mink92890

Hello there...
I currently have a 2001 LS430 and some of you might have seen me in that forum. I come now to this forum because I am interested in buying a used GX470 with Navigation and hopefully Mark Levinson System. I was wondering what are the differences between the two. Are there any differences in the car itself? Or is is small luxury amentities. If so what are they?

I appreciate the people who read and help me with this in advance.
Thank You

Mink92890

The G Man

Not much difference between the 03 and 04. I would try to go for the 05, it has the VVI engine with 270 hp instead of the 03 and 04 which has 235 hp. The 05 also gets bluetooth, drive by wire throttle and side curtain air bags.

mink92890

the 04 doesnt have bluetooth? interesting... I never knew about this 35 hp difference. However, the 05 seems to be slightly too high right now, and the need to change to a GX is really big because the vehicle being replaced is encountering some major problems. So there is no difference between the 03 and 04? Basically are the two just indistinguishable?

Thanks

Mink92890

caha14

Early build '04s are virtually identical to '03s, with the exception of minor things like a switch to turn off the curtain airbags when offroading and the use of a new extended life transmission fluid.

2004 models built as of Dec 2003 (not sure of exact date) had tire pressure sensors, backup camera (with Nav) and optional KDSS as new additions. Fast forward to late in the '04 model year (roughly Aug-Nov 2004), and Lexus added power lumbar support to the passenger seat, previously available only on the driver's seat.

The only differences between '05 and late build '04s are the engine, navigation (3rd gen w/bluetooth vs 2nd gen in the '04), as The G Man mentioned, and the availability of the sport package.

Drive-by-wire and curtain airbags have been around from the get go.

If I were you, I'd definitely shoot for an '05 like G Man suggested, but I'd also consider a late build '04 if the deal is good, unless you must have bluetooth. I would pass on '03 models. Hope this helps!

mink92890

alright so not all 04 have backup cameras and no 03s have them...
im not sure if this is against forum rules but i have two deals pending
there is an 03 which has DVD, NAV, Mark for 37,000ish with 30,000 miles (off the top of my head)
and there is an 04 with the backup camera and NAV and Mark with 40,000 miles for i think its 39,000ish
i'll check back on the exact figures but what do you guys think is a better deal...both of the colors are exceptiona being beige and silver

Thanks


Mink92890

<VENOM>

buy a loaded 2006 V8 Limited 4Runner, has pretty much all the features a GX has and it's new,

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

First of all, check to see if the 03 has the clunk issue, since it was a first year built. I believe it was more predominant than 04s. If it does, make sure that the dealer will be willing to replace it with a new drive shaft.

It's not against forum policy to list the cars being sold. Only ebay links and if you're the one selling it is not allowed.

The 04 has 10k miles before the warranty ends. For me, I wouldn't even worry about that, you know how Lexusesss are. But that 03 was hardly driven. Is the warranty out yet on the 03, year wise? 4years/50k miles......whichever comes first.

The G Man

The 04 sounds like late model year, it should have all the goodies. As someone mention earlier, drive them both and see if they have the cluck. Take it out for a test drive without the saleman if you can. Apply the brake really hard a couple of times, turn on your AC, see if it has the cluck, which feels like someone bump you from behind after a second or 2 when you come to a complete stop.

Good Luck

mink92890

G Man thanks for this way on testing for this or not... However I am still confused at what that "cluck" is... What is the exact problem with it? Is the only way to test for it the way that G man said? And was it recalled?

Thank You Clublexus

Mink92890

[EDIT]: These are the two classifieds... I have removed phone numbers and anything personal regarding these... If you guys would help me choose between the two value wise... Both colors are perfect for me...

2004 LEXUS GX470, 30,500 mi, Silver w/ Gray lthr, AWD, Mark Levinson Audio, Navigation, rear backup camera, sunroof, 3rd row seat, power everything, exc. cond., $39,900

2003 LEXUS GX470, 40,910 mi, 4 brand new tires-all service up to date-one owner SUV-No accidents--Georgia residents pay no sales tax-4x4-Navigation-Rear entertainment DVD system-CD changer-Sunroof-Wood steering wheel-Priced to SELL- , $37,995


QUESTION ABOUT THE 2003: Does that mean there is no 3rd row seating, or is it standard at a certain point?


Thanks

Mink92890

The G Man

I think the third row seat were standard on the 03, someone correct me if I am wrong. The problem with the cluck is the drive shalf, I dont think there is a recall, since its not a safety issue, but there is a Lexus TSB out on it. If you dont need the DVD rear entertainment system, the 04 sounds like a better deal.

mink92890

btw does that 04 have bluetooth?

Someone please confirm or deny that 3rd row is standard for 03... that can possibly eliminate the 03 altogether

I have tried calling them but due to the chrismas season they have not answered..

Mink92890

lonewolf69

Mink,

The INFAMOUS "clunking" issue is this on some models of the GX even w/ the 05' models, the GX would CLUNK when coming to a FULL stop at a stop light and/or STOP sign. The GX would feel as though it were hit from behind (rear ended) and you might get out of your car to see if the person behind you had hit you.

It has been described as HARD enough to feel as if you've been hit but NOT enough to spill a cup of coffee if it were in the cup holder. Personally I've yet to experience this, but there are at least two TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) from Toyota FACTORY with fixes for this issue.

FYI - Some have claimed that the TSB solutions have only been temporary and that the CLUNK eventually comes back.... Although one or two 05' users claim to have this, this was MAJOR problem for 03' owner and quite a few 04' users.

If I were you, I would test drive the GX specifically for this before taking it, BTW, don't bring this up with the Sales guy (if going to Lexus dealer) they don't know about it, only service dept. know or they do know, they'll claim ignorance...

Good luck!




-Alex

The G Man

According to this site, the 03 GX's third row seats are optional:

http://www.internetautoguide.com/rev...us/gx470/2003/

lonewolf69

G-man,

Right about the Drive shaft being the CLUNK issues, and also right about the 3rd row being optional, however, most of the dealers have PRE-ORDERED the GX with the 3rd row seating, so trying to find a "used" model without it is going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack...

Some GX owners did special order the GX's without the 3rd row but they are far and few in between, at least in the NY/NJ/CT tristate area...

-Alex

mink92890

Just a question... Y would someone opt to remove it if it was included? Would they get their money back. (just curious)

Still looking I want to get the car bought by January for the tax
Too bad the holiday season is hard to contact people


Mink92890

[EDIT:] I am going to see the 2003 today at 5 o' clock. It does indeed have the 3rd row seating and it has been serviced at a local LEXUS dealer its whole life. Does this mean the clunk issue will be gone? If there is anything else to test, please tell me now.


Thank You