Travis1963

Greetings. Love this forum and have been reading for a long time now. I am looking at a 05 GX470 92000 miles, silver, new Kumho tires, exterior is excellent, interior good. Test drive revealed flashing "off" light regarding suspension on dash. Also, the manual control does nothing. No records in the glove box. I assume timing belt and water pump need changing and I have a close friend who is a master mechanic who owes me. I am taking it to the Lexus dealer in town and have them inspect the rear suspension. From what I have read here I expect sensors. Truck sits well and rides pretty good, passenger side sits 1/2" lower. Any other items anyone think I should ask the dealer to check? Power is good, brakes feel good. Thanks for any advice. I do appreciate it. It is 19500.00. Price is negotiable of course pending what I find. Travis.
P.S. Again, great forum. I have probably read for 3 hours or so already. I also have an '06 GS 300 AWD, black with 75K, wife's car.

slvrboolet

That price it's nuts. Your looking in the 16k range since it sounds like it needs works.

rj4510

Are you sure the suspension is original? Sounds like a spring conversion to me and if the controls do nothing, it may even have after market shocks. The price would be right on target, if the car was pristine, but it sounds like a total mystery machine.

MnM24

Get it for 15K

Travis1963

Boy, I am glad I posted this. I will get under it and check on those shocks. I did not get to the dealer today to have them check it, too much going on at home. Pristine it is not. Nice outside, average in. Normal wear and no signs of abuse. I do have another question regarding these GX's. With the 90K service and all these rear suspension issues, a GX must be some kind of vehicle. I can understand the timing belt, that is normal on many cars, but the rear suspension problems I have read on here seem a little excessive. So, my question is, are these worth it considering these expenses? I know I love my wife's 300. The Lexus quality stands out on her car. Thanks for the comments. Travis.

ALAN553

I don't want to jinx myself, but you will only find the problems from enthusiasts on a message board, my 04 has 135k, and all suspension parts are original and still working perfectly, shocks, air suspension, CV boots etc. only have done required normal stuff. I am the original owner..fluids, timing belt plugs, filters etc....knock on wood. The truck is a Toyota, essentially bullet proof.ps..no interior issues either, everything works, no cracks in dash, leather in good condition. So don't be afraid to by the right truck for the right price.

rj4510

I have to replace my air springs @ 105k miles @ $800. Outside of that I've had no issues. My shocks have a bit of seepage, but should be good for another 50k still. That'll be about $1600 when they are do. That's not bad considering the rest of the truck and what you get. Like any other forum, problems get way more threads than non problems.

Some people cheapen out and replace the air springs and shocks when things go wrong. Part of that is the dealer scaring the hell out of people with repairs they don't need. If they see slightly wet shocks, the tell the customer they need to be changed. That's a bunch of bunk.

Some times it makes seance to convert to a traditional suspension, but it has to be done right or its junk to dangerous.

I've seen a bunch of GXs lowered too. That will destroy the suspension on these things slicker than anything. I still say this is a mystery machine and I'd stay away.

Travis1963

Thanks. I kind of assumed that a little. I have spent a lot of time on different car forums and your comments seem true. If I get this one I'll have the timing belt and water pump done and if the suspension happens to be bad or go bad I can do a conversion. I just don't want to drop a ton of money on the wrong SUV. My son and I have a fully stocked shop in back. We are working on something all the time, so we can save some dealer service over charging. Anyway, hopefully a long test drive Friday and negotiating.

Travis1963

Sorry, I forgot to mention that if its not a great deal I will not risk it. The advice here is great and appreciated.

rj4510

Make surf to check for squeaks and rattles too. These cars don't shake apart like others and should ride and drive solid.

ROSCOGX470

I'm sure you know but when replacing the TB be sure to do the waterpump, tensioners and thermostat? Your removing them anyway. As far as the suspension, the height sensors are common and mimick bad shocks. Other than the normal things to look for check the brakes good, common problems are sticking calipers and rotors that warp easy when heated up too much(from the sticking calipers)

Travis1963

I gave it a 110 mile test drive today. Smooth, quiet, tight. Front wheels need balanced. Drive train feels good and power is good throughout. Brakes feel strong and no pulling to either side or pulsating. I am waiting for them to decide to fix all my issues or I move on. Issues I want fixed are DVD, belt and water pump etc., inspect rear suspension at Lexus dealer. This GX is on a Dodge lot.