Thanks to everyone who replied to my “Rear Entertainment and Various” post. Much to our disappointment, we think we’re just going to wait at this point. We spent a ton of time looking at the various offerings out there and after all that were really ready to buy the GX470. However, there were ultimately just too many things about the truck that bothered us.

Frankly, the vibration problem freaked us out. As I mentioned in my other post, we aren’t really concerned about Lexus addressing it. That said, we are worried about how invasive any potential fix might be. Plus, the local dealer was completely clueless on the problem, which didn’t give us a warm fuzzy. So, we’d rather see that sorted out before moving on anything.

There were also too many niggling problems that tripped us up as well. No MIBs, no rear camera, etc. Maybe we’re just being whiney, but seems to us that if you drop 50K on a truck little things like that should be there. I think just about every other truck in its class has those features. Heck, the 330 even has them. Also, please quit making us buy LexusLink in order to get the rear entertainment system.

So, here we sit. We’re even considering just waiting until the 2004 model comes out. Looks like at least some of the shortcomings like rear camera, etc., will be there. You would hope that stuff like vibration problems would have been completely sorted out by then, too, though I suppose the new “kinetic” suspension could throw some new wrinkles in there.

Now, having said all that, anyone have any inside scoop on when we could expect to start seeing 2004 GX470s?

Thanks!

 

when you drop 50K on a vehicle, you're not being whiney. If you were spending 15K on a mini-suv, you'd be whiney.

 

You guys on the left coast will probably see them Dec/Jan...we may not see them here until Feb. Just what I've gathered from my sources at Lexus.

 

I am also in the market for a GX470. Having been a fence sitter for quite sometime now... We are certain that the GX470 is the SUV for us.

I have been been intouch with 3 different dealers, I inquired with all 3 as to when they might expect the 2004's. All 3 have indicated that they expect to see them on Sept.28 on! So I think I will wait until then.

Two of the dealers confirmed that they also heard that the rear camera will be added as an option and also a new suspension. They could not if HID will be an option.

My wife and I our most anxious in seeing the 2004's, because there are two new colors being added, the unfortunate thing is that the Sand Dollar Pearl will be discontinued.

Hope this information helps...

 

wonder what there gonna do with the suspension?

 

Auto Spies exclusive: Changes coming for 2004 Lexus cars


The spies are hearing rumors that ALL Lexus vehicles with navigation monitors will have the rear-view camera option available. [/url]

Article form Auto Spies Newsletter June 19, 2003




http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000160756.cfm

 

For what it's worth, the salesperson we've been dealing with said he wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing the 2004s in mid-August. I don't think he knew specifically, but was guessing based on availability of the 2003 models. In other words, he said that the end of this month was the last time the dealership would be able to "preference" the 2003s coming off the water. After that, the line in Japan will stop making them. So, he was extrapolating based on that information that the 2004s would be following shortly thereafter.

 

I don't know if that really means much. I just bought a Yukon b/c of the GVWR fiasco with the GX470. I couldn't special order one b/c they stopped the '03 line in mid May. I think that is just normal for a car year. The local guy figured early September, but I've learned that this forum is more up to date than the dealers.

 

"2004 Lexus GX 470 changes

Here’s what we know so far:

1) Rear-view camera option (like on the RX330)
2) New wheel choices
3) New "kinetic" suspension (see detail below)
4) Two new colors
5) Rumor of a special package in mid-year, like ‘Coach’ offerings in the past"


Cut & Paste from Auto Spies, thread below for full story:

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000149361.cfm