GX470 vs GX460, Just bought a 2017 GX460
03-12-17, 06:04 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
GX470 vs GX460, Just bought a 2017 GX460
I had a 2004 GX460 since new (wife's car) and we just picked up a 2017 GX460. I bought new vs used because the resale was so strong, it seemed to be very little discount to go used unless you went with one that really had some miles on it.
I bought a "base" model (the more loaded ones had a lot of silly, expensive options imo and it seemed it was either fully loaded or base) I thought I would share my impressions for others thinking of buying a newer GX.
Pros:
I love the modern lines
Vehicle feels like its carved from granite, very substantial and solid feeling.
Nice modern sound system with good smart phone integration. Most every car now has this, but it is nice when going from an older vehicle. Way better than the Mark Levinson rip off package in my old GX. I don't see any reason to buy the upgraded M package. Excellent sound quality from base sound system.
Integrated 3rd row is really handy if you have kids
Great engine with power down low, slightly better fuel economy.
Quieter cabin
Glass hatch that lifts up allows access without opening entire door
It's a lot of SUV for the money. Still not cheap, but SUVs have gone WAY up in price and this seemed like it offered the most bang for the buck.
Cons:
Interior has some cheap touches, Toyota/Lexus likes to put this silver painted plastic on a lot of their models that really looks dated. Old GX had real wood. I would be fine with just some quality black plastic. Interior is not horrible, but a few touches would make a big difference and I worry about the scratches with the silver paint. Leather feels a little downgraded (there is a nicer leather option)
Ride is a bit on the firm side. Not harsh, but seems old GX has a more cushioned ride that I would prefer. The new model I got has conventional steel coil suspension (I didn't want the air suspension headaches) I'm hoping it softens up with some more miles.
Steering takes more effort than old model, I personally like a more "boosted" steering feel.
Rear cargo area has less room on account of the integrated 3rd row (but I think it's a worthwhile tradeoff)
Manual 3rd row up and down is a bit cumbersome and electric option was pricey
Lexus still kept the ridiculous "barn door" on the rear that's a pain, especially if you want to open it with a closed garage door.
Summary:
Our GX was getting long in the tooth and we looked at a lot of options but came back to the GX. The 2nd place was the Mercedes GL, but the price was too much to justify and I don't trust Mercedes reliability or resale. If you plan to just buy a new car every 3 years or so and money is not an option, I would say the Mercedes is a better package for an on-road SUV. I would not want to own a Mercedes outside of a warranty. Also looked at used Lexus LX models, but were difficult to find. New price was outside of our budget, but liked the bigger size. Around $98k on the sticker.
Our old GX 470 had been fairly reliable (but did have more issues than previous Lexus models I have owned in the past) We had it 13+ years and around 135k miles.
I'm definitely happy with the new purchase, but I think it would have been smarter financially to have held out a bit longer with the GX470. Wife really insisted it was time to get a new car.
Hope this info helps someone make a similar decision.
I bought a "base" model (the more loaded ones had a lot of silly, expensive options imo and it seemed it was either fully loaded or base) I thought I would share my impressions for others thinking of buying a newer GX.
Pros:
I love the modern lines
Vehicle feels like its carved from granite, very substantial and solid feeling.
Nice modern sound system with good smart phone integration. Most every car now has this, but it is nice when going from an older vehicle. Way better than the Mark Levinson rip off package in my old GX. I don't see any reason to buy the upgraded M package. Excellent sound quality from base sound system.
Integrated 3rd row is really handy if you have kids
Great engine with power down low, slightly better fuel economy.
Quieter cabin
Glass hatch that lifts up allows access without opening entire door
It's a lot of SUV for the money. Still not cheap, but SUVs have gone WAY up in price and this seemed like it offered the most bang for the buck.
Cons:
Interior has some cheap touches, Toyota/Lexus likes to put this silver painted plastic on a lot of their models that really looks dated. Old GX had real wood. I would be fine with just some quality black plastic. Interior is not horrible, but a few touches would make a big difference and I worry about the scratches with the silver paint. Leather feels a little downgraded (there is a nicer leather option)
Ride is a bit on the firm side. Not harsh, but seems old GX has a more cushioned ride that I would prefer. The new model I got has conventional steel coil suspension (I didn't want the air suspension headaches) I'm hoping it softens up with some more miles.
Steering takes more effort than old model, I personally like a more "boosted" steering feel.
Rear cargo area has less room on account of the integrated 3rd row (but I think it's a worthwhile tradeoff)
Manual 3rd row up and down is a bit cumbersome and electric option was pricey
Lexus still kept the ridiculous "barn door" on the rear that's a pain, especially if you want to open it with a closed garage door.
Summary:
Our GX was getting long in the tooth and we looked at a lot of options but came back to the GX. The 2nd place was the Mercedes GL, but the price was too much to justify and I don't trust Mercedes reliability or resale. If you plan to just buy a new car every 3 years or so and money is not an option, I would say the Mercedes is a better package for an on-road SUV. I would not want to own a Mercedes outside of a warranty. Also looked at used Lexus LX models, but were difficult to find. New price was outside of our budget, but liked the bigger size. Around $98k on the sticker.
Our old GX 470 had been fairly reliable (but did have more issues than previous Lexus models I have owned in the past) We had it 13+ years and around 135k miles.
I'm definitely happy with the new purchase, but I think it would have been smarter financially to have held out a bit longer with the GX470. Wife really insisted it was time to get a new car.
Hope this info helps someone make a similar decision.
03-12-17, 10:11 PM
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
The window sticker was around $59k and some change, I got it around $54,500 before taxes.
Everything out the door was around $59,500.
I think it's highly dependent on what part of the country you're in regarding how much a dealer is willing to take off. Most dealers don't have any problems moving these models, I knew someone that wholesales cars and did a better deal than I could have done locally by going out of state.
Trending Topics
11-24-18, 08:21 PM
#8
Pole Position
Congrats .
Last edited by UZ214; 11-24-18 at 09:26 PM.
The following users liked this post:
BeEvil (11-24-18)
12-10-18, 08:56 PM
#9
My wife just upgraded to a 2016 luxury edition, it's very nice, but man do I miss the power of the 2UZ-FE and torque of the GX470. I think I like the GX470 better despite all of the modern technology and stereo system.
The following users liked this post:
idahonick (03-21-22)
12-11-18, 01:15 AM
#10
Super Moderator
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...orsepower.html
07-20-22, 10:55 AM
#11
Great post, a lot of time invested swapping cars though! I got my GX because I was tired of dealing with unreliable European cars. Not as sleek design but after a couple years all I can honestly say I sleep better, no surprise bills or weird unexpected failures. The GX is uber reliable, genuine parts are very fair priced too!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mikec82329
LX - 3rd Gen (2008-2021)
17
02-13-19 08:21 AM
Lou19
GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009)
24
03-20-07 05:45 AM