Robrods

I am posting this same question in both 1st gen and 2nd gen GX forums.

Looking at purchasing an older used GX. I've read several posts of 470 vs 460 so I get the generation differences (ride/size/3rd row/materials/etc). However, I couldn't find much (or used wrong keywords) on DIY serviceability. I currently maintain and perform all repairs on both my early 2000's BMW's and have a fairly well equipped garage, code scanner, specialty tools, etc. In the BMW world there are some pivotal model generations that noticeably impact the ability to service the cars without very expensive equipment or became exceptionally difficult to work on. I fully intend to service as much as I can if something does go wrong.

So with that in mind, which model would you recommend from a serviceability point of view?

deeken

I have a 2006 GX470 which was a hand me down from my dad who upgraded to a 2015 GX460. They are very similar in serviceability. Both are expensive to maintain. As much as I hate to admit it but the newer GX460 is a better car all around. More powerful and more efficient engine, better iphone compatibility, more updates to GPS maps, etc. Parts will be a bit cheaper for the GX470. The only benefit of the 470 over the 460 is that it is a bit roomier. I felt a bit cramped in my dad's GX460. Also the GX470 has the 3rd row seating.

LoneHiker

There's not much difference between the two. The 460 actually eliminated the rear air suspension, so that's one less headache. I do 99.9% of my own work, and I find my 470 to be extremely easy to work on. Toyota put in a lot of touches to make things easy, such as the 2 magic bolts that allow you to move the steering knuckle and replace CV axles without separating ball joints or tie rod ends. I've done a lot of preventative (or catch-up) maintenance on my 470 since buying it 14 months ago, everything has been super easy. Checking the transmission fluid is the only somewhat annoying issue I've encountered. Unfortunately both vehicles use timing belts, so there's no way to get out of that bit of maintenance.

Parts are only expensive for those who have to replace everything with OEM. There are reasonably priced and well built aftermarket parts available. The only exception might be the CV axles. Half of the 4runner/GX owners say the OEM axles are terrible and half say the aftermarket ones are terrible. The truth is that both are very poor quality, much weaker than my ZR-2 Blazer's CV axles for example, and that's kind of sad on the part of Toyota.