BrianGX

GX community,

I put a deposit down on a private party 2005 GX470 with 144k miles. It has Nav, rear seat DVD, aftermarket Xenon and remote start. Body is in good shape no rust, leather is worn on the driver's seat and shift **** and the rear seat cup holder is broken. Wheels are scuffed and starting to corrode. Frame looks good, very little rust for being an 11 year old Ohio car. Everything works like the rear air suspension, the AC and all the electronics from what I can tell. It does need tires and the timing belt & water pump are all original! Replacing the timing belt doesn't scare me, I've done it before on an Audi TT, but what does scare me is blowing an engine if the belt breaks on my drive home from Toledo to Cleveland. I offered $9,000 for it and settled on $9,500.

Is $9,500 a good price considering the condition?

If you were me would you drive it home 2 hours or have the timing belt done before I leave?

Do I walk away without my $300 deposit?


Please share your thoughts and opinions, thanks!
Brian

180ls1

Itll be fine. Or make the sale conditional specifying that if the timing belt breaks within X time frame you will get a refund. But honestly, it'll be fine.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus,

It'll be fine for the 2 hour drive.

rstl99

I've read of timing belts going much longer on those so as others have said you'll be fine, just take it slow and easy, no sudden accelerations. Sit back and relax and enjoy the cushy air suspension ride...
Enjoy your GX!

pillguy

Congratulations, post a few pictures up. We're you able to check the vehicle history on lexus website?

Dallasguy1

Timing belt shouldn't be a deal breaker 150-170 for parts and 300 for labor should do it , if the body is clean plus the Carfax go for it.

erkelbot

I would be more concerned with the frame being rusted out in a 2005 coming from Ohio. How does it look underneath? Probably a fine price assuming it's not dying from the under side. The other things to consider are the suspension elements in the rear typically begin to have problems around that mileage. If they start to die, just replace them with better common non air ride components (bilsteins or the like). Cheaper, and lifetime warranted. You may sacrifice cush, but it will handle much better with less body roll.

chrtorres

I agree with everyone else. Purchased my 03 GX470 last year with 82k and I just did my timing belt earlier this year 2016. I drove from NYC to VA Beach and back no issues last year. You'll be fine.enjoy

470reasons

The GX engine is only turning about 2000 rpm at 70 MPH so the belt is not working that hard. But, yes overdue for a new belt.