"The capable GX 460 transitions into the 2012 model year with minimal changes. The standard model receives color-keyed bodyside molding with a chrome accent, while the Premium model now features a high-gloss wheel finish. In addition, the Fire Agate Pearl exterior replaces Peridot Mica."

http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases...ty+comfort.htm

 

" ... color-keyed bodyside molding with a chrome accent ..."

I want that!

 

I so want that too! Wouldn't mind ordering it but i'm reading that applying the chrome moulding is just with two sided tape and its kind of scaring me off. I feel that it should be bolted on.

 

I wonder if they are different from the 2011 door moldings. I don't see a "chrome accent" on this year's models. Just body color ...

 

wonder what it looks like.

btw. big deal..is that all they changed...how about fixes to the rust and shaking issues :-)

Or how about some LED front lights like Audis, Lexus IS', and Mercedes?

 

Another way to view this is that it preserves the value of the GX 460s already on the road.

We bought serial number 518 in February 2010 ... it was assembled in November 2009. A year and a half, 16 thousand miles and two model years later it is essentially unchanged. We feel good knowing that the brand-new 2012 GX 460 in our dealer's showroom is indistinguishable from what we are driving.

Would LED front lights sell any more vehicles? Maybe, but it would make current owners resentful. More to the point, would any current owner be persuaded to trade for such a minor upgrade?

Lexus seems to 'bunch' their upgrades so there is a significant upgrade three to four years after a new model is introduced and a new model in six to seven years. However, with an 'archaic' design like the GX there may be nothing new for many years ... if ever. Indeed, we purchased our GX with the expectation that it will be not only our last, but also Lexus' last!
Regards,

SaniDel

 

How do I find out this information about my car?

 

Open the driver's side door and look at the plate riveted on the pillar where the door latches ... mine is black with etched silver lettering. The build date is in the upper right corner as you read the plate ... mine is 11/09.

The last digits of your vehicle VIN are the serial number for the vehicle sequence ... mine ends in 000518, meaning it was the 518th GX 460 to come down the production line. I presume that the first part of the VIN changes with each model year and they may also restart the serial number so if you just bought a 2012 it could be another low number.
Regards,

SaniDel

 

Thanks, SaniDel. The build date of my GX is 06/11. I bought it in the end of July. So the shipping to the dealer was pretty fast.

 

You are welcome. They manage to get them here quickly. The vehicle we bought was available at our dealership for us to test drive in late-December 2009. It took us a month to make up our minds whether to buy it or special order, but we eventually decided it was close enough to what we wanted.

 

That is good to know. I placed my order for one the first day Lexus began taking orders so hopefully mine comes quickly.

BTW, does anyone know when they will get the new pricing? I called the dealer two days ago and they still haven't got it. They estimate a 1.8% increase but are not really sure.

 

I've put a special order for 2011 model back in March and I'm still waiting as of today. The salesman keeps telling me order is backed up due to what happened in Japan. BTW, I ordered premium model with rear entertainment system and park assist.

My question is should I just wait until 2012 and when do we expect 2012 models to arrive here in the states?

 

I would wait for a 2012...

 

That's odd, because I ordered mine in June, and got it at the end of July. It's also a premium 2011 model, with park assist, but no entertainment system.

I would change the order to a 2012 if I were you -- unless you already negotiated a final price for your 2011.

 

I bought my 2011 in Nov of 2010 with the premium package, ML, and rear entertainment. I owned my 2004 GX from Dec 03 to Dec 2010 with 100k miles and I think it had a much more responsive drivetrain than my new one. The pickup is way too laggy and for a $68k truck it looks too cheap compared to Range rover and Mercedes. Lexus needs to offer bigger wheels and enable the sport mode to drive more aggressive. There's times I try to pass someone on the highway and the downshift is way too slow. My 04 would move the second the gas is stepped on!