shopping for a GX
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Robert_MTB
New member
Get a 2005+ if possible. Added VVTI and I think I also read that they fixed the transfer case actuator box leak that the 2003 and 2004's have. I could be wrong on the leak fix though.
Also try to get a Sport version so you get the KDSS.
Also try to get a Sport version so you get the KDSS.
Brilliant
New member
2005+ sport then?
What does KDSS get me in real terms?
I intend to lift it, sliders, and whatnot. I can work around the slider and skid modifications needed for KDSS stuff.
The kdss is neat. I don't have it and wish I did. From what I gather it is an air based suspension assist that really makes the ride nice. Most (almost all) gx470s with kdss are easy to spot. They have dark interior wood grain vs the lighter wood. MI e has the lighter wood so no kdss 
3 things to look for are : 1 Tming belt change at 90k. There will be a sticker on the cowling.
2. The brakes are know to have a frozen piston. Typically inside lower piston.
3. Radiators are known to leak.
I have had mine for 28 days and the brake needed replaced but the radiator was already done.
3 things to look for are : 1 Tming belt change at 90k. There will be a sticker on the cowling.
2. The brakes are know to have a frozen piston. Typically inside lower piston.
3. Radiators are known to leak.
I have had mine for 28 days and the brake needed replaced but the radiator was already done.
Brilliant
New member
The kdss is neat. I don't have it and wish I did. From what I gather it is an air based suspension assist that really makes the ride nice. Most (almost all) gx470s with kdss are easy to spot. They have dark interior wood grain vs the lighter wood. MI e has the lighter wood so no kdss
3 things to look for are : 1 Tming belt change at 90k. There will be a sticker on the cowling.
2. The brakes are know to have a frozen piston. Typically inside lower piston.
3. Radiators are known to leak.
I have had mine for 28 days and the brake needed replaced but the radiator was already done.
I read more about KDSS. Its about disconnecting sways when wheels drop. Issue is its limited total droop.
Not sure the extra complication is worth it.
BlackCat914
New member
For what it's worth, you'll probably have a hard time finding a white/dark interior truck. Most of them had tan interiors. I had to search forever to find dark interior on my Silver Pine.
Brilliant
New member
I'm a light wheeler with my 3rd gen, jeep trails, not crawling. This would be the same. I use my 3rd gen to get places, not so much to get places the hardest way.
I am open to traveling and would prefer to pick up a TX/AZ/WA/OR vehicle. CA would be ok too. I went to TX to pick up my car years ago, saved 5k and had a nice weekend drive back.
BlackCat914
New member
More power to ya, you have to get what you want!
Matts05runner
New member
I love the gx470's and would love to pick one up in the future. I too like the dark interior but I prefer the darker wood grain instead of the light wood grain. Some came with the third row and some came without. Getting one with service records that was maintained at Lexus would be preferred for me unless I got a crazy good deal. If its over 100k miles, definitely one that has a service record for the 90k mile major service including the timing belt/water pump.
The 07+ had the auxiliary input for an iphone/ipod/music player which is a nice convenience, but since you are looking to get one without the NAV, you could just swap out the head unit with something modern that had the features you want.
Good luck on your search! Don't be afraid to expand your search radius and travel for the right one. The pickier you get, the harder it will be to find local.
Edit** I do remember reading something about transmissions needing work around 175k miles. I dont know if that was specific to a certain year or not, but it would be worth looking into before making a purchase.
The 07+ had the auxiliary input for an iphone/ipod/music player which is a nice convenience, but since you are looking to get one without the NAV, you could just swap out the head unit with something modern that had the features you want.
Good luck on your search! Don't be afraid to expand your search radius and travel for the right one. The pickier you get, the harder it will be to find local.
Edit** I do remember reading something about transmissions needing work around 175k miles. I dont know if that was specific to a certain year or not, but it would be worth looking into before making a purchase.
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BlackCat914
New member
Darker wood grain is on the sport models. If you didn't get a 3rd row, you got a cargo cover. Trans problems are VERY uncommon on the GX's. They're very tough.
2005v8sport
New member
I too am looking for a 2005 and up, can someone tell me difference in trim levels? There is a sport and a premium is there any else? Coming from a four runner it was easy, SR5, Limited, and sport. Thanks for you help!
BlackCat914
New member
I don't really think there are trim levels per sé, but you can get a few options like 3rd row seating and rear entertainment. I looked at and drove several trucks, I couldn't justify spending more money on an 05'+ with VVTi, it was unnoticeable, and I didn't want to use premium fuel. Early models also don't come with secondary air injection pumps, so it's one less thing to go wrong.
IanB
New member
'05+ w/ VVTI recommend premium fuel, whether you use it or not is up to you.
In Canada there were different trim levels as is often the case, the dealer informed me ours is an "Ultra Premium" that came with Nav, ML Audio, RES, 3rd row seating, etc. No rear spoiler though.:shrug:
If I could do it over again, I'd try and find a dark interior with no Nav.
I've had to replace 2 seized calipers, and one had been done already when we got it. They are something to watch for, but only $100 in parts and your time to DIY.
KDSS provides tighter handling on road with less bodyroll, and better droop offroad, with the downside of having to modify sliders to fit KDSS trucks.
In Canada there were different trim levels as is often the case, the dealer informed me ours is an "Ultra Premium" that came with Nav, ML Audio, RES, 3rd row seating, etc. No rear spoiler though.:shrug:
If I could do it over again, I'd try and find a dark interior with no Nav.
I've had to replace 2 seized calipers, and one had been done already when we got it. They are something to watch for, but only $100 in parts and your time to DIY.
KDSS provides tighter handling on road with less bodyroll, and better droop offroad, with the downside of having to modify sliders to fit KDSS trucks.
BlackCat914
New member
I was also told mine is an ultra premium, but I took it with a grain of salt. I have no spoiler or rear DVD, but I have wireless headphones.
BlackCat914
New member
The choice is up to you. It's recommended with VVTi. My Infiniti runs like poo without it, and it has VVEL, which is the same thing.
Well sure your infinity runs bad on pump gas. It's 1 step down from a race car. Unlike the rolling lunchboxes we all drive. Anyway all I meant to say was thinking you need premium for a gx is wrongheaded. Especially if that is a reason that prevents you from buying one. I have two vvti engines with no appreciable increase in performance on 93.
BlackCat914
New member
And all I'm saying is it's recommended by the manufacturer. You can chose what you do with your own vehicle, but some people chose to follow manufacturer recommendations. Why do I change the oil on my GX at 5k miles, but my Infiniti at 3,750mi? Because the manufacturer recommends it. Why was the timing belt done at 90k on my truck? Because the manufacturer recommends it. Not saying it won't run fine without premium, just saying that there are purists out there that follow manufacturer recommendations and this is, after all, a forum for people to learn about these vehicles, and someone may not of known there was a recommended fuel octane change between non VVTi and VVTi engines. Do as you please, it is, after all, your vehicle.
