is the Lexus GX470 as reliable as the 4th Gen 4Runner?
- Thread starter Kayden
- Start date
Jackwarwins
New member
I haven't seen many wheeling videos of Lexus GX470s, is that because they're less quality or just because there are less of them in general?
Because it's just a fancy, expensive 4runner. Expensive. Fancy... Don't go well in the offroad world usually. Lol
Sent from the drivers seat of my 05 4runner.
I've got an '03 4R Ltd 2WD and an '04 GX470.
Under the skin, they are basically the same vehicle.
Comfort wise the GX is a cut above. It is taller with more headroom and better amenities.
Those things make it more livable, but long term a little bit less reliable.
Of note; the height makes it a little more top heavy for off-roading than the 4R. Also the Mark Levinson stereo is not upgradable without significant investment and a loss of factory NAV. So, figure a $450 repair trip for the amp going to NY at some point.
Also, the general layout of the interior lacks storage options in the GX. The 4R has cup holders and cubbyholes all over the place. The aforementioned ICBM layout is less efficient in the GX.
I've had no issues with the suspension, and don't expect any.
Under the skin, they are basically the same vehicle.
Comfort wise the GX is a cut above. It is taller with more headroom and better amenities.
Those things make it more livable, but long term a little bit less reliable.
Of note; the height makes it a little more top heavy for off-roading than the 4R. Also the Mark Levinson stereo is not upgradable without significant investment and a loss of factory NAV. So, figure a $450 repair trip for the amp going to NY at some point.
Also, the general layout of the interior lacks storage options in the GX. The 4R has cup holders and cubbyholes all over the place. The aforementioned ICBM layout is less efficient in the GX.
I've had no issues with the suspension, and don't expect any.
luke87gt
New member
Those ML Lexus amps are stupid expensive. I've had to replace the amp in my 2001 GS430.
There is a place in NY that repairs them for a lot less than the dealer replacement cost.
United Radio
E. Syracuse, NY 13057
Direct: 315.446.5570
Toll Free: 800.448.0944
Fax: 315.446.2434
[email protected]
Contact them for an estimate. (mine was ~$450+ship)
MrRoo
New member
I looked for over a year for a V8 runner without sunroof. Never happened. So few of there. And when I did find one it didn't have other options I wanted or was a piece of crap.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ya, what a pain. When this becomes an offroad only rig it'll probably get pulled out, plugged, and called good. Lol
Sent from the drivers seat of my 05 4runner.
LOOK WHAT YOU STARTED..... I was just joking, but then.......GX happened and...well...i had that snorkel just sitting there....
Zeusmotorworks
New member
REALLY digging that Nathan!
fasterfaster
New member
Bumping this thread.
Was looking into 4th Gen 4Rs. Been without a SUV since I sold my 1st Gen about 5 years ago, but can't deal with not being able to tackle snow and access roads (MTBer and backcountry skier) or haul a dirt bike (hitch rack).
Thought a 2006+ V6 4R was my hot ticket, until I checked prices on GX470s and found that at least in the San Francisco area, they're now going for about the same as a 4Runner of the same year. Especially since I think the air suspension will better handle my dirt bike, I can't see any reason NOT to go with the GX for the same cost.
Am I missing anything? Is there any downside, other than the douchebag/MILF factor of a Lexus SUV (which I'll get over as soon as I hit the trails)? Max budget $15k.
Was looking into 4th Gen 4Rs. Been without a SUV since I sold my 1st Gen about 5 years ago, but can't deal with not being able to tackle snow and access roads (MTBer and backcountry skier) or haul a dirt bike (hitch rack).
Thought a 2006+ V6 4R was my hot ticket, until I checked prices on GX470s and found that at least in the San Francisco area, they're now going for about the same as a 4Runner of the same year. Especially since I think the air suspension will better handle my dirt bike, I can't see any reason NOT to go with the GX for the same cost.
Am I missing anything? Is there any downside, other than the douchebag/MILF factor of a Lexus SUV (which I'll get over as soon as I hit the trails)? Max budget $15k.
Bumbo
New member
I love the GX... I think its a great rig that shares a lot with the 4Runner, and also has its differences (pros and cons)
My 4Runner has about 200k, and the GX has almost 300k... and we both drive with a bit spirit off-road but nothing too crazy as the GX has stock suspension right now but it still impresses me that he is always chugging along behind me with 6112s... so far so good, both have been reliable.
My 4Runner has about 200k, and the GX has almost 300k... and we both drive with a bit spirit off-road but nothing too crazy as the GX has stock suspension right now but it still impresses me that he is always chugging along behind me with 6112s... so far so good, both have been reliable.
I have been looking for a very specific 4th Gen 4r (4×4 and 3rd row under 150k) have been unable to find one in Florida for a decent price and have been looking for a year! I started looking at the gx but have found all of the above mentioned concerns, plus I want a v6 4r so I don't have to mess with the v8 timing belt which the gx also has and the paint on the gx fails quickly. I have seen a lot with peeling paint, mostly in white but I've seen it in other colors too. Also the gx dash cracks a lot easier than the 4r and typically worse, and as far as I know the free replacement time is over.
Bumbo
New member
I just has Toyota order a replacement dash for me 2 week ago... All it took was my VIN# and picture over the phone and I was good to go.
I love the GX... I think its a great rig that shares a lot with the 4Runner, and also has its differences (pros and cons)
My 4Runner has about 200k, and the GX has almost 300k... and we both drive with a bit spirit off-road but nothing too crazy as the GX has stock suspension right now but it still impresses me that he is always chugging along behind me with 6112s... so far so good, both have been reliable.
Within the last two years fate brought me the 2003 4Runner V8 (170,000 miles), I fell in love with it and this month I also got the Lexus GX470 (130,000 miles) . I never knew how good the 4runners were until I owned one, and to find out that the Gx470 is just a "limited 4runner with air suspension." It makes me feel like I just have two 4runners. Best of both worlds.
I realized my brakes aren't as quick on my 4runner as the GX470 once I got my Lexus. Researching on those fifth gen brake system swap on the 4th gens to match the braking speed.
I bet the GX 470 or 460 has a quieter interior too. My 2005 has 138,000 on it so it will last a while. If I replaced it today, I'd get a GX since I am not getting a V6. We have mtn and I tow a travel trailer now so it would be one of those two. If I can make the 4R last a while, I'd probably get a diesel truck so I can put a slide-in bed camper on it AND tow my Jeep. I that case, I'll hang on to the 4R. Heck, I'll prob hang on to the 4Runner regardless and get a GX if it gives up the ghost.
loarmistead
New member
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.
Otherwise both have been reliable vehicles.
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