GX vs. X5
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: MD
GX vs. X5
Hello,
I am thinking about buying either the new GX fully loaded or a 3.0 X5 that is pretty well loaded. Does anyone have any opinions on either car. I test drove the GX last night, and it drove very smooth. I love the way BMW's drive, but for around the same price, the GX comes with more features.
Also, since its the first year of production on the GX, does anyone worry about problems or issues down the road?
Thanks,
Chris
I am thinking about buying either the new GX fully loaded or a 3.0 X5 that is pretty well loaded. Does anyone have any opinions on either car. I test drove the GX last night, and it drove very smooth. I love the way BMW's drive, but for around the same price, the GX comes with more features.
Also, since its the first year of production on the GX, does anyone worry about problems or issues down the road?
Thanks,
Chris
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 3
From: Connecticut
In my opinion Lexus doesn't release vehicles without thoroughly testing them through. I have consistently purchased first year vehicles from Toyota and Lexus and have never had any issues.
As far as comparison, if you go to Lexus's web site and click on compare (I have also posted this) you can configure the vehicles you wish to compare the GX to and Edmunds (I believe) does the comparison.
As far as comparison, if you go to Lexus's web site and click on compare (I have also posted this) you can configure the vehicles you wish to compare the GX to and Edmunds (I believe) does the comparison.
GX and 2IS Moderator
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 1
From: New York
Check the Jan '03 Car & Driver
The GX spanked the X5 3.0 in the rankings. I am holding off on my GX purchase until '04 I think, not so much first year issues, but more for some new options/packaging of options.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2
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From: MD
Not really spanked
If you look at the numbers, the X5 got a 5 for amenities. If I get a fully loaded X5, it will be just the same. A 5 was a terrible score, which is why the X5's overall number was so down.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 3
From: Connecticut
Qualification on the first year vehicle purchases.
2 - 1986 Toyota 4runners.
New that year:
Independent Front Suspension :-)
4 speed automatic overdrive transmission
Automatic Locking Hubs
Turbo 1.6 4 cyl engine
Digital Dashboard
No problems with either
1990 Toyota 4runner
New that year
Revamped suspension
New transmission
Brand New V6 engine
Different Body, different tailgate
1996 Toyota 4runner
New that year
Revamped suspension
New transmission
Brand New V6 engine
Different Body, different tailgate
1999 Lexus RX300
New Model - Everything
2003 GX470 :-)
New Model - Everything
If you don't buy one, I'll let ya know, but I'm banking on my past experiences!
2 - 1986 Toyota 4runners.
New that year:
Independent Front Suspension :-)
4 speed automatic overdrive transmission
Automatic Locking Hubs
Turbo 1.6 4 cyl engine
Digital Dashboard
No problems with either
1990 Toyota 4runner
New that year
Revamped suspension
New transmission
Brand New V6 engine
Different Body, different tailgate
1996 Toyota 4runner
New that year
Revamped suspension
New transmission
Brand New V6 engine
Different Body, different tailgate
1999 Lexus RX300
New Model - Everything
2003 GX470 :-)
New Model - Everything
If you don't buy one, I'll let ya know, but I'm banking on my past experiences!
Last edited by looknow12; Dec 12, 2002 at 06:02 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 85
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From: CA
I was in the same predicament as you. Which one GX-470 or X5 3.0? X5 is more car like (primarily because its a unibody design and tuned to have a BMW feel) but the GX is more rugged with a body on frame design. The GX for the rest of the world is a Land Cruiser. Toyota is legendary for the Land Cruiser's reliability, sturdiness and off-road abilities. Although a tough choice, I will buy a GX hopefully before the end of the year.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: CA
You mean the GX is a 4-runner. Land-cruiser is the LX. I bought a 2003 LX 470 but went and test drove the GX anyway.
GX is a better buy for the price but I think I like the ride , feel , and roominess of the LX better. Just a personal preference but you can't go wrong with either one.
Back to BMW X-5, I drove it before buying my LX. BMW is more "spirited" but Lexus is more useful. I think you have to go outside to the back of the Bimmer's rear hatch in order to recline the second row seats. ( That's what the salesman told me) It makes no sense. Besides, lugguage space in the x-5 is pathetic with the rear seat up. With the 3rd row seats folded, GX has more cargo space. I am sure the GX will be more reliable in the long run. Just speculating based on past experience.
GX is a better buy for the price but I think I like the ride , feel , and roominess of the LX better. Just a personal preference but you can't go wrong with either one.
Back to BMW X-5, I drove it before buying my LX. BMW is more "spirited" but Lexus is more useful. I think you have to go outside to the back of the Bimmer's rear hatch in order to recline the second row seats. ( That's what the salesman told me) It makes no sense. Besides, lugguage space in the x-5 is pathetic with the rear seat up. With the 3rd row seats folded, GX has more cargo space. I am sure the GX will be more reliable in the long run. Just speculating based on past experience.
Last edited by golfnut; Dec 12, 2002 at 11:02 PM.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9
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From: CA
You can goto the Benz forums under M Class for second opinion. There are reasons for X5 slow sale. One of the problems - car fire, perhaps they have alredy made some improvement like a auto distinguisher.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/
http://www.mbworld.org/forum/w163/board/home.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/
http://www.mbworld.org/forum/w163/board/home.html
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