VIPGS400

Hi, Im a current 99 GS4 owner considering the GX. I have heard mixed reviews from salespeople and friends and was wondering if u guys can help. Id like to know what you think about yours, comments and advice would help. Ive owned a mixture of MBZs and BMWs in the past, but have found that Lexus service is incomparable. Also the dependability of my GS compared to past E classes and 5 series, is astounding. I havent had any major issues. I find the GX price to be a bit high as Ive heard it is based on the 4Runner chasis. Here are my options:

GX with navi new mid $50k
01 ML430 with navi $35k
01 X5 4.4 $40k
Infiniti FX45 with navi new $45k

power wise the FX45 tops them all.. but looks wise i like the GX and the X5.

Please let me know what u think.. thanks in advance.

mogulbumm

Well, first of all you should be able to get a loaded GX for just over $47K (most people seem to be getting discounts of $4K - $5K off sticker since the 04 model is due out in a few months).

Regarding your choices (JMHO):

ML430 - The ML models have been nightmares with service since they have shifted the plant away from Germany. I was not at all impressed even with the new ones (except for the ML55 which was kind of fun)

X5 4.4 - I thought this was the most fun to drive and I have always loved my BMWs. Unless you never plan on carrying much more than a set of golf clubs behind that second seat you will find the lack of cargo space astonishing. In this case, I think you would be much better off, space-wise, with a 540 or 740 and skip the SUV.

FX45 - Again, like the X5... no storage. A lot of fun to drive and has been touted as taking the thunder away from the Porshe Cayenne.

I think you will find that most of us love our GX. It is not going to be near as sporty as the X5 or FX45, but in the end it will be a lot more practical. The GX has been bashed for it's lack of road feel (you can't feel the road while driving)... but that is the entire reason I bought the Lexus! There are a few smaller issues that people have complained about (especially in newsgroups where we are all fanatics about our vehicles), but you will find that overall it is a great truck. I can't think of another SUV I would buy in this price range. My only complaint is the swinging rear door...

Good luck!

major1

The GX470 has lots of nice features of which the navigation is probably the best around.

The problems (and I would not call them small) with the vehicle, once you become aware of them diminish it's ranking & ratings.

The GVWR certification at 6,000lbs eliminates any tax deduction.
It doesn't appear the 2004 will take care of that.
The vibration issue is becoming more & more known about (see NY Times article).
The vibration to date has not been fixed nor is there an announced fix in the works.

Several other problems are out there with shortage of replacement parts, throttle body problems, temperature gauge problems etc. (Also see Edmunds forum on the vehicle)

A number of GX470's have been bought back by Lexus for the outlined problems above.
Lexus have been very good at dealing with this & could well be buying back 300+ vehicles which are subsequently sold off at auction! (Consider resale down the road) although they are holding value at present but it's early still.

If after driving the others you like the GX470 then buy it, but be aware of the possible problems.

The Touareg and FX45 both drive & feel better & have much more power.
The GX470 has the better NAV system and 3rd row. The rear swing door is a pain! Drivers armrest is way too small.

Rx900

If ur a GS400 owner, you shouldn't have a problem buying the GX. The GX and GS are priced about the same. You will never go wrong with the GX. I'm happy with mine and I've had it ever since January.