREAS.
In my case I kinda have a car on each side so the 4runner fit well in the middle. I have an FJ40 on 39's and an rx350 so I didn't really need another lux suv or a hardcore offroader.
I have had thoughts of selling the FJ40, buying a car, and then building a new soft core offroader. In that case I'd like the v8. A GX460 on 37's could be pretty sweet. In a few years when the used prices are in the 20's it might be a viable option.
TBQH skip the GX and go for a gently used Land Cruiser 200
just a quick search on Cars.com , this one is the magnetic grey you like and has 43k~ miles basically a new car, listed at $45k. 200's dont need anything but fluid and rubber for 150k minimum. Plus you get the best version of the V8.
There just aren't many used Land Cruisers around, and the cost is typically quite high.
jrandom
New member
Personally like the older series better
They are nice, they are bigger and heavier and well still nice but bigger and heavier. The GX like the 4runner, and this is funny to say of the piggy that the 5th gen is...nimbler, though nothing like a 1st-3rd gen.Those new sell here, the dealer always has a few on the lot that turn over, but people must keep them forever, I rarely see late models for sale, I ride or drive by the downtown dealers pretty often.
Personally like the older series better
Those new sell here, the dealer always has a few on the lot that turn over, but people must keep them forever, I rarely see late models for sale, I ride or drive by the downtown dealers pretty often.
But every generation of land cruiser gets stronger
