matmanx1

Before I make anyone angry with the term "beater", let me explain what I mean. I live in a rural area with a driveway composed of dirt and gravel. In bad weather or heavy rain it gets messy and while it is never impassable it is gnarly enough that I've gotten to the point where I don't want to drive my normal daily driver through it (a BMW 128i).

I've started looking around for something reliable and "truck-like" that I wouldn't mind getting messy and that would have four wheel drive should I need it. I like Toyota reliability (I have a friend with an 02 tundra that has over 300k miles on it) and I love the comfort of the LandCruisers and GX series.

I know a GX470 is likely overkill for what I want but looking at used prices I am actually finding more of those at reasonable rates than I am LandCruiser's and especially Tundra's. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for in regards to the first couple years of GX470's and that are weak spots or trouble areas on these vehicles? As a several year member of Club Lexus who doesn't normally post much, I would appreciate your knowledge and wisdom.

GreatHim

id buy another in a heart beat if i needed to or could afford to do so. i have an 04 and its as reliable as the day is long. no regrets

Morphyne

I drive a 07 V6 Toyota 4runner with after market lift and off road tires. I recently drive my wife's stock v8 05 gx470 with Michelin highway tires and I have to say her vehicle felt more sure footed in the snow. its heavy, has fulltime 4wd, and is very comfortable. I think you would be well served to have a GX for such a use.

matmanx1

Thanks for your replies. That seems to be the consensus that I am getting. I still want to test drive a 4Runner but I would rather have the GX if I can find a good deal on one.

kamlung

iTrader: (8)

i think that will be perfect for your application... do it...

ScatAdams

Definitely a great choice especially since there seem to be a ton out there for sale, with less demand than 4runners from my searching at least . Very similar price range as the 4runner as well, except you're getting way more bang for your buck.

matmanx1

Weird isn't it? And the Tundra's are even worse. Less vehicle (in terms of mass, seats and comfort) that is still nonetheless mechanically similar but has a higher resale value most of the time. And even the LandCruisers seem to be more rare. Not that I am complaining. It doesn't matter to me whether or not it has a Toyota badge or a Lexus badge on it as long as I like the vehicle and it does what I need it to do.

SkeetShoot

This is what I did. I needed either a suv or truck and the prices were just insane for a truck that would be reliable and the right size for my needs. I didnt like the Tundra, and a tacoma was just a little too tight for me. Wanted a 4runner, but couldnt find one. Found my 04 GX last month liked it, bought it. Its great. Beast in the snow, even with the crappy bridgestones on it) and its very comfortable. I'm sure it will keep going another 100K miles.

Johnny Rad

I completely agree with the pos responses.

In fact, I hope to own my GX long enough that it becomes a 3rd car for my family. Unlike old CJs, Broncos, etc the GX has modern day HVAC (defrost), strong heater, heated seats and a robust 4WD system to make any bad winter day just another day.

In time, I think the GX will be looked upon as favorably as the classic FJ60/62's.

matmanx1

Thanks all. I may just skip test driving the actual trucks and go with the GX470. There seems to be much better availability on those and they also seem to be a better value than the other Toyota trucks for the money. I appreciate all of the input.

SkeetShoot

Just as a point of reference... I've test driven 4runners, tacomas, tundra's and F250-350's and ultimately chose the GX.

Why?
4runner was more money than the GX (didnt have the features of the GX and higher mileage)
Tacoma (Too tight, bouncy ride)
Tundra (soft ride, but I hated the steering and turning circle (also couldnt get my hands on the 5.7)
F250's and 350's steering sucks. Size huge. Only interested in diesels... HUGE potential upkeep and maintanence costs.

GX wins.

kamlung

iTrader: (8)

after owning my car for 14 months, i don't regret the purchase even once in my mind...

180ls1

Just drove mine through a nasty storm in a mountain pass and I have never felt more secure. A suv will do far better in bad weather because of better weight distribution. Combine all the Lexus safety features along with the full time AWD and it still being a sizable vehicle if there is a crash, you have a fairly ideal vehicle for the situation you described.

BlackCat81

Haha, I actually have a "beater" Infiniti M35x for daily/winter use to keep my GX out of the salt here. I would, however, trade my Infiniti for a not so clean GX470 to DD in a heartbeat. And that's saying a lot, I LOVE my Infiniti.

matmanx1

Thank you, that is incredibly helpful! I appreciate your input.