Stevebarth

Hi All,

After countless hours of searching for a family vehicle, I stumbled upon a 2009 GX470 with only 9k miles. The Carfax report shows only one owner with annual service records. They are asking $28k for her. If indeed this is a garage queen, would you guys recommend it? This model appears to be one of the best SUVs ever made. Is it possible for a vehicle to be driven too little? Thank you for your time!

SB

tz693

Even thought the mileage is extremely low, the price seems high. Less driven car does not mean better condition. I will check everything carefully.

Stevebarth

I also thought the price was too high. I was thinking offering 21k, then accepting 24k eventually.

Sns1938

I found a 2012 GX460 with 65,000 miles at a reputable used car dealer (who mainly do BMW's) for $30k in the Bay Area. Although 65k is greater than 9k, I would have thought it was a better deal than the older and lower mileage one you're looking at.

(I'm still trying to secure a GX myself, but more in the $14-18k range).

hochiminh

A series 150 is different though. No V8 and there are some apparent issues with reliability.

OP, I think low mileage is not much of a concern if compression checks out OK and the timing belt has been replaced. You could also check the tires for dry rot. Fluids can always be flushed after purchase, and there are some decent restorative additives if you are worried about stale gas and general fuel line conditions. A pre-purchase inspection up front should help negotiations down the line.

chiph9

I agree. Cars need to be driven to keep parts lubricated and to take care of age-related failures. I'd be as cautious of a shopper looking a 9k car as I would with a 200k car of the same year.

Chip H.

artinist

KBB says $23.5k from a private party/$25k from dealer if its very clean.

an 09 with 70k just sold for $22 here in California at a dealer .

kmchuk

Based on age, it's due for timing belt and water pump maintenance, and tires have probably expired. That's almost $2k, so you have to consider that in your purchase price.

dtaylor

I agree about the price being a bit high. I've had about 140 or so personal vehicles in my life. I usually remember the ones I've enjoyed driving the most, or had some feature that was cool to me. Paying too much is not a good financial decision. That said, I can think of 6-7 that I paid too much for but enjoyed a lot over the time I had them. Paid 23.5 for an 03 LS430 with75k miles in 2007. Probably 2k more than I should have paid. Best sedan ever. Loved it. Would still have it if someone had not totaled it for me in 13. Bought the GX as a replacement. Paid 25k for it with 55k on the clock. I have 140k on it now and love it. I always try to consider how much I'll like the vehicle before I buy it. For whatever that is worth.

bkingsle8

I think the price is maybe $3,000 too high - but, there are only a few GX's out there with that kind of mileage - the ones I've found are around 45,000-60,000 miles and they are priced around $22,000 - for the 09, I'd say a great deal would be at $25,000 or less.

If this were a 2009 diesel vehicle, with 9,000 miles, then I'd say to be cautious - diesels need to be driven in order for their seals and o-rings to not dry out, deteriorate and fail prematurely.