GX-470

Is the Lexus GX-470 based on the 4runner frame or the Sequoia frame. I have been looking at them ever since the last TTCAD. I have seen quite a few with low mileage for really good prices. 2004 -2007 anywhere from 81000 to 147,000 miles for less than $9000, some even down in the high $6k range.
Nothing to do right now so I am keeping my head busy by thinking of future build porn.
I think this vehicle or another 3 or 4th gen 4Runner would keep me busy for awhile.

 

Got my answer, they are based on the 4Runner. Found it on ToyTec.

 

Next question, does anyone know what options to stay away from? I know, I want to stay away from the KDSS.
Does anyone have or had one of these on here?

 

I love em!

 

Can you give me some input? I know for lifting I want to stay away from KDSS. What do I want to look for while looking?
I have plenty of time to do this, I just want to be a little more knowledgeable.
I know it based on the 4Runner, I just dont know all of the options. Thanks, Don.

 

Yes, sir! ToyTec supports it as well.

 

if you can find a 470 without the factory navigation you can upgrade the headunit

 

Depending on how things shake out with work I may be looking for a short trip commuter / off road project. my ideal off-road project would be a Wrangler however I can't fit all of the family in it so I need to go with something bigger. If I can find a clean GX I think it will be the best of both worlds. I would prefer no KPSS but if it doesn't have rust, was well taken care of, and the price is right, I'll make the best of what I can get.

I should save a lot of money and pick up a used street bike instead, but that wouldn't be as much fun!

 

Great platform! Dad had an 04 and it was a beast. Huge influence on my 07 t4r v8 purchase. Surprisingly has more aftermarket love than 1st gen tundras.

 

Check out rising Sun's 4x4.org

 

Thanks

 

We owned a 2003 Lexus GX470 for quite some time. Never did anything besides replace 1 seized brake caliper and the front wheel bearings.

I would stay away from the KDSS System,and the touch screen AC/Stereo units. They are ungodly expensive to replace.

Ours had no KDSS,and a push button radio. The AC controls were separate from the radio,so if we had any issues each could be replaced independently saving $$$

They are based on the 4Runner/Prado Frame

You can replace the air suspension and other suspension parts with just about any 4Runner or Tacoma/Tundra part. About the only difference is spring rates and mounting plates.

We loved ours but outgrew it. We have a 2008 Sequoia Now

 

Thanks for the info.

 

We are currently in the market to replace my wife's POS Subaru Forester (amazing how LOTS started going wrong after warranty). Learned my lesson for straying away from Toyota. We are now down to a Lexus GX460 or a 4Runner. She wants the Lexus (for obvious reasons... it's a Lexus) and I am pushing for the 4Runner (for obvious reasons... it's a 4Runner). Needless to say she will win this one. I was very impressed by the GX. The Prado/4Runner platform is tough to beat. I will also say that the Lexus, with the 8-cylinder and plushier ride, rode much more nicely than the 4Runner.

 

Mine currently has an 18 T4R Limited and loves it. She wanted the Lexus, she didnt want the payment. So I dodged a bullet on that one!
Right now this is just a pipe dream to keep my mind off of how many days I have left over here.
I really do think it would be a fun build though. So far I have actually found a pretty good aftermarket support for it.

 

GX470 has the V8 which I believe is belt driven. IIRC, timing belt should be replaced every 90k.

Staying away from KDSS is a good idea

 

Thank you for your service. It will be awesome. There are a ton of YouTube videos out there of Lexus GX460, Lexus GX 470, and Lx's off roading and doing some cool stuff. I am seeing 2014 - 2016 certified Gx460's for a little less than a new 4Runner SR5 or OR, depending on mileage. It seems the GX tends to lose a little bit more value due to depreciation than the 4Runner, which is insane residual as we know (probably because of the luxury and tech components of the GX which tend to break) So a certified used GX seems to be a decent value for what you get.

 

Thanks, I have been out for a few moons now. I work for the AF as a contractor now.
When/if I get one it will be 10 years old or so. That way I wont feel too bad about arboreal pin stripes or trimming panels to fit tires. But I am getting older and comfort to and from the trails would be nice. Not only that they just look cool with some steel and llifted.

 

Thank, Bailey

 

Love my 4runner V8 which is about the same thing. Only differences to my buddies GX is that he has more headroom inside, and has to do a rear coil conversion kit if he wants to get rid of the air suspension and get some real travel. Aftermarket support for the GX is everywhere though!

 

Ill leave this here....wife's request. If you are remotely thinking about it you should act now on a good one because they're trending up in value. Asking price for this one was $8700 but we offered a cash price of $6600 and got it. She already has her mod list in order Good thing I work in a off-road store

 

Didn't 2 of the guys at TT have GX's? I kind of remember talking to one of them.

 

So far, I do not want the air suspension, KDSS and OEM navigation unit. What else Do y'all have for me?

 

That's probably rare enough as it is!

 

Let me guess, the majority of them come with at least one or all of those options?

 

You will have the air suspension no matter the trim level. The "sport design" trim is highly elusive. Finding one w/o Nav is quite easy. Maintenance wise, you want to make sure the 90, 120, and 160k service has been done on the earlier year models. 05 and up comes VVTI equipped and yields about 5-7 more HP. If you find one that has some squeaking from the drive belts; its more than likely the serpentine belt. I chased that noise for 2 weeks and dropped a new AC Clutch and pulley on it, idler pulley, tension pulley and finally I got smart and said " even a new belt can be (bad) " Now its quiet as a mouse.

When you remove the KDSS you can resell it for good profit so don't throw that stuff away

 

Thanks, Tommy. Is the air suspension pretty reasonable to replace?