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Hey guys, looking into a GX for the family, I have a budget of $30k for this purchase so I'm looking at 2010-2014.
1. I what to know the difference between the base and premium?
2. How can I tell visually if the GX is equipped with air ride? I'm assuming the sport/comfort switch on the center console gives it away? I take it air ride is not standard. Would I be able to visually see the air ride bags from under the car, behind the rear wheels. I know it can be expensive to replace parts.
3. Also can that awful OEM tow hitch be removed if I wanted too? or is it welded on to the frame?
The quick way to tell the difference between a base and premium GX (2010-2013) is to look at the trim surround on the 3rd row window. If the chrome ends horizontally, then it's a base. If it goes up the window at the end, it's a premium.
I believe all of the premiums came with air suspension. The premium has nicer leather, Adaptive Variable Suspension (different modes: sport, normal, and comfort), rear air suspension, and power 3rd row seats. I think most if not all of the premiums have the Mark Levinson stereo system. I'm not 100% sure on these either, but I think the premiums had heated rear seats and heated and ventilated front seats.
Yes, you can remove the factory towing hitch if you really want to. I'm not sure how to undo the wiring harness though, so you may have to cut the wires?
I recently bought a 2012 base with Fsports,Comfort and convenience package. Pretty much all the features of the premium without the air suspension and just replaced the rear shocks for 350$ including original parts/labor compared to 2000$ for the air suspension.
Btw I do have upgraded leather and heated rear seats as a part of convenience package if that helps. I want to remove my tow setup aswell but I'll have to remove the exhaust according to my mechanic.
Actually the headlight washers are better indicator of a Premium '10-'13 model. Some add the trim piece on the rear window. I was surprised looking at used GXs recently how often this is done.
Also to be aware, starting 2014, there is base, premium and luxury three trims. Where 2014 luxury is similar to premium on 2013 and prior. ML audio is an added option.
The quick way to tell the difference between a base and premium GX (2010-2013) is to look at the trim surround on the 3rd row window. If the chrome ends horizontally, then it's a base. If it goes up the window at the end, it's a premium.
I believe all of the premiums came with air suspension. The premium has nicer leather, Adaptive Variable Suspension (different modes: sport, normal, and comfort), rear air suspension, and power 3rd row seats. I think most if not all of the premiums have the Mark Levinson stereo system. I'm not 100% sure on these either, but I think the premiums had heated rear seats and heated and ventilated front seats.
Yes, you can remove the factory towing hitch if you really want to. I'm not sure how to undo the wiring harness though, so you may have to cut the wires?
Edited to remove incorrect information.
Last edited by LFIL; 07-22-17 at 07:19 AM.
Reason: Completely incorrect information/faulty memory.
We have a 2013 premium and it doesn't have air suspension or ML sound, so those are not differentiating items.
ML is an option but if you do have a Premium it should have adjustable suspension and rear air shocks unless someone replaced them. Are you the original owner? Do you have headlight washers?
OP, $30K will only get you 2010-2013, 2014 are in excess of $35K for now.
On Cargurus on nationwide search I see around 15 or so '14s that are in the $31-$34 range. A lot depends on mileage, CPO status and trim level as well.
ML is an option but if you do have a Premium it should have adjustable suspension and rear air shocks unless someone replaced them. Are you the original owner? Do you have headlight washers?
I've seen a lot of dealers selling used GXs as Premium when they aren't.
Ooops, you are correct, I am wrong. I was mis-remembering what we bought/have. It is indeed a base model, with the upgraded seats, climate control, heated middle row, etc. I do remember we didn't want air shocks to avoid maintenance issues since we tend to keep these things and drive the wheels off of them. Sorry about the confusion, this is one of my wife's cars and I should have looked at the paperwork from four years ago instead of trying to remember.
Ooops, you are correct, I am wrong. I was mis-remembering what we bought/have. It is indeed a base model, with the upgraded seats, climate control, heated middle row, etc. I do remember we didn't want air shocks to avoid maintenance issues since we tend to keep these things and drive the wheels off of them. Sorry about the confusion, this is one of my wife's cars and I should have looked at the paperwork from four years ago instead of trying to remember.
No worries... it's good info for people to know for those shopping as they may unexpectedly pay a couple thousand more when they don't need to if it really isn't a premium model. I plan to keep mine a long time too. I'll make a best effort when the time comes to fix the air suspension pieces but may be a coil solution as well.
07-20-17, 01:01 PM
In the market have questions
