rstl99

Thanks to all who helped me with various comments and bits of advice during my vehicle search for a 4Runner or GX over the last few months. Although I came close to buying a couple of 4Runners, I'm glad I held out for a nice GX, which stemmed from the time I got to test drive one of each back to back at a used car lot a couple of months ago. The difference was staggering (comfort, seating condition, noise, performance). Sure I wish the GX had a hatch like a 4Runner but overall I feel the GX is a nicer vehicle to drive.

Now sitting in my driveway with my plates on it is a 2004 GX470 in ash blue mica color. Bought it from the second owner and it's in nice condition. Nice to have a Toyota/Lexus truck-frame 4x4 again. I look forward to owning, driving and looking after this "wolf in sheep's clothing" over the next few (many?) years. Mine had the rear air suspension replaced with coils and shocks a couple of years ago, so that maintenance has been simplified.

I won't be doing a major build as several people here carry out, I plan on using it relatively stock, mostly road and marginal road use (no offroading). First point of order will be to put the two jumper seats in the rear into my shed, and try to remove accumulated dust and dirt underneath (previous owner lived on a dirt road).

Look forward to exchanging information with some of you about these great vehicles, and getting advice on things I'll discover about mine.

macxus

Congrats! I just took home an 07 GX 470 last night and owning a 4runner, let me tell you I'll be driving it....on the weekends cause it's my wife's car!

rstl99

Yeah you got a few more horsies with that 07, forget the other differences. You probably have the NAV display and AC/Radio interface?
Anyway, I got the best GX I could find locally, and have only seen 3 in the last 3-4 months, so figured this one was worth a try.
I've read some people favor the earlier models (03, 04) because they are relatively somewhat "simpler" in design. But they ARE older, so potentially more wear on them. A bit cheaper to buy than the later ones. Everyone has a different pros-cons equation to find a "sweet-spot" vehicle. So far so good with mine.
Good luck with yours, and enjoy those weekend drives ;-)

GarrettBla

very nice, I just replaced my 05 4 runner with a 05 470 with nav etc.

djspock303

Welcome to the club!

brycejaq

Welcome to the GX family. We've had our 06 since Sept '09 (we're the 2nd owners). Started with just at 40k, now 127 and counting...all the while it hasn't skipped a beat once. We also previously owned a '99 T4R, loved everything about it, but upgrading to the GX (and 10 year newer vehicle) was the best decision we ever made.

Enough for my long-winded rambling (it's almost 3am here and my son won't sleep or let me sleep).

Welcome again!

rstl99

Thanks folks. I've been doing a bit of baselining on the GX - rust proofing, coolant, cleaning out spare tire etc. Bought a pair of air filters.
Just bought this cargo liner at Lee Valley Tools for hauling stuff to and from the cottage
http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/p...194,43391&ap=1