| one4gatr |
I think a few of our board members have these so I am just throwing out a few questions.
#1 Do the "3rd" row seats remove completely or just fold up?
#2 Any known tranny issues?
#3 Any idea on real world gas mileage?
#4 Life expectancy? (we are thinking of buying an '02 or '03)
#5 Extended Warranties?
#6 Are these vehicles essentially Land Cruisers with the Lexus badge?
We have had a myriad of problems with our 2002 MDX and will be purchasing a new vehicle shortly (next 6-8 months). After much discussion we have decided to purchase a used vehicle rather than new as we havent had much luck on our last 2 new ones.
We are down to a few possibilities and the LX/GX 470 is in the fray. I know about the subtle differences in handling etc... I am just looking for general pro's and con's.
Thanks for all your input. |
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| wmquan |
The third row seats remove completely, or you can fold them up, but not into the floor (they use some cargo room when folded up). You can remove the seats individually, leaving one in the vehicle or none.
Good luck. |
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| JL_SS |
| The LX is based on the Land Cruiser, the GX is based on the 4runner. I can post CR reliability histories if you want. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
The LX is based on the Land Cruiser, the GX is based on the 4runner. I can post CR reliability histories if you want.
Thanks JL that would work for me.
I had no idea they were based on different frames. So I assume the GX is a more "refined" ride over the LX?
Basically what we are looking for is a reasonably "luxurious" SUV. The third row has never been used in our MDX but the extra seats would be nice even though from all I have read on the Lexus they are practically a joke.
Also looking for something as close to bullet proof as you get. Our experience with Acura has been far from that. Though we still are considering a used '04 or '05 especially if the '07 drives down the pricing.
We may be eventually purchasing another boat so towing MAY be a factor down the line although not right now. |
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| JL_SS |
From CR:
LX:
This luxury SUV is based on the big, imposing Toyota Land Cruiser, itself hardly spartan with its slick powertrain, comfortable ride, and quiet, nicely appointed cabin. Added Lexus features include a height-adjustable suspension and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The LX470 is one of the few SUVs that manages to be both capable off-road and on pavement. Electronic stability control is standard, as is full-time four-wheel drive. Generous cargo space and a folding 50/50 third-row seat add versatility. |
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| JL_SS |
From CR:
GX:
The GX470 luxury SUV shares its body-on-frame platform with the Toyota 4Runner. It has three rows of seats, but the third row is tiny. Power comes from the same drivetrain found in the Lexus LX470, as do many of its luxury appointments. The refined 4.7-liter V8 provides smooth, responsive performance. The ride is comfortable and quiet but gets unsettled on uneven pavement. Cornering is less than agile, though ultimately secure. An optional active suspension dramatically reduces lean in corners. Interior fit and finish is impressive. Typical options push the price to the low-$50,000 range. The GX is very competent in off-road conditions. |
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| JL_SS |
More comparative info. I cut the bottom off the list for size (if it's at the bottom, you don't want it anyway):
Mid Size SUV predicted Reliabilities: |
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| JL_SS |
| Large SUV predicted Reliabilities: |
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| one4gatr |
Thanks JL... I never thought there was much of a size difference between the "large LX" and the "mid GX". I was kind of leaning towards the LX anyway based upon price point.
Having owned in the past an Isuzu Trooper I really am not concerned about "body lean" (as most of the CR reports were grossly exaggerated).
I am a bit confused on the major differences between the two. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Thanks JL... I never thought there was much of a size difference between the "large LX" and the "mid GX". I was kind of leaning towards the LX anyway based upon price point.
Having owned in the past an Isuzu Trooper I really am not concerned about "body lean" (as most of the CR reports were grossly exaggerated).
I am a bit confused on the major differences between the two.
Are you familiar with www.edmunds.com? They give details, test drive impressions, and specs for new and used vehicles. For 2003 specs as an example:
2003 GX Specs
2003 LX Specs |
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| jhue |
| GX and LX are both real (read body-on-frame) trucks, and I'd expect both of them to withstand far more abuse than a minivan with four hinged doors. As an example, both are rated to tow about twice that of the MDX, without the need for add-on transmission and power-steering coolers. That should say something about their ruggedness. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
Are you familiar with www.edmunds.com? They give details, test drive impressions, and specs for new and used vehicles. For 2003 specs as an example:
2003 GX Specs
2003 LX Specs
I am JL... I am just more interested in 1st person perspective rather than generic "consumer" data.
Like I said I have owned an Isuzu Trooper before and according to CR it was a death trap and according to other mag/rags it was a turd. But quite frankly other than our current MDX it was one of the nicest rides we have owned. It was a truly off road capable, had tons of power, was spacious, and at the time was quite luxurious for an SUV.
I know alot of what I am seeking is "personal" opinion and not raw data but like I said earlier I thought we had a few members on the board who actually have owned them for a while. So I would value their input far more than a writers at car and driver. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
I am JL... I am just more interested in 1st person perspective rather than generic "consumer" data.
Like I said I have owned an Isuzu Trooper before and according to CR it was a death trap and according to other mag/rags it was a turd. But quite frankly other than our current MDX it was one of the nicest rides we have owned. It was a truly off road capable, had tons of power, was spacious, and at the time was quite luxurious for an SUV.
I know alot of what I am seeking is "personal" opinion and not raw data but like I said earlier I thought we had a few members on the board who actually have owned them for a while. So I would value their input far more than a writers at car and driver.
I understand. Given the lack of response I was providing what I could. Edmunds also has consumer reviews for each vehicle which are closer to the type of feedback that you are looking for. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
I understand. Given the lack of response I was providing what I could. Edmunds also has consumer reviews for each vehicle which are closer to the type of feedback that you are looking for.
Thanks JL I really do appreciate the info. It looks like both find themselves in the high end of the reliability rankings. Which I would figure as Toyota has been building theses models in one form or another for a long long time.
I am a bit surprised after looking around for used LX/GX 470's and Toyota Land Cruisers the huge disparity in price. As an example there seems to be a premium on the Land Cruisers. Given the same model year, miles, and appointments a LC is generally commanding more than an LX. Which based upon what you told me they are essentially the same vehicle. I also am at a loss as to why a comparable GX is priced higher than an LX. Must be something to do with the chassis. |
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