stoshzack

Hi All-

I am new to the forum as I am thinking about buying a 2003 GX470 for my newly expanding family. I found a 2003 GX470 with 80K with an asking price of $15,900 (private party, second owner). I was thinking of buying it as a family vehicle for around town.

The vehicle looks to be serviced regularly (Carfax and Lexus history). Timing belt and water pump have not yet been replaced (I have read this costs around $600 to $1000). I also had Toyota recently inspect it and they found front frozen brake calipers and leaking radiator (both known problems as I have read on the forum). The brakes were fixed by owner but not the radiator. I am a weekend warrior mechanic, and I have read on the forum that the radiator can be replaced in a couple hours at a cost or $200 or so. Is that correct? Toyota dealers wants $950 which seems ridiculous.

I was trying to stick with a Toyota/Lexus because I have had such good luck in the past (Corolla, Tacoma, FJ40) and they are fairly easy to work on. However, it seems that there are some reoccuring problems with the GX470. Wondering if this is a good deal to go for this or if I should look at a Sequoia? I have read that the Sequoias have very few problems.

Thanks for any thoughts,
Stoshzack

MichaelD86

I bought an 04 about 6 months ago and am loving it. It had the timing belt already done. I had a leaky radiator and I fixed it in a few hours with some pretty basic hand tools. That seems like a pretty good price for the amount of miles that are on it. Ours has been a good family car. Kinda weird to put car seats in the second row though. It only has latches for two and one of the sets puts the car seat between the middle and driver side seat so its on an angle. Any older vehicles will have problems, just like people, you get old and start having issues. If you take care of your body it will take care of you.

stoshzack

Thanks MichaelD86, glad to hear you and your family likes it. That was one of my big concerns. I did know about the weird car seat layout in the 2nd row - thanks. I thought the price was good, but was wondering what others thought. Did you replace the radiator, or was it a more simple fix?

Toys808

I just bought an 06 with 50k miles for $21k. It rides much smoother than my ML500 and seems to have about the same amount of power. Gas mileage is a bit better. So far it's a great truck.

stoshzack

Thanks all for the info - we did in fact purchase the 2003 GX470. I understand now why you all love it. It is a pretty big vehicle and handles like a car.