New member - Looking to buy a GX 460
 

Hi all,
Greetings from Alberta-Canada.
I have owned a 1991 JDM Diesel Land Cruiser for 10 years. It has been very good to me and I have maintained it religiously. The motor and transmission are great (close to 200K miles/ 310K Kms), but it is getting old in general. I am looking to buy a GX-460 (used) and thought of signing up here to get some advice from owners and members.

Primary use, on-road but we get 6-8 months of snow and ice up here. I do not go off-road. I just would like to learn the important differences between models years, my target model year range is 2010-2015.
Most specifically, the traction system (is it AWD, 4WD, part-time or full-time). Also which years/model/packages have differential lock, etc

Is there some table or guide to list the different packages/options/features per year? and where do I do some reading on the above? Are there more preferrable model years than others? And what to look for when buying a one, any particular areas/pitfalls?

Thanks in advance.

6.23.2019

EDIT: Lexus Site changes broke many of these links.

Files are also uploaded here:

https://lexusgxor.com/start?do=media&ns=


You get some options in Canada we don't get here in the US but here is list of model changes for US. This might help you get started.


2018 changes

2017 changes

2016 changes

2015 changes

2014 changes

2013 changes

2012 changes

2011 changes

2010 changes

GX Brochures

2010
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2011
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2012
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2013
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2014
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2015
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2016
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2017
http://www.lexus.com/documents/broch...X-Brochure.pdf

2018
https://www.lexus.com/documents/broc...X-Brochure.pdf

2019
https://www.lexus.com/documents/broc...X-Brochure.pdf

Acrad35751,
Many thanks for the very useful reply. Exactly what I am looking for to educate myself on what model has what and then decide.
I have to say that I chuckled when I read your reply "You get some options in Canada we don't get here in the US"
Not sure if you mean the Canadian models come with more or less options than US models, but if they come with more, then this is one of the VERY rare occasions when we get to have more options in Canada than what's offered in the US. It is almost awlays the other way around.

Now I'm off to read the materials you posted. that should keep me busy for the rest of the night.
Thanks very much indeed!! :bigthumbu

One of the few times :-)

Yeah... you guys can get some of these options on the fully loaded trims such as Multi Terrain Select, full skid plate on gas tank, center console cooler, supplemental transmission cooler, left mirror camera for the side and wide-view camera system.

You can add Multi Terrain Select to any model though with a $150-$200 module swap. All GX 460's have a center diff lock (Torsen based) and are full time AWD. You can even run in 4L with an open center diff. They don't come with mechanical lockers but use Toyota's ATRAC system witch simulates LSDs on front and rear with help of ABS.

Some of the off-road tech can be seen if you go through the crawl control thread. This can also be added to your GX.

A lot of videos posted here...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...l-control.html

Welcome fellow Canadian! I'm in Winnipeg, and have a 2010 Ultra Premium. I looked at a few, and I like the style of the 2014+ better, but the price is prohibitive. I think the Ultra Premium package is worth it...it seemed to me that they sell for basically the same as the Premiums. The drivers assist package is also a great addition...but I think it came standard with the ultra premium in Canada.

I'm sure regardless of what you choose you will be happy. When I was looking, there were alot of options in Edmonton and Calgary so you should be able to find something you love. Good Luck!

Thanks fellas for the warm welcome and the info.
I do have one of the centre console coolers in my Land Cruiser and I found it quite useful and it works very well. In the GX, which trim package does come with? I am thinking the Ultra Premium, No?
I worked briefly in the Middle East and the LC Prado over there (the sister of the GX) have this cooler, I thought it was some Middle Eastern option only, didn't know it exists in Canadian models too. Lots to learn I guess.

I am familair with thw ATRAC since it is in my wife's 2010 FJ Cruiser, but it also have a rear diff lock. This truck is quite nice, but I don't like the visibility from inside, it is a bit claustrophobic.

I'm still plowing through the brochures to get my self familiar. Much to take in, but I'd rather do this now than miss something and regret it later.

I am pretty sure Ultra Premium only on the cooler

You could always look at adding a rear locker like this

https://www.cruiserbrothers.com/harrop-elockers/

This US distributor is located between Vancouver BC and Seattle.

According to this, it was included in the Ultra-Premium package from 2012 on. This is on Canadian models. Not sure how accurate this info is though:
http://www.autotrader.ca/research/lexus/gx%20460/2012/

You can get the LC Diesles in the States. Any vehicle older than 25 yrs is perfectly legal to import, register and insure anywhere in the US. My truck is 1990, so it falls under this rule.
It is for sale, you know :D

I have been scouring online resources and could never find till now a Lexus VIN decoder that can tell me what trim package, colour, options, etc when I enter the VIN number. All I'm seeing is the basic items, like it was made in Japan, NA market, car serial number..etc. Any such VIN decoder exist??

Also, I am unable to find the manufacturer model code for each vehicle. For example, the VIN number: JTJJM7FX8G5128423 corresponds to model code: URJ150L-GKTZKA
What does GKTZKA model code mean as far as trim, destination market, options, etc?

The reason I'm asking is when trying to buy a used vehicle, all what's usually needed is the VIN number and the buyer should then be able to find out almost everything about the options and package pertaining to this vehicle. Makes it easier to compare several potential purchases.

Always the Cummins retrofits too.

https://duiser.com/shop/diesel-conve...rsion-package/

I think the 5.9L Cummins is a pretty reliable motor from what I hear.

This place has a lot of videos on Youtube of JDM imports brought in through auction from Japan.

http://www.pacificcoastjdm.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/PacificCoastAuto/videos

This can tell you some on the VIN

https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrive.../vehicle-specs

Good luck with your search. Let us know what you find.
'm also looking to get GX460. Debating if i should consider 2014 base model or pay more and get 2015? It looks like 2014 model doesn't come with rear climate.