pingwrx

First time poster here. Looking to purchase a used LX470 (either a 2005 or 2006). Question, are there many differences between the 2005 and 2006 models othere than the increase HP? Does the 2005 models offer Bluetooth & sirius? Any information would be grateful, thank in advance.

Jayson

Go with the '06 because you get the VVT-i upgrade boosting power from 235hp to 270hp. There's other small upgrades, too like a new front grill and the cool LED tail lamps.
If you go '05, you'll get the option for the satellite radio button on the dashboard. That's the only upgrade from the '04 model that comes to mind. You can also look only www.Lexus.com in the CPO section and look under model history to view the upgrades and changes. Again, if you got the $$$ I'd go for the '06. If you want to save a buck and don't feel like buying the "old" model, go with an '04 and get it CPO. That's my $.02.

AKoch

I got an 06 a month ago, went from 98. Honestly speaking I am devided - some things are better (like a slick 5-speed transmission) in the new LX, some things (like a heavy-duty 4-speed transmission) are better on the 98. But the 05 - there will be even less difference. For the horsepower, I don't really notice much difference: both are just fine.

pagemaster

I am sure the 5 speed transmission is just as well and heavy duty build compared to the previous 4 speed.




With the increase in horsepower you really notice it in the high RPM range where the 98-05 were really lacking.

To the original poster. Just be prepared. You are getting a dated design that is tested and true but is well over 9 model years old.

AKoch

Same heavy-duty... it is good you are sure

Re: high RPM range. You sort of see that there is a little bit more there, but really no difference. The previous engine never left me wanting anyway.

Dated design? I'm not sure, I don't really see any improvements in the design yet. More electronics is of no particular use to me. Except that the 98 had nice and clean dash design, the 06 is not as user friendly. Changing radio settings, AC etc became less convenient. Basically really a lot if smll improvements, and lots of small .... not so much improvements. Overall - no difference. I would not base my purchasing decision on if its 98, 2000, 2005 or 2006. Purely mileage and condition.

pingwrx

Thanks for the responses, they are all very helpful. As for the "outdated design" based on the pictures of the 2008, I like the looks of the pre 2008 better. So it looks like I may have found one, its a 2006 model with 28800 miles, it has everything, except the Night view, I'm at $52400. What do you guys think? And yes this is a CPO vehicle with warranty.

AKoch

Well, I paid over 60k for my 06 a month ago. It had 9k miles and this is in Canada where cars are quite a bit more expensive than in the US. So if the condition is good, that's all you probably need to care about. The milage is nothing, the vehicles go for over 500k no problem (have examples here). The overall cost of owhenship is low to very low. So the initial price (give or take withing reasonable limits) is not really that important if you keep it for more than five years, imho of course.

Da Hapa

I don't know about the price, but I do want to throw my 2 pennies in...

I felt that there was a sizable difference in power between the 2005 and 2006 that we drove. With four passengers and the A/C blowing, I could readily tell a marked difference in stoplight to stoplight power but more importantly, passing and merging power on the freeway. Others might disagree but that's what I noticed.

I would skip the Nightview. I don't think it's really a great technology to start with (Lexus should just have offered proper HID headlamps on the the truck like they do in other markets) and you should know that if you ever have to replace the front windshield on the truck it's very expensive and options like the dumb automatic rain sensors and Nightview make it more expensive.

I just had to replace our windshield after catching a rock in the center of the screen. Having the automatic rain sensors added a few hundred bucks to my total and had I had the Nightview it would have added a few hundred more.

AKoch

Also, when you replace the windshield - watch for the original glass and seals/modlings. Makes a lot of a difference. I had to replace it twice, and both non-origial glasses were noisy.

pagemaster

That is what I noticed. the 2006-2007 is a little stronger in the higher RPM range. Also, the 2006-2007 make power up to about 5400rpm which is pretty much the difference compared to the 4800rpm max of the pre 06 models.

lexusrott

I would wait for the 2006 LX470 before buying.
Under the hood is the greatest difference.
Of course you could save alot more pennies and wait for the 2008 LX570.
I am planning in getting the 2008 if I can get a good deal leasing.
Not crazy about the exterior but I love the interior, looks very comfortable.

pagemaster

60k? in Canadian dollars? was the model as US model or from Canada?

AKoch

Over 60k in Canadian dollars, which is even more in US dollars given the exchange rate is 1CAD=1.03US.

The truck is imported from California, US model obviously.

tigmd99

Not necessarily true. The '98 are known to have a weak front differential...this was upgraded in '01 i think to a slightly stronger front diff. I am not sure if you had the rear diff locker on the '98, but the '00-up has ATRAC (4-wheel traction control), 4-channel ABS, and stability control. The rear locker is pretty cool, but ATRAC makes up for most of the difference off-road. (It would have been nice if Toyota kept rear locker with ATRAC.) Due to the upgraded ABS (4-channel from 3-ch) and stability control, i think that the new LX (2000-2007) is a better choice...and you add in the stronger front diff and it's a no brainer IMHO.

AKoch

Yes, the 98 had the rear locker, something that was getting regular use. The ommission of it from the subsequent years is a really major bummer. The ATRAC does not make up for this, along with the 18' rims.

Don't know, never had an issue with the front diff, non of my buddies around either.

I now can actually say for certain that the 2006 truck has a slighly noisier engine - not by much, but detectable. Could be the re-worked head and/or additional things in the valve-train.

The breaks do feel better, with better modulation. There is less body roll, this is also noticable. Variable steering - I"m not sure I like it after having lived with it for a couple of months now. Now I don't understand why would you do it.

All in all, I think the difference is neglectable, with some things being better with the older truck, some obviously have been improved. For the driving dynamics, I think the 5-speed transmission made a lot more than the encreased HP. IMHO.