Hello. I live in Russia. great car. Lexus is my dream. but unfortunately I can't afford it. Our used car costs about $25,000. it is very expensive. I work in the oil industry and my salary is about $1000 a month. On average, salaries in Russia are about 400 dollars. For us, such a car is a luxury. Thank you for the excellent review of an excellent car.
I have a 2007 exactly like the one you drive and it’s the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and it’s not close. Im about to restore her to as new as possible. Good investment in my book. Congratulations on getting a beauty!!
I spent months trying to decide what vehicle I would buy to take to my house in Baja Sur, Mexico. A place where reliability and dependability are paramount. In the end, it had to be either a GX470 or an LX470. But with a $10,000 budget the GX was really my only choice. I found the three cheapest ones in southern California and bought the most expensive one which happened to have the highest mileage: 314,500 miles. But it was a 1-owner 2004 with complete service records for $9,400 and had a brand new timing belt/water pump/thermostat. Best decision I ever made. Easy maintenance and running like NEW a year later at 330,000
Well bought! Mileage is just a number right? It's truly difficult to source a reliable car for $10k nowadays, and sounds like your GX is an awesome example. Here's to another 300k miles at least.
I purchased my GX470 2008 with 172k about a year ago. I now have 201k on it. It runs like new!! It’s just amazing. I call it my “Mile Grabber”!! Just keeps on going strong!! Love it!!💪🏼❤️🙌🏼👍🏼🇺🇸
I bought the cheapest running GX on Craigslist as a project at the bottom of the market in '18. After many hours of wrenching and a few grand for parts and specialists when i needed them, it's been my daily for the last five years. Love these things.
Now that’s the way to do it! Congrats on the project and it never hurts to know you can unload it (if you ever wanted to) and make a little bit of profit too.
Picked up an 04 GX with 250k last year as a spare vehicle, paid 1,200$. Runs, Drives and Stops well enough. Clean texas frame (I'm from the rust belt) truck needs ALL the maintenance and new transfercase. Blizzard pearl paint is peeling. The interior was the roughest part as the mice got inside, after a lot of elbow greese it has cleaned up quite well. Slowly getting its issues sorted out. These early lexus products were built to a quality standard that is hard to match.
I have a 07 GX 470 with 205k…I bought it “certified used” with 43k miles 14 years ago. It’s a great suv …however, I’ve spent $15k over the past couple of years doing maintenance and repairs on the car. I replaced the struts, brakes (and calipers), radiator, belts, timing belt for the second time…I had the front end rebuilt…the sunroof needed to repaired ($4k) and unfortunately has broken again (after the warranty expired) I replaced the front seat cushion and the leather. Dash lights just went on and the yaw sensor needs to be replaced. I also EVAP valve needed replaced. I’ve replaced the ignition switch twice. Multiple pairs of tires and batteries. Sounds like a lot but over 14 years, not bad. With the exception of the sunroof and evap valve…everything else is routine maintenance. Drives like it’s new …my only gripe is the poor gas mileage…12 to 15 mpg. This is an excellent car to take on long trips…very comfortable!
Sounds like it’s been a fantastic vehicle for you over that extended period. For sure a lot of routine maintenance in that list and a super bummer with the sunroof. Over the same period of time and mileage, I’d be willing to compare that list to just about any other vehicle’s maintenance list out there.
A month ago I bought an 05 one owner from an old couple. It has 130k on it. Gave $10k. Everyone who sees it thinks it's a new car. The best driving experience I have ever had. It was engineered for the driver. The only downside, it makes me nervous driving this luxury vehicle for fear others think I have alot of money. At some point you will replace the radiator. It is an easy DIY job. Do the serpentine belt, thermostat, tensioner pulley, and alternator while the radiator is out. You'll have a lot of room to work. You don't even want to replace the alternator later like I did. It was a pain.
First off, well bought. Second off those are great maintenance tips. At the 100k timing belt water pump service, I like to replace all seals as well as the items you listed above. With the radiator out it does really open up some space to make them all easier jobs to perform. Enjoy her!
Bought mine from the owner in Florida in 2020 with 186000 mileage. Two owners before me. Obviously the best ride you can get. King of the road. It's marvellous to handle. Just love it
Got a 2006 with 242k miles on it. Drives like new, no dash lights, clean immaculate interior, perfect maintenance history. Had 7k done in the last year alone. I paid $7500 for it. I'm in love!!! Best car ever for sure! 🫶 now I'm up to 252k miles and feels like driving a new suv.
I have a 2008 Lexus GX470 with 214k miles and it is still in premium condition. It gives NO problems year after year, but I do maintain it like I should. I never use the "comfy" settings, I always prefer the ride with the firm settings.
Got the same truck 241k drives like new. New dash installed on recall AND full dealer paint job for failing white paint. Big savings having those items done. Love this thing and my 100 series LC.
Huge savings with those two fixes floated by the dealer. I love the 100 Series LC, and miss my old one quite a bit. That rig was reliable and literally could go anywhere.
I recently bought an identical gx both year and color as yours. Has 132K on it with water pump and timing belt just replaced. I was super pumped and LOVE driving this rig. Unfortunately...... the actuator for the center diff lock went out. It is currently in the shop for a $5500 repair.😮 I would like to think I should be good to go for a while after this. I sure hope so because it is an amazing vehicle.
Wow that’s a stiff bill. I’ve never had one actually fail on me, but I have had some get sticky over time…where you need to throw it in reverse to unlock the center diff.
my 2006 GX470 has 229,000 Love it. switched out suspension to retro no air bags, tighter now & agile. love Mark Levinson sound system. bought from one lady owner $13,700
Sadly in Australia we never got the option for the 4.7ltr V8 but instead the 4ltr quad cam V6 and the diesel engine. I have owned 2 x Prado V6 GXL's in the past 10yrs and covered combined mileage of aprox 300k miles. the 1st being an 04 white GXL V6 and the current for the past 3yrs being an 07 black GXL V6. Both came with factory option bullbars from new which is very common here in Australia where majority sold new with bullbars and it gives the truck a tougher look up front Australian Prado's come from factory with 2 x 90litre tanks (= 180litres fuel capacity = 48gallons) and the spare tire mounted on the tail-gate) The current black Prado i have done a ton of mods - custom headers/custom bigger bore exhaust front to back in s/steel with hi-flow muffler and twin dumper rear chrome tips Front & rear diffs upgraded with Harrop E Lockers so the truck is triple locked and can handle any terrain (we mostly do beach work/sand tracks here in the west coast) Upgraded suspension to OME springs & bilstein struts/shocks. Upgraded wheels with black centres & bridgestone A/T tires with white lettering for a tougher look Upgraded headlights to aftermarket black Angel Bi- LED's / upgraded black sports grille/ upgraded tail-lights to modern LED with smoked sections looks wicked with black duco/ upgraded bumper reflectors to multifunction LED units (park/brake/indicators work much like mustang tail-lights) / upgraded bullbar insert lights to multifunction LED's Dark tint with smoked weather covers to upper doors glass / Big red LED high power spot-lights mounted to bullbar so night driving remote is brilliant Interior - upgraded head-unit to new Kenwood multifunction deck with ugraded speakers and reversing camera/ blue tooth/hands-free etc Rear cargo area - 3rd row seats removed and twin draw eco-lite slide out draws installed / rear cargo door - drop down table installed / power outlets installed in cargo area Red Ark BCDC installed for dual batteries and anderson plug for portable solar blanket/ Red Ark tow system installed for trailer/caravan with electric brakes Heavy duty Reece tow hitch with adjustable height settings The final result is the black Prado now looks sinister from any exterior angle and more torque /better fuel economy with the upgraded exhaust system as better cylinder scavenging & free flowing exhaust with a wicked note from the V6 giving a low rumble like the V8. One advantage of the V6 over the V8 is better fuel economy for those long trips
Now those sound like some well built rigs. Missing out on the bulletproof V8 is a bummer, but I’ve always been intrigued by the diesel options. Alas, we never had those available to us in the States.
The longest truck/car I’ve owned thus car bought my 03 at 166K and now at 188K. Honestly just subtle mods is all it needs simple lift and nice all terrains and call it a day.
I bought my 2007 GX 470 New I now have 98,000 miles on it and garage kept only serviced by Lexus many times over the years I have thought maybe I’ll get something new but then I realise at the last minute the wonderful value of this vehicle Smooth easy to drive formable on the highway now with this age of my life. I’m an older man. Why should I get something new? Just for the sake of getting something new? I love my GX if you get an opportunity to buy one do it don’t even think about it.
I have a 2014 GX, the first year of the spindle grille. I prefer the non adjustable suspension and the lack of a timing belt, but my goodness I prefer the look of the handsome 470.
Not having to change the timing belt is always nice as long as the chain is a reliable one. Luckily on Toyota and Lexus products it is…unlike some other Euro vehicles out there.
Compared it to the original…a 1989 SHO. For sure the last gen SHOs are super fast…but that first gen with that special Yamaha power plant and manual transmission are legendary.
That’s awesome. I’ve always wanted one of these with a diesel. But here in the states, we only had the 4.7 V8 option. Which just happens to be an amazing engine so I can’t get too upset.
I got a 2007 last year with 199k on it, last year in May. Daily driving it since put 17k miles on it and I love it! Only down side is the dash always cracks! 😂 if that’s the only down side I’m so with it.
Today I paid $14k for a 2006 in Cypress green, 175k miles. Brand new tires, all around nice rig. I know I paid a premium price, but after looking at a handful of 99-06 GMC Yukons (and variants) I just wasn't impressed.
Even though I’m also a fan of those Yukons, you made the clearly better choice. If the rig is super clean, you don’t pay too much attention to the all. Sounds like a fantastic truck.
It’s a surprisingly insulated experience. Tire choice is of course a major factor, but the cabin is very quiet on road trips. No qualified decibel readings to back it up, but compared the hundreds of other cars I’ve piloted, the GX is amongst the quieter ones.
I'm probably going to buy one of these l. I've got a 2007 is350 that I love but I want to overland as well. Crazy though that my is has way more horsepower though lol
You won’t be let down. The IS350 is a great car, but the GX will give you that all terrain capability. It may have less HP, but it’s that TQ that’s important with a truck.
@@autoobsessivegarage I'm debating trading my is for one I can get a nice one for sure.. hard decision bc I love my IS and it's kinda rare and fast.. but I know id enjoy overlanding way more cause I fish and camp
Hello. I live in Russia. great car. Lexus is my dream. but unfortunately I can't afford it. Our used car costs about $25,000. it is very expensive. I work in the oil industry and my salary is about $1000 a month. On average, salaries in Russia are about 400 dollars. For us, such a car is a luxury. Thank you for the excellent review of an excellent car.
You’re very welcome and thanks for watching the video. Did you get any interesting engine options over there with the GX?
I have a 2007 exactly like the one you drive and it’s the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and it’s not close. Im about to restore her to as new as possible. Good investment in my book. Congratulations on getting a beauty!!
Fully agreed and she sounds like a keeper. They just do so many things so damn well.
I spent months trying to decide what vehicle I would buy to take to my house in Baja Sur, Mexico. A place where reliability and dependability are paramount. In the end, it had to be either a GX470 or an LX470. But with a $10,000 budget the GX was really my only choice. I found the three cheapest ones in southern California and bought the most expensive one which happened to have the highest mileage: 314,500 miles. But it was a 1-owner 2004 with complete service records for $9,400 and had a brand new timing belt/water pump/thermostat. Best decision I ever made. Easy maintenance and running like NEW a year later at 330,000
Well bought! Mileage is just a number right? It's truly difficult to source a reliable car for $10k nowadays, and sounds like your GX is an awesome example. Here's to another 300k miles at least.
I purchased my GX470 2008 with 172k about a year ago. I now have 201k on it. It runs like new!! It’s just amazing. I call it my “Mile Grabber”!! Just keeps on going strong!! Love it!!💪🏼❤️🙌🏼👍🏼🇺🇸
Sounds like a great example! It will keep eating up those miles, they love to do that.
I picked up a 2005 470 2 months ago. It had 141k and paid 12,500 for it. Super clean and runs great. Plan on having it for a long time.
Great buy! Plan on it being there for you for a long time too.
I bought the cheapest running GX on Craigslist as a project at the bottom of the market in '18.
After many hours of wrenching and a few grand for parts and specialists when i needed them, it's been my daily for the last five years. Love these things.
Now that’s the way to do it! Congrats on the project and it never hurts to know you can unload it (if you ever wanted to) and make a little bit of profit too.
That’s great to know. Would you mind sharing some details about what repairs were done to make it a daily. Thanks a lot.
Picked up an 04 GX with 250k last year as a spare vehicle, paid 1,200$. Runs, Drives and Stops well enough. Clean texas frame (I'm from the rust belt) truck needs ALL the maintenance and new transfercase. Blizzard pearl paint is peeling. The interior was the roughest part as the mice got inside, after a lot of elbow greese it has cleaned up quite well. Slowly getting its issues sorted out. These early lexus products were built to a quality standard that is hard to match.
Oh man I’d love to see the restoration of this truck. So happy that you’re saving it. Totally with you that they are really overbuilt.
I have a 07 GX 470 with 205k…I bought it “certified used” with 43k miles 14 years ago.
It’s a great suv …however, I’ve spent $15k over the past couple of years doing maintenance and repairs on the car. I replaced the struts, brakes (and calipers), radiator, belts, timing belt for the second time…I had the front end rebuilt…the sunroof needed to repaired ($4k) and unfortunately has broken again (after the warranty expired) I replaced the front seat cushion and the leather. Dash lights just went on and the yaw sensor needs to be replaced. I also EVAP valve needed replaced. I’ve replaced the ignition switch twice. Multiple pairs of tires and batteries.
Sounds like a lot but over 14 years, not bad. With the exception of the sunroof and evap valve…everything else is routine maintenance.
Drives like it’s new …my only gripe is the poor gas mileage…12 to 15 mpg.
This is an excellent car to take on long trips…very comfortable!
Sounds like it’s been a fantastic vehicle for you over that extended period.
For sure a lot of routine maintenance in that list and a super bummer with the sunroof. Over the same period of time and mileage, I’d be willing to compare that list to just about any other vehicle’s maintenance list out there.
Do you use premium or regular ?
A month ago I bought an 05 one owner from an old couple. It has 130k on it. Gave $10k. Everyone who sees it thinks it's a new car. The best driving experience I have ever had. It was engineered for the driver. The only downside, it makes me nervous driving this luxury vehicle for fear others think I have alot of money. At some point you will replace the radiator. It is an easy DIY job. Do the serpentine belt, thermostat, tensioner pulley, and alternator while the radiator is out. You'll have a lot of room to work. You don't even want to replace the alternator later like I did. It was a pain.
First off, well bought. Second off those are great maintenance tips. At the 100k timing belt water pump service, I like to replace all seals as well as the items you listed above. With the radiator out it does really open up some space to make them all easier jobs to perform. Enjoy her!
Bought mine from the owner in Florida in 2020 with 186000 mileage. Two owners before me. Obviously the best ride you can get. King of the road. It's marvellous to handle. Just love it
Nothing this off-road capable should drive this nicely. The GX is a remarkable truck.
Lucked up in 2020 and found an '07 with 99k one owner by senior couple. It's loaded, even with Mark Levinson sound and I'm thrilled.
Heck yeah, sounds like a peach. The one-owner finds are getting rarer and rarer.
Got a 2006 with 242k miles on it. Drives like new, no dash lights, clean immaculate interior, perfect maintenance history. Had 7k done in the last year alone. I paid $7500 for it. I'm in love!!! Best car ever for sure! 🫶 now I'm up to 252k miles and feels like driving a new suv.
That’s what I’m talking about. These things just keep on going…and usually without issue. Well bought!
I have a 2008 Lexus GX470 with 214k miles and it is still in premium condition. It gives NO problems year after year, but I do maintain it like I should. I never use the "comfy" settings, I always prefer the ride with the firm settings.
That’s the secret to keeping this trucks running well…routine maintenance.
A true jack of all trades vehicle if ever there was one. Epic review.
The GX is literally good at everything it tries to do.
*Final model year for the GX470 was 2009. Production of the GX460 began in November 2009.
Interesting. I own a 2009 Lexus GX470.
@@johnandrews1737 you probably own one of the last GX470s to roll off the assembly line, that’s awesome.
I have the exact same 07 truck. LOVE IT! Only have 110K on it. The only weak point on these trucks are the break calipers, especially in the NE.
Dang that’s some low mileage. I know very well how rust loves those calipers.
I just bought a 2007 gx470 today and i love it
Congrats and welcome to the club. What are the details?
Got the same truck 241k drives like new. New dash installed on recall AND full dealer paint job for failing white paint. Big savings having those items done. Love this thing and my 100 series LC.
Huge savings with those two fixes floated by the dealer. I love the 100 Series LC, and miss my old one quite a bit. That rig was reliable and literally could go anywhere.
Do you know if I buy a used one with pealing paint or the cracked dash, whether I can still have the recall cover it?
I recently bought an identical gx both year and color as yours. Has 132K on it with water pump and timing belt just replaced. I was super pumped and LOVE driving this rig.
Unfortunately...... the actuator for the center diff lock went out. It is currently in the shop for a $5500 repair.😮
I would like to think I should be good to go for a while after this. I sure hope so because it is an amazing vehicle.
Wow that’s a stiff bill. I’ve never had one actually fail on me, but I have had some get sticky over time…where you need to throw it in reverse to unlock the center diff.
my 2006 GX470 has 229,000 Love it. switched out suspension to retro no air bags, tighter now & agile. love Mark Levinson sound system. bought from one lady owner $13,700
Sounds nice. One owner examples tend to be in the near condition. They really take care of if a vehicle over a long ownership period like that.
Sadly in Australia we never got the option for the 4.7ltr V8 but instead the 4ltr quad cam V6 and the diesel engine. I have owned 2 x Prado V6 GXL's in the past 10yrs and covered combined mileage of aprox 300k miles. the 1st being an 04 white GXL V6 and the current for the past 3yrs being an 07 black GXL V6.
Both came with factory option bullbars from new which is very common here in Australia where majority sold new with bullbars and it gives the truck a tougher look up front
Australian Prado's come from factory with 2 x 90litre tanks (= 180litres fuel capacity = 48gallons) and the spare tire mounted on the tail-gate)
The current black Prado i have done a ton of mods - custom headers/custom bigger bore exhaust front to back in s/steel with hi-flow muffler and twin dumper rear chrome tips
Front & rear diffs upgraded with Harrop E Lockers so the truck is triple locked and can handle any terrain (we mostly do beach work/sand tracks here in the west coast)
Upgraded suspension to OME springs & bilstein struts/shocks. Upgraded wheels with black centres & bridgestone A/T tires with white lettering for a tougher look
Upgraded headlights to aftermarket black Angel Bi- LED's / upgraded black sports grille/ upgraded tail-lights to modern LED with smoked sections looks wicked with black duco/ upgraded bumper reflectors to multifunction LED units (park/brake/indicators work much like mustang tail-lights) / upgraded bullbar insert lights to multifunction LED's
Dark tint with smoked weather covers to upper doors glass / Big red LED high power spot-lights mounted to bullbar so night driving remote is brilliant
Interior - upgraded head-unit to new Kenwood multifunction deck with ugraded speakers and reversing camera/ blue tooth/hands-free etc
Rear cargo area - 3rd row seats removed and twin draw eco-lite slide out draws installed / rear cargo door - drop down table installed / power outlets installed in cargo area
Red Ark BCDC installed for dual batteries and anderson plug for portable solar blanket/ Red Ark tow system installed for trailer/caravan with electric brakes
Heavy duty Reece tow hitch with adjustable height settings
The final result is the black Prado now looks sinister from any exterior angle and more torque /better fuel economy with the upgraded exhaust system as better cylinder scavenging & free flowing exhaust with a wicked note from the V6 giving a low rumble like the V8. One advantage of the V6 over the V8 is better fuel economy for those long trips
Now those sound like some well built rigs. Missing out on the bulletproof V8 is a bummer, but I’ve always been intrigued by the diesel options. Alas, we never had those available to us in the States.
The longest truck/car I’ve owned thus car bought my 03 at 166K and now at 188K. Honestly just subtle mods is all it needs simple lift and nice all terrains and call it a day.
Agreed. It’s so capable right out of the box. I’ll be doing that exact same thing to mine in the near future.
I bought my 2007 GX 470 New I now have 98,000 miles on it and garage kept only serviced by Lexus many times over the years I have thought maybe I’ll get something new but then I realise at the last minute the wonderful value of this vehicle Smooth easy to drive formable on the highway now with this age of my life. I’m an older man. Why should I get something new? Just for the sake of getting something new? I love my GX if you get an opportunity to buy one do it don’t even think about it.
It’s a nearly impossible to replace vehicle that really offers so much value in one package.
I have a 2014 GX, the first year of the spindle grille. I prefer the non adjustable suspension and the lack of a timing belt, but my goodness I prefer the look of the handsome 470.
Not having to change the timing belt is always nice as long as the chain is a reliable one. Luckily on Toyota and Lexus products it is…unlike some other Euro vehicles out there.
i bought a 2005 in mint condition for 8k 8years ago. 121k miles. now has 234k and runs and drives like new
Absolutely fantastic buy…probably could sell (not that you would) for more than you paid originally.
What Taurus SHO did you compare this to? I have an 07 GX470 and recently sold a 2017 SHO. The SHO would dust the GX.
Compared it to the original…a 1989 SHO. For sure the last gen SHOs are super fast…but that first gen with that special Yamaha power plant and manual transmission are legendary.
Here in botswana we have it as 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder
That’s awesome. I’ve always wanted one of these with a diesel. But here in the states, we only had the 4.7 V8 option. Which just happens to be an amazing engine so I can’t get too upset.
Thanks for the great review. I just bought one today. Same color :)
Thank you even more for checking it out! Congrats and enjoy it!
I got a 2007 last year with 199k on it, last year in May. Daily driving it since put 17k miles on it and I love it! Only down side is the dash always cracks! 😂 if that’s the only down side I’m so with it.
Small price to pay for such a reliable truck for sure.
I know you have already done the sho (1989) but i have a request, could you to the 1992 SHO?
If I can get my hands on a clean example I would absolutely love to.
@@autoobsessivegarageyay
I have a 2008 v8 4Runner limited very similar to the GX, but I really want a GX470 for my wife
I love those V8 4Runners and they are getting pretty hard to find. She will appreciate the luxury touches on the GX for sure.
Today I paid $14k for a 2006 in Cypress green, 175k miles. Brand new tires, all around nice rig.
I know I paid a premium price, but after looking at a handful of 99-06 GMC Yukons (and variants) I just wasn't impressed.
Even though I’m also a fan of those Yukons, you made the clearly better choice. If the rig is super clean, you don’t pay too much attention to the all. Sounds like a fantastic truck.
Looking to get one with 160k for 10k.
I just like this look way better than 460 and 4Runners, including the new 4Runner and new LC and GX550.
That’s a solid deal if it’s clean an up on maintenance. Good luck.
How loud is the gx470 on the highway. Was hoping to get one for long road trips. Any decibels readings from like 70mph+? Thank you
It’s a surprisingly insulated experience. Tire choice is of course a major factor, but the cabin is very quiet on road trips. No qualified decibel readings to back it up, but compared the hundreds of other cars I’ve piloted, the GX is amongst the quieter ones.
would you take this over a 2006 v8 sport edition with 207K miles or this 2007 gx with 84K miles lmk
I’d go for the 2007 with lower miles….but condition and maintenance history are also big factors.
I'm probably going to buy one of these l. I've got a 2007 is350 that I love but I want to overland as well. Crazy though that my is has way more horsepower though lol
You won’t be let down. The IS350 is a great car, but the GX will give you that all terrain capability. It may have less HP, but it’s that TQ that’s important with a truck.
@@autoobsessivegarage I'm debating trading my is for one I can get a nice one for sure.. hard decision bc I love my IS and it's kinda rare and fast.. but I know id enjoy overlanding way more cause I fish and camp
This car will be my secret car my parent wont let me own a lexus
Just convince them that it really is just a Toyota!
@autoobsessivegarage the only let me buy a Mercedes-Benz
Biggest downside of these are the absolutely ass gas mileage
Truthfully for being a V8 three row SUV of that era, they are not that terrible.
Bummer they ruined the new ones
We shall see how the new ones score in the long term reliability tests for sure...but the design is pretty sweet.
Yes sir! I love mine! I have a 2007. I've had it since 2011. She's well loved. Her name is Jolene 🩵
That’s awesome. That truck is barely broken in and going to provide decades more of fantastic driving. Go Jolene go!