is the Lexus GX470 as reliable as the 4th Gen 4Runner?

[Morphyne]

Same here but I have an 05 gx and an 07 t4r. They are the same vehicle so reliability is the same.

 

[fayewong]

We have an 05 GX and an 06 V8 4runner. Both with about 150k miles, and both have had some of the same repairs - both radiators sprung leaks and were replaced. The GX had the air injection pump issue with I think the valves frozen open since the truck went into limp mode when it threw the CEL.

Otherwise both have been reliable vehicles.

Hi, I recently got the 2006 GX470 and everytime I put the key in the ignition or start it, I can hear air running in the back. Is that a normal sound or is it the air injector issue you are talking about? Also, whats the purpose of this air pumping mechanism? I am very new with the car and want to know more about its functions since its a little different than my 03 4runner. Thanks.

 

[AuSeeker]

Hi, I recently got the 2006 GX470 and everytime I put the key in the ignition or start it, I can hear air running in the back. Is that a normal sound or is it the air injector issue you are talking about? Also, whats the purpose of this air pumping mechanism? I am very new with the car and want to know more about its functions since its a little different than my 03 4runner. Thanks.

Maybe it's the fan for the rear AC (?)

 

[fayewong]

Maybe it's the fan for the rear AC (?)

The noise is specifically running outside the rear tire like if I just had a nail in my tire sound. I think we all know what that sound sounds like. (nail in your tire sound)

 

[Morphyne]

You have a rear air suspension . Meaning instead of a spring you hAve an air bag and comprestore for each side. Each time I drive my vehicle and get out of it when done I can hear the RAS airing down from the ride. That sound you here is normal and also quite awesome.

 

[CO_Fletch]

Hi, I recently got the 2006 GX470 and everytime I put the key in the ignition or start it, I can hear air running in the back. Is that a normal sound or is it the air injector issue you are talking about? Also, whats the purpose of this air pumping mechanism? I am very new with the car and want to know more about its functions since its a little different than my 03 4runner. Thanks.

If it runs for very long you might have a leaking air spring. One way to tell is if the car seems to bounce or bottom out when first driving or if it looks like it is sitting low when using it for the first time that day.

 

[loarmistead]

Hi, I recently got the 2006 GX470 and everytime I put the key in the ignition or start it, I can hear air running in the back. Is that a normal sound or is it the air injector issue you are talking about? Also, whats the purpose of this air pumping mechanism? I am very new with the car and want to know more about its functions since its a little different than my 03 4runner. Thanks.

If you hear the air running *inside the cabin* in the back, coming from the ceiling air vents, it may be the rear AC being turned on high. It can be controlled from the switches behind the center console.

If the sound is coming from the rear tire/suspension area outside, it sound like it's the air suspension system. I can't say I hear air hissing just with the key in the ignition, but I do hear it adjusting after parking the car and taking the key out of the ignition. When you hear the hissing do you see the rear end ride height adjusting from the outside? As long as it isn't sagging or sitting lopsided I wouldn't worry about it.

The air injection pump sound is distinct. It sounds exactly like a shop vac running in the passenger side of your engine compartment. Noticeable from inside and out. It only runs on the first crank of the day, and will run for about 30 seconds or so and then cut off. Here is a good thread discussing it:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...air-injection-pump-failure-v8s-important.html

One of the downsides about enthusiast forums is that we read these threads and begin looking for issues where there otherwise might be none. On the other hand, the main reason the air injection pump is a concern for me is because the GX's failed, threw a CEL, and the repair cost was steep. Had I not researched on here I would have been inclined to wait for this system to fail on the 4runner and pay the $3k to fix it. Since, through my research on here, I discovered that the AIP only exists because of communists and has zero impact on the function of the vehicle outside of acting as an occasional air douche for the exhaust pipe, it's simply not worth waiting for the system to fail and putting several thousand dollars on the line for nothing.

 

[skratchd]

Wow you traded in your FJ for one? That's amazing to hear. The FJ was a vehicle I've always considered but have never fully jumped on. Knowing you traded your FJ for a GX470 gives me more confidence and drive to jump on one because the FJ has always been on the back of my mind and the Prado/GX470 + Land Cruiser/LX470 has always been my lust. I like my 4Runner but it's horrible for rust because it was from the upper north east so I'm looking to trade it. I like or love my 4Runner and would keep it if it were not for the rust - it's very bad. Underneath is a goner, rear hatch is gone at the top, inside door jams are starting to rust through, rust in floor boards which is staining the carpets front and back, under hood rust is crazy to and more. I would take a new 4Runner but it's outoutof my price range atm.

The Jeep Commander was and has been a slight option cause I love the exterior look and I love the inside cabin but you can see its poor quality, poor plastics, horrible reliability, can't stand Jeep fanboys, Jeeps are horrible in reliability as a company and keep creating junk and ugly vehicles. The Wrangler is the last solid axle and body on frame Jeep left but may not be soon. Chrysler killed Jeep and Fiat put the icing on the cake. Because deep down none of these Jeep vehicles since the 90'start are truly Jeeps but instead Chrysler’s. Jeep died a c long time ago and the Wrangler is holding on by its teeth.

Sounds like a great trade-in with all that rust.:bounce: