Thinking out loud (new 5th gen vs...GX?)

[Kanger328]

So my dream car for awhile has been a 5th gen 4runner. I am finally in the financial position to get one...but then Lexus dropped the news on the new GX 550. Man, it looks nice, especially the overtrail edition. Now I'm wondering if I should get the GX instead.

We all know the 5th gen is a dinosaur, but that's also what we love about it. Old reliable. IMO the dimensions are perfect. It has just enough tech, none you don't need. My understanding is that the 2023 ORP now comes with heated steering wheel, which is perfect for where I live in Alaska. The drivetrain is a bit sluggish from my test drive. It's not a big deal, but I did drive some newer SUVs with more gears and I was surprised how much more quick and responsive downshifts were, especially when going up hills.

My ideal spec would be a '23 ORP in Lunar Rock with the "premium package", so just the MTM system, no sunroof. Does this even exist? I checked several dealers online and all their ORPs have sunroofs. Unfortunately, there are markups everywhere.

Despite mark ups, I'm guessing the Lexus GX550 overtrail will cost upwards around $70K-$80K (this is just my guess), which is ridiculous imo. This makes the 4Runner markup price much less appalling to me. Looks like a lot of you are getting your ORPs for around $50K plus/minus a couple thousand from my search.

So what's the point of all this rambling? Do any of you newer model year 4R buyers have buyers' remorse for getting an older drivetrain for new price? Anyone check out the preliminary info on the Lexus GX550 and have opinions on it vs the 4R? Any other thoughts based on all that was said above?

Sorry for the long picture-less post. Like the title says, I'm thinking out loud...

 

[Mr_Bingley]

The GX550 is gorgeous, drop dead gorgeous, no doubt...but not enough to justify the $30+k higher price than my 21 ORP.

And no roll down rear window :tea:

 

[ruhrohh]

I personally think the new GX550 looks horrible. I was really expecting it to follow similar rounded yet sharp edges of the 5th gen, the 3rd gen Sequoia and the outgoing GX460. I was excited by the teasers but was horribly letdown by the release. Yes it pays homage to the older Land Cruisers with the square rear, but it just looks like a cheap Chinese remake of the Jeep Wagoneer to me.

That being said, in the event the new GX550 is any indication of what the 6th gen is going to look like, my wife and I decided to finally pull the trigger on a Lunar Rock ORP 5th gen instead of waiting it out to see what the new model is going to look like. If it still looks ugly, we'll gladly keep the 5th gen for years to come. If it follows similar lines to the current design, we'll more than likely trade in our 5th gen for one because hybrid.

 

[phillyd2]

IF I was in the market today for something new it would be the GX550 – not even close – but people have different financial positions, tastes and requirements. That said, even IF I was to get it then I would wait at least one year after it was released.

Keep in mind that along with the new GX and the upcoming 6th Gen 4R there’s also supposed to be a new 250 Land Cruiser on it’s way. In your case, if it really is a “dream car” then it should be an easy decision. There will always be something else to turn your head so pick what you want and love it without regrets.

 

[Mr_Bingley]

5th gen was my dream car, and I could not be happier with my truck, so live the dream now

 

[AZ Craig]

My ideal spec would be a '23 ORP in Lunar Rock with the "premium package", so just the MTM system, no sunroof. Does this even exist? I checked several dealers online and all their ORPs have sunroofs. Unfortunately, there are markups everywhere.

Despite mark ups, I'm guessing the Lexus GX550 overtrail will cost upwards around $70K-$80K (this is just my guess), which is ridiculous imo. This makes the 4Runner markup price much less appalling to me. Looks like a lot of you are getting your ORPs for around $50K plus/minus a couple thousand from my search.

I think it really comes down to what your budget is ultimately. Like you said, I'd be very surprised if a GX550 Overtrail isn't at least $75K based on the current pricing of the GX and the trends that are being seen with vehicle MSRPs all going significantly upwards year over year. Getting the Lexus for less than MSRP will probably be impossible for the first 6 to 12 months also I imagine as there will likely be a lot of demand for people who want the latest and greatest.

But, that being said, if you have to pay mark-up for a TRD Premium (and you may have trouble finding one without a sunroof as I think almost all of Toyotas builds come thorugh with those options paired up), I guess it's worth thinking about it more. I imagine you're at the mercy of one or two dealers with your location in Alaska (which doesn't make it easier since even flying and driving doesn't really work out for you).

Honestly, between high interest rates, continued scarcity for Toyotas relative to demand and the fact that we still know nothing about the next LC or 4Runner in the US, part of me if I was you would simply wait it out a bit further if you could. If the economy continues the way it is, I don't see how we don't end up in at least a mild recession with some relief on interest rates in the next 12 months.

 

[Forgetful]

If money was not an issue I get the GX hands down.
And I really like my third and fifth gen but the GX is a different animal

 

[Jetboy]

If money is not an issue - I'd also go for the GX without a second thought. It'll be better in nearly every way except price. Even for building as an offroad toy - bigger running gear, more power, more gearing, longer travel suspension, eKDSS, - you name it. Except price. And we don't know what that price is yet.

Or wait for the new land cruiser. All indications point to it being the same vehicle in a lower cost more utility focused trim.

The only reason I would buy a 5th gen right now is if it was a great deal, or I really wanted a normally aspirated v6. It's a very simple and durable vehicle. I also foresee the LX570 and LC200 getting very cheap very quick. That's where you might find a really good value if you wanted an LC200 instead.

 

[emmantik]

The 6th gen should be announced next year. If you can wait a bit you can see both options and decide from there. But if money is not an issue, I would go with a GX. Have always been a fan of the Landcruiser/LX and GX. You can also throw in the IS in there as well! A Lexus is definitely on the list of next vehicle to own. I also plan to keep the 5th gen forever.

 

[JoshDub]

Im contemplating selling my 2020 orp and picking up a GX but there are a few things that are holding me back.

However I am not sure if the gx is actually worth the additional ~30k when I already have the 4runner. Maybe if it came with a front locker and the new sway bar disconnect I would feel differently.

The 3.4 TT v6. Lots of people have had issues with this engine in the ls500 and the new tundra. The cooling system and vacuum lines look like a rats nest. Servicing it in the garage will be annoying let alone if something breaks out on the trail. If we got the diesel it would be a different story.

If I were buying a new vehicle today, I would buy the GX over the 4runner most likely. And if the 6th gen 4runner is really the 4cyl hybrid then that makes it a definite yes. I paid about 40k for my orp new and even then it seemed like a lot for what you get. At 50k I likely wouldn't be a buyer and would be looking at a more expensive GX or wrangler.

 

[thatoneguy]

I'm the proud owner of a 2023 TRD Offroad Premium in Nautical Blue. No options. No sunroof. It does exist. Would recommend

Pretty sure they said the GX550 won't go on sale until calendar year 2024, if that timing matters to you.

Should be able to get a 2023 4Runner for MSRP. I did.

For remote Alaska, the old school dependability of the 5th gen would be a big plus, to me. Yes, the new gen Toyota stuff will probably still be great and pretty reliable. But the 4Runner is exclusively equipped with proven drivetrains and components. Not many people get stranded in 5th gens.

If the 6th gen 4Runner is just amazing and proves highly reliable, I may get rid of my 2023 in 5-7 years or so. I bet the resale value will still be ridiculous if and when I do. Once they stop making these, resale values may start getting absurd, like they did for FJ Cruisers. Look at the current going price of a 2018 4Runner--pretty much original MSRP half of the time, lol.

In short, no, no buyers remorse here. I knew I wanted an old school, proven, highly dependable offroad SUV. I'm planning on taking this damned thing to the arctic ocean by way of Canada one day. That kind of highly dependable.

 

[thatoneguy]

If I were buying a new vehicle today, I would buy the GX over the 4runner most likely. And if the 6th gen 4runner is really the 4cyl hybrid then that makes it a definite yes. I paid about 40k for my orp new and even then it seemed like a lot for what you get. A

Ow. Prices went up quick. I paid MSRP for a '23 ORP with mats and roof rails (about $400 in accessories), and that was 47,000. The same thing is already $600 more expensive after the May price increase.

It doesn't feel like good value if you only factor in performance specs. When I throw in resale value and reliability, it gets better. Definitely pay to play on late model 5th gens.

 

[Kanger328]

All great input and things to ponder!

 

[Mr_Bingley]

I'm the proud owner of a 2023 TRD Offroad Premium in Nautical Blue.

i have a 21, i really love the blue

 

[AZ Craig]

Ow. Prices went up quick. I paid MSRP for a '23 ORP with mats and roof rails (about $400 in accessories), and that was 47,000. The same thing is already $600 more expensive after the May price increase.

It doesn't feel like good value if you only factor in performance specs. When I throw in resale value and reliability, it gets better. Definitely pay to play on late model 5th gens.

It's worse than that if you go back a bit further. I picked up my 2016 Trail Premium (basically a TRD Offroad Premium now) for $38000 (MSRP was $40K +/- $500 from what I remember) as a left over in March 2017. I drove it for ~45K miles over 2.5 years and traded out of it for somewhere around $33500. Then I paid $50800 for my 2020 TRD Pro (got it at MSRP) in November 2019.

It now has about 45K miles and probably could trade for at least $45K if not more.

Yes, 4Runners hold their value extremely well, but the rapid run up of car prices over the last 7 or 8 years has helped out here also (since each year it seems the MSRP on a new equivalent vehicle was climbing by $1K to $2K).

 

[Blackwatch]

The GX will take premium fuel. Not sure if you can get it in all parts of Alaska. The other thing I've been concerned about is snow clogging the twin air intakes on the front of these news twin turbo trucks. I do a lot of highway driving and in the winter I have had many days when every crevice on the front of my vehicle is caked in ice or snow. Can't see the turbos liking that.

Aside from that if you are not going to drive this too far out of warranty and then get the next latest and greatest Lexus/toyota you should be fine. If you want to keep this 10+ years I would go with the 5th gen.

 

[JoshDub]

The GX will take premium fuel. Not sure if you can get it in all parts of Alaska. The other thing I've been concerned about is snow clogging the twin air intakes on the front of these news twin turbo trucks. I do a lot of highway driving and in the winter I have had many days when every crevice on the front of my vehicle is caked in ice or snow. Can't see the turbos liking that.

Aside from that if you are not going to drive this too far out of warranty and then get the next latest and greatest Lexus/toyota you should be fine. If you want to keep this 10+ years I would go with the 5th gen.

Premium is not available in all of AK. Nor is it available in all of YK. But I'd bet it'll run on regular, or whatever is in the tank, just detuned. Modern engine management is able to handle detonation from lower fuel quality.

As far as snow, it's fine. It's not any different than a NA vehicle

 

[Kanger328]

The GX will take premium fuel. Not sure if you can get it in all parts of Alaska. The other thing I've been concerned about is snow clogging the twin air intakes on the front of these news twin turbo trucks. I do a lot of highway driving and in the winter I have had many days when every crevice on the front of my vehicle is caked in ice or snow. Can't see the turbos liking that.

Aside from that if you are not going to drive this too far out of warranty and then get the next latest and greatest Lexus/toyota you should be fine. If you want to keep this 10+ years I would go with the 5th gen.

Good call. The intent would be to keep it til it dies, though how many of us say that and actually do it right? Ha.

The more I think about it and read y’all’s comments, it makes sense for me to get the 5th gen. It’s the vehicle I always wanted. It’s reliable. Good size with a balance of roominess, but not being too big for trails. The cost, though increased, is still far less than a GX. I’d definitely cringe a lot harder with rock chips and pin stripes on a pricier GX than a 4R. Also, cars will just continue to get pricier as time goes by (I remember my dad saying his first new car in the early 80s was $4000 lol). I also like that the 4R isn’t bogged down by ridiculous electronics.

Now I just gotta hope that I can find the spec I want.

 

[fkheath]

Good call. The intent would be to keep it til it dies, though how many of us say that and actually do it right? Ha.

The more I think about it and read y’all’s comments, it makes sense for me to get the 5th gen. It’s the vehicle I always wanted. It’s reliable. Good size with a balance of roominess, but not being too big for trails.

Sounds like a great plan -- buy what you want.

Any car can last "forever" if maintained right. I still have the Porsche I bought 52 years ago. Runs great. Had to do some rust repair and a rebuilt engine. When bought, I never thought I would keep it forever, but here I am.

 

[phillyd2]

As of now we have nothing to base any comments on long term reliability, pro / con.