GX vs LS Reliability
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From: ON
I'm finding that the OP's question is a bit curious. These two vehicles couldn't be more different from each other so really there's some more info needed to provide an answer. One is a full on truck capable of going off road and dealing with grueling conditions. The other is a big luxo-boat with all types of options to make sure your every need is met. They're really on opposite ends of the luxury used vehicle market.
Assuming that there are two exact vehicles for sale at 150K km, then you have to look at owner history, maintenance and the general condition of these vehicles. The GX is going to need a timing belt/water pump change right about that mileage. The LS might need its lower control arms done if they've not been done. These are now ten year old vehicles, so it's more about which one is in better shape, not which one is better than the other.
And in Ontario, you need an AWD or 4WD vehicle if you plan on driving in the winter. The LS was optional AWD, so that's a consideration.
Assuming that there are two exact vehicles for sale at 150K km, then you have to look at owner history, maintenance and the general condition of these vehicles. The GX is going to need a timing belt/water pump change right about that mileage. The LS might need its lower control arms done if they've not been done. These are now ten year old vehicles, so it's more about which one is in better shape, not which one is better than the other.
And in Ontario, you need an AWD or 4WD vehicle if you plan on driving in the winter. The LS was optional AWD, so that's a consideration.
Thanks for the info, very good responses here. Appreciate it.
Huh?
You do know the life expectancy of all suspension parts is DRASTICALLY reduced offroad use vs. street use?
Your post makes it sound like you're getting 100k miles out of a GX (stock or modded) if used offroad. You're not,
Most high end suspension manufacturers recommend a rebuild at around 20k miles if their components are used offroad.
You do know the life expectancy of all suspension parts is DRASTICALLY reduced offroad use vs. street use?
Your post makes it sound like you're getting 100k miles out of a GX (stock or modded) if used offroad. You're not,
Most high end suspension manufacturers recommend a rebuild at around 20k miles if their components are used offroad.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
Huh?
You do know the life expectancy of all suspension parts is DRASTICALLY reduced offroad use vs. street use?
Your post makes it sound like you're getting 100k miles out of a GX (stock or modded) if used offroad. You're not,
Most high end suspension manufacturers recommend a rebuild at around 20k miles if their components are used offroad.
You do know the life expectancy of all suspension parts is DRASTICALLY reduced offroad use vs. street use?
Your post makes it sound like you're getting 100k miles out of a GX (stock or modded) if used offroad. You're not,
Most high end suspension manufacturers recommend a rebuild at around 20k miles if their components are used offroad.
on the other hand
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Dec 25, 2017 at 11:28 AM.
Based on the simple fact that an LS430 weights alot less than a GX, has a bulletproof 6spd that's geared better, that car requires much less effort to move around and in effect puts less stress on the drivetrain components both in acceleration and highway use. In theory the LS should last longer but you're getting 300k+ miles out of either motor/trans no problem as long as they are maintained.
I hear a lot of this stuff from people who have never owned Toyota or Lexus SUVS. I would say the GX is more durable but I don't either or is more reliable. GX still has AVS, air suspension, opitron, digital HVAC, they all could easily fail. No timing belt for the 07 LS on the other hand
on the other handAir suspension failure on LS is extremely common and should be planned for at the 100k mile mark. Super expensive to fix.
For me, reliability is not even an issue on either one of these, the ride quality would be the No 1 deciding factor. Every GX or 4Runner I've ridden in just felt too bouncy and "un planted". Idk what it is about them, maybe they're too narrow or have a wheel base that is too short but I could not see myself ever owning one. I just drove a brand new 2017 GX and it also felt cramped and bouncy.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
For me, reliability is not even an issue on either one of these, the ride quality would be the No 1 deciding factor. Every GX or 4Runner I've ridden in just felt too bouncy and "un planted". Idk what it is about them, maybe they're too narrow or have a wheel base that is too short but I could not see myself ever owning one. I just drove a brand new 2017 GX and it also felt cramped and bouncy.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
This gets batted about on here a lot, but its really not accurate. Yes they had some teething issues with the 07 models, I personally would avoid the 07-09 models probably when buying. To say however that all the 07+ models are going to be problematic compared to earlier cars isn't fair, and from many years of posting in the 4LS forums and seeing what is posted about, isn't accurate. I fully expect my 2015 LS will be just as reliable and long lasting as my previous LS cars.
Lexus dropped the ball on the 460's....
I don't want to get into details because the info is widely available, but my brother has been in Lexus service for several years.... let's just say he, and all of the mechanics at his work said DO NOT get a 460....
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Posts: 68,789
Likes: 4,086
From: Maryland
I just dont agree. I’ve had this conversation with my mechanic who owns a Lexus specific shop and was a Lexus master tech for 15+ years beforehand. Might it not be as bulletproof as the previous engine? Perhaps, but to say “DO NOT BUY ONE” is dramatically overstating the case. It’s still one of the most reliable cars on the road, and far and away the most reliable large flagship luxury sedan you can buy.
come to the 4LS forum. Plenty of people with 150k+ on their early 460s with no problems. The 430s are really old now, at the point where sheer age creates more potential problems than a newer 460 may have worst case.
My 460 only has 46k on it right now, but I would drive it to 200k without worry.
come to the 4LS forum. Plenty of people with 150k+ on their early 460s with no problems. The 430s are really old now, at the point where sheer age creates more potential problems than a newer 460 may have worst case.
My 460 only has 46k on it right now, but I would drive it to 200k without worry.
Last edited by SW17LS; Dec 26, 2017 at 10:54 AM.
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