sprocket

My 2004 GX has 96K and I'm looking to move to something newer. I've looked at the CPO GX 470's and 460's, along with MB ML350's. The Lexus CPO warranty is far superior to MB's.

A 2009 GX470 has come up with 64K on it. This gives me 3 years and 36K of warranty going forward. Asking price is $29.9. New tires, tow package, ML & Nav.

What features will I like on the 2009 model not on my 2004? Any issues with dashboard cracks or anything else on the 2009's?

470reasons

You could have Lexus do the full 90,000 mile service and put on a new set of tires for less than you'd loose in that first month of ownership of the 2009. Then there's the increased insurance rate and financing costs. Your 2004 is only about 1/3 of the way through its life span. But, if you want the 09 - go for it.

(I just added a new GPS to the 2004. WoW! 7" display and very cool maps. Feels like a new truck all over again.)

sprocket

Tell me about the new GPS you installed?

I did the 90k service back in February and the tires in October 13 and they only have about 8k on them. At that time, my plan was to keep it a couple of more years. My wife passed away back in March at 48, and many things in my life have changed. I sold her car a few weeks ago. In some ways I feel the need for something new, just to help me move forward.

You could also say that replacing shocks and potential air bags, cv axles, radiator, etc. are probably in the near future. I already have the dreaded cracked dashboard and the NAV DVD player under the passenger seat stopped working.

I figure my GX is worth 12-14k, leaving a difference of 15-17k, which I could pay off in 36 months, the term of the warranty.

Straight6

iTrader: (2)

Off topic, but since your thinking of selling your 04, I'm in the market for a used Gx and would be interested. Pm me should you decide to go for the 09. Thanks

GXallday

I'm sorry for your loss

burny

I just wouldn't do it for a 30,000 mile difference. $30k is alot of money for not much of a change.

sprocket

It's not $30k, more like the $15k to $17k difference after taking into account the value of my 2004. For that I get the 3 year CPO warranty, and a vehicle that is 5 years newer with 33k fewer miles.

UpStarr

I have an 06 and was recently turned on to a Silver 09 with 34000miles at the same local Lexus dealer where I purchased my 2006 last November. I was very close to making the change, but I had to ask myself “what more am I getting" Not much! Mathematical it did not seem to be right. I ended up passing on the deal. I later got my 06 tuned up, BGK, plugs,oil, filters, etc...and all those feelings for the 2009 GX went away.

sprocket

I need to be careful because some of the 460's are looking good too!

470reasons

Sorry for your loss. If a newer GX will make you feel better, do it. Keep in mind a new vehicle may provide only a temporary boost to your spirits. It takes time to get over a loss like that.

You asked about my GPS. I installed a Garmin 2797LMT on top of the dash using the Garmin friction mount. There are two versions of the 2797. One comes with lifetime map updates and one does not. I picked the lifetime update version. Here's a link:

BradTank

It's just a VERY expensive insurance policy.

A reasonable "worst case scenario" is probably something like $3,000 in repairs over the next 3 years with the older model. Just the taxes, tags, and doc fees on the new GX will probably be more than you actually spend in repairs for the old car. And you've already experienced most of the depreciation.

Dealerships are notorious for shafting people on trade ins, they basically have to double their money on the trade in to make it worth their while, so somewhere in that deal that profit is going to be made.

If it's purely a financial decision, it makes more sense to keep the model you have. The upgrades are really minor between the two.

sprocket

Isn't that always the case.

There are issues other than financial. I know 2009 was the last year for the 470. It may make more sense if I were moving to a 2012 460, as it is a more modern vehicle. Mine has the dashboard cracks and the wheels are starting to bubble a little for the second time. The seats are also showing their age a bit.

I'm in a profession where image comes into play to an extent. I don't need an LS460, but at 10 years old my GX is getting up there.

Still undecided and thinking about it. I'd finance a 2012 longer than a 2009, and Lexus is offering .9% on CPO's. The monthly payment would be similar.

Options2k

I was in the same boat as the original poster, about 18 months ago when my wife's 06 was nearing 80k miles....dreading the 90k service and the aging SUV. So decided to look at the newer 460s, almost bought one but for my trusted service manager. He told me that he was seeing a lot more of the 460s back for minor repairs than he had seen 470s when they first came out. Also, he said the reliability of the 4.3L was legendary! That did it and I kept the 06...did the 90K service (wasn't that bad) and recently got the front wheel bearings changed. My wife still loves the truck the same as she did when we first got it in 2007 when it was about 10 months old

Follow the advice of others, keep the 04 and it will serve you well. If you want a change, buy a 2004/2005 SC430 for about $18k or less and have fun chasing whatever you want to


470reasons: I want to do what you did. Can you help me with how you did it. Hopefully post some pictures.

Cheers.

sprocket

I'm overwhelmed that every comment has been to keep the 2004!

I'm 53, so I've had many vehicles over the years. This is the most miles I've ever put on a vehicle and the oldest I've ever driven, going back as far as my first car. Quality is better and I'm smarter about maintenance too.

My wife had a 2013 Prius and I drove that for about 5 months. 49mpg was nice, but it was offset by insuring 2 vehicles, and it really wasn't me. I had also thought about picking up a used IS250 and use the GX primarily for towing, but that doesn't make a whole lot of sense either.

470reasons

I don't think most people can tell the difference between a 2004 and a 2009 GX470. If your 2004 GX is clean looking, prestige-wise, moving to a 2009 will get you zip!

Then there's this. I just drilled a hole in the roof of my GX for a CB antenna coax. The GX is paid for. It's MY truck. I can do what I want to it. Love the freedom.