Pros and Cons of 04 GX 470
06-08-14, 01:26 PM
#1
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Pros and Cons of 04 GX 470
I am looking at purchasing an 04 GX 470. I would like some honest opinions about what is best and also what problems any have experienced with this model. I am slightly worried about the gas millage since it is a V8. Of course I love the feel and way it drives.
Please help me decide
Please help me decide
06-08-14, 02:15 PM
#2
Pole Position
I am looking at purchasing an 04 GX 470. I would like some honest opinions about what is best and also what problems any have experienced with this model. I am slightly worried about the gas millage since it is a V8. Of course I love the feel and way it drives.
Please help me decide
Please help me decide
Just checked my credit card statement for May. Spent $865.00 on gas for the GX - but I DID drive it to hell and back.
06-08-14, 04:55 PM
#3
Some (many?) 03-04s had issues with the dashes cracking, especially in warmer climates. Cracks usually start near the vents and grow. 2005 and higher have the variable timing engine with more power and supposedly better mileage. But I don't think you'd find the 04 lacking in power and mileage is poor for all of them.
Known problem areas are radiators (not too expensive) and air bag suspension (expensive, but can be replaced with traditional coils). Other things like the shocks are not problematic, but expensive when they wear out. But there are cheaper replacements if you don't want the adjustable ride controls.
The drivetrain has been around for awhile and is VERY reliable. Needs timing belt service every 90K miles, which is about $1000 to have a shop do. You can also run the VIN through My Lexus to see what work has been done at Lexus dealers.
Known problem areas are radiators (not too expensive) and air bag suspension (expensive, but can be replaced with traditional coils). Other things like the shocks are not problematic, but expensive when they wear out. But there are cheaper replacements if you don't want the adjustable ride controls.
The drivetrain has been around for awhile and is VERY reliable. Needs timing belt service every 90K miles, which is about $1000 to have a shop do. You can also run the VIN through My Lexus to see what work has been done at Lexus dealers.
06-08-14, 07:10 PM
#4
Pit Crew
Some (many?) 03-04s had issues with the dashes cracking, especially in warmer climates. Cracks usually start near the vents and grow. 2005 and higher have the variable timing engine with more power and supposedly better mileage. But I don't think you'd find the 04 lacking in power and mileage is poor for all of them.
Known problem areas are radiators (not too expensive) and air bag suspension (expensive, but can be replaced with traditional coils). Other things like the shocks are not problematic, but expensive when they wear out. But there are cheaper replacements if you don't want the adjustable ride controls.
The drivetrain has been around for awhile and is VERY reliable. Needs timing belt service every 90K miles, which is about $1000 to have a shop do. You can also run the VIN through My Lexus to see what work has been done at Lexus dealers.
Known problem areas are radiators (not too expensive) and air bag suspension (expensive, but can be replaced with traditional coils). Other things like the shocks are not problematic, but expensive when they wear out. But there are cheaper replacements if you don't want the adjustable ride controls.
The drivetrain has been around for awhile and is VERY reliable. Needs timing belt service every 90K miles, which is about $1000 to have a shop do. You can also run the VIN through My Lexus to see what work has been done at Lexus dealers.
Gas mileage: on highway it compares to my wife's 05 Honda Odyssey V6. Just go easy on the pedal in the city.
06-09-14, 10:31 PM
#6
Some of the pros i would say is that they feel like muscle cars and have tons of power compared to some of its stablemates with the same engine. Don't let the 230-270 horsepower rating fool you, it feels much higher due to the 2UZ-FEs very high levels of torque at low RPMs. After driving an 89' Landcruiser that could barely pull its own weight for 11+ years, this was a very welcome change.
The drive train, as others have said, is very robust, and You have a proper 2-speed transfer case and a very high level of off-road ability. Not only that, they are very quiet, ride very nicely, are very plush and in my opinion have better quality interior materials than even the LX470s.
Now the one thing wish i could change.. I cant STAND the way how the second row seats tumble forward! It seems they are mounted too far forwards and I always have to scooch the front seats up in order for them to fold up enough to lock.
The older Toyota seats, like in my 89 4Runner, where the seat cushion folded forwards and then the seatback would fold down behind it was a much better set-up, and didn;t require my 6'4" butt to drive with my knees in my face when the rear seats are folded down.... just my two cents!
The drive train, as others have said, is very robust, and You have a proper 2-speed transfer case and a very high level of off-road ability. Not only that, they are very quiet, ride very nicely, are very plush and in my opinion have better quality interior materials than even the LX470s.
Now the one thing wish i could change.. I cant STAND the way how the second row seats tumble forward! It seems they are mounted too far forwards and I always have to scooch the front seats up in order for them to fold up enough to lock.
The older Toyota seats, like in my 89 4Runner, where the seat cushion folded forwards and then the seatback would fold down behind it was a much better set-up, and didn;t require my 6'4" butt to drive with my knees in my face when the rear seats are folded down.... just my two cents!
06-11-14, 08:26 AM
#7
Some of the pros i would say is that they feel like muscle cars and have tons of power compared to some of its stablemates with the same engine. Don't let the 230-270 horsepower rating fool you, it feels much higher due to the 2UZ-FEs very high levels of torque at low RPMs. After driving an 89' Landcruiser that could barely pull its own weight for 11+ years, this was a very welcome change.
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Kriss2018 (08-09-19)
06-12-14, 05:28 PM
#9
Instructor
Bought my 04 in 2010 and still think its the best riding SUV. I've done the coil conversion and highly recommend it if air bags fail. Check the rims for corrosion, it is probably the most common problem on the GX's.
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Kriss2018 (08-09-19)
06-13-14, 09:11 AM
#10
Coil conversion is a hot issue here, what did you do? Parts/brand, ride quality etc, in detail would be appreciated.
06-13-14, 06:48 PM
#11
Instructor
I bought my rear coils from Rockauto, they were raybestos intended for 4runner. I bought a set of rubber insulators also for 4runner and just fabricated a coil hold down bracket. Ride is great, beyond what I expected and never have to worry about the expensive suspension again.
06-13-14, 10:09 PM
#12
I bought my rear coils from Rockauto, they were raybestos intended for 4runner. I bought a set of rubber insulators also for 4runner and just fabricated a coil hold down bracket. Ride is great, beyond what I expected and never have to worry about the expensive suspension again.
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