Thinking about buying an 04-07 GX. Any known issues? Preferred colors or options?

 

Just bought a 2006 GX470, nautical blue, charcoal interior, 50K, great condition. It doesn't have Nav or ML sound, and being a 2006, no aux input for my iPhone. I do miss the backup camera, but Nav is a not a problem, as my iPhone has great mapping and GPS apps.

It is an amazing driving experience, such a different class than my XC90 or RX330, my former cars. I'd check about the drive shaft clunk and see if it was done on the car, and if you want an aux input, stay with 2007 or later. The more horsepower engine debuted in 2005, check out Edmunds description of year to year changes.

 

I bought a white 06 with 40,000 (CPO base model) miles in late '08. Great car but traded it in for a Gold '09 GX that is fully loaded. The ML is fantastic and I much prefer the factory installed Nav rather the Garmin. I prefer the Gold over the White but you really cant go wrong with any color. I would recommend that you shop around for the loaded models unless the "toys" dont matter.

 

Awesome truck - rides great, drives great, looks great. Very reliable overall. I have an '05 silver pine metallic, aka silver, with black pearl emblems and 63,000 miles.

As for the problems, a few of the most common are, in my opinion:
1. Dashboard cracking - mine has it, was "repaired" poorly, but the dash needs to be replaced this year - hoping Lexus will work with me...
2. Driveshaft clunk - mine had it but was fixed
3. Air suspension and/or shock failure - mine is fine so far
4. Radiator leak - mine had it and has been replaced
5. Side mirrors - problems with the tilting function - mine had it but I repaired it.

Options - mine has the 3rd row seats which the kids like. I don't have the ML sound system nor the KDSS so can't comment. Also, the tow hitch option would be useful if you have a boat or a bike rack.

Highly recommend it. Try to find a southern vehicle, low mileage, without a cracked dash, and with the clunk fixed.

 

They have a history of frozen brake calipers, along with the 4th gen 4Runners, so watch for that. Otherwise a solid truck.