9 important issues to consider before purchasing a Lexus GX470.
Pads and Rotors Upgrade: www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
Phoenix Automotive Touchscreen: phoenixautomotiveinc.com/prod...
Reinforced Key Shell: www.amazon.com/STAUBER-Best-L...
CV Boot Worm Drive Clamp: www.mcmaster.com/5076K16/
Cargo Handle Mod: forum.ih8mud.com/threads/gx-c...
It’s still better than any brand new American truck, better quality
I just bought my second 2006! Superior to my 6x the cost 2016 Honda Pilot. In every way.
Brand new american ANYTHING
I had a 2008 prado before which is identical body to this gx 2008.... i love over all, no any problem, so comfortable
My 2004 GX has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. White paint pealed, dash cracked, air ride failed. Engine and trans run like new after 200K miles. $2K paint job, coil shocks and who cares about the dash. Expect to get another 200K out of this incredible vehicle
Did you spend 2k on paint? Or was that shock too?
@@TheVintagesteal yes I had it painted
Yes 100% agree. Mine is the Australian version Prado Grande with the 4.0L V6 engine. It’s so reliable. I don’t care about the cracked dash, weak key housing, minor paint peeling of the Pearl White paint at the window sills . I’ve fitted rear coil springs & binned the gimmicky airbags. Great car to own. I just wish we had the V8 option in Australia. The other option was a 3.0L 4cyl gutless rattly diesel engine. Between 2006-2009 was the extremely unreliable “revamped” gutless rattly 3.0L D4D diesel option. Nothing wasn’t wrong with that motor.
Man I'm looking at a nice 2004, its $10k, well maintained. Looks great. Just hate the gas mileage! Everyone seems to love this vehicle though
Those issues are nothing compared to Ford, Chrysler, or GM vehicles
I’ve been working on GXs for a long time and this probably one of the most accurate videos out for common issues on the 470s. Great information for a potential buyer. I own a 06 with 070 paint and nav as well never had an issue either. The only thing I would add is inspect the radiator for tank to core leakage and if it’s a rust belt truck, look over the frame in front of the rear wheels carefully and up front below the radiator, by the tow loops.
Thank you :)
What's the deal with the radiators, brought mine used and it had a pin hole leak according to the mechanic so he put a new one in with timing belt and water pump and that one went out after just 3 years so I just put new one in the other day SMH.
I appreciate the info. Great heads up when I check these out.
Thanks for the frank appraisal. I will keep them in mind as I look for a truck.
Funny that I could name worse issues with the GX470 than listed here but all of them still add up to one of the most well built indestructible vehicles ever made.
I have a 25 year old Corolla that’s been so easy to fix and find parts. Local dealer has a 2006 GX470 that I’ve been eyeing but just think it’s too much Truck for me to handle if things start to go wrong. Got underneath yesterday and noticed puddle of oil. My gut says avoid though it’s smooth looking.
Good advice on running the 4wd in low and locking the differential every month or so to keep the fluids running through all the gears and parts.
Great post of common issues. The only one that's not easily fixable is the darn cracking dash. Great video!
My 2007 GX470 has 264,000 miles on it. We bought it brand new and it’s been a perfect car. The air suspension did fail twice and after that I said screw that and got coil suspension. I recommend you go coil as soon as it fails. Save yourself the headache.
Are the bags expensive to replace?
@@immabecoinz Forget exactly how much, not too expensive is what i remember. But the bags with continue to fail every few years. My replacement lasted two years. Or get the coil suspension kit and you'll likely never have to fix it again. No issues so far on mine.
@@Phillyphil123 how much for the coil suspension kit? I had my air suspension fail twice now also on my 2005 GX470, but I only have 120,000 miles on it.
@4ft3rburn3r The coil spring was cheap, can’t remember how much but ditch the bags it will fail again and again! It’s one of the few flaws of this car.
Do you have a link for the coil setup? What brand did you go with? Thanks
I love my 2008, it has the paint problem because I do have the white, the back door handle broke and had to replace the rotors and brakes. One BIG problem i had was the torque converter in the transmission was messed up and the truck would vibrate between 40-50 mph. Other than that its been a great vehicle!
Despite the massive use of the pause word of "UMmmm" I enjoyed you putting together this list for me to get my gx470 up to speed. Howdy from Texas, Video liked. THANKS!!
Thanks! I need to work on that!
@@pws629 I have a slight Problem with that my pause word sounds like "EEEEEE". But UM is better then that clicking noise guys make when they are talking about their nice things. "you know like every time they open their mouth you have to hear that smacking noise" Eh, enough of that, I enjoyed your video Bro (-:
After 230,000 miles and 16 years of ownership, Navigation and ML system still kicking. The leather seats is a little worse for wear. Only out of warranty issues were replaced the alternator and CV boots.
Still leaps and bounds better quality than Chevy, Ford or Dodge
If I did a video on those at 200k miles, it would have been 30+ minutes.
@@pws629 LOL so true
All Day
thumbs up for the HVAC info alone. great video sir!
Thanks! 👍
I love our GX470 - 2005 with 175K (bought it new), but it hasn't been trouble-free. Cracking dash (too late for the recall); front rotors and calipers; ride height sensors (twice); corrosion on the wheels (replaced under warranty and the replacements corroded again); rusty sunroof frame (replaced under warranty, new frame rusted again); steering rack failed (slowly); junction block for rear A/C failed (warranty); alternator failed without any warning lights; radiator leaked at top; stainless steel exhaust rusted through (Michigan winters); actual mileage isn't good - 15/19 - and MPG readout is optimistic by about 15%; and the service at my local Lexus store went from great to terrible, so now all service on my GX470 and GS300 is all done at an independent shop. However, the GX470 is still our all-time favorite road trip vehicle. We plan on at least another 4 years and 50K on it.
U mean gx460? Last year was 09 for 470
@@jasonpasquale7477 thanks for catching that. It's a 2005, not 2015. I should have proof-read better before I hit "Reply".
@@RidersRange no problem was a bit confused. I'm currently looking for a 470 now. Ideally a white one with the grey/black interior and rust free, easier said then done. Good luck with yours im sure you will easily get 50k plus out of it. I'm seeing a lot for sale with 200/300k+ miles
Don't forget about the gas caps going bad. Just happened to me. I got one from autozone and check engine light went off.
When I take off my gas cap i don't get the hissing sound kinda weird.
lexus charges $75 for a new key case transfer, $6.99 DIY on ebay
Excellent thanks 👍
Great video. Watched this while I was looking for one. That issue with the cv boot clamps coming apart is not a common thing with cars. And it’s not something you would normally be looking for. Your focus would be on the booth itself. The GX I ended up buying had the clamps coming loose. Your video saved me some money. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Glad to hear it!
Your wheels look as bad as mine. Plan to replace with black wheels soon. Haven’t had any rotor problems or dash cracking issues. I do plan on getting a dash cover. I love my 2004 GX 470!💙🚙✌🏻
Hey Parker - thanks for sharing. Are you in the Houston area by any chance? I'm toying with the idea of purchasing one of these to haul my e36 around as well, would love to chat with you more baout your experience thus far.
Howdy, I'm nearby in San Antonio! Ask away.
bro u have got to finish that rear handle... just throw and lace up some paracord and make a dope ass homemade jeep stylesk handle!! plus if u ever want some rope to hang an awning ur all set!!
Great info thanks for sharing!
Mmmmm, Blizzard Pearl. Chilly like a penguin!
Rotors for sure!
All good points. One of the key components (When you mentioned Rotors) of the braking system which tends to fail on the GX470, is the Caliper itself. They(Pistons) tend to seize which in turn ruin the rotor, pads stick to the rotor, and as a result mess with your MPGs. Sometimes you tend to also see the LEDs within the dash burnout, as a result the speedo/tach tend to be darker at night. Other than that, good video. Someone else mentioned the SAIP as well, for the '05+ rigs.
Thank you for your comment. When my youtube skills are better I plan on making an updated video. I will be sure to incorporate what you said!
@@pws629 No worries, I am sure people whom seek out these videos definitely come to also read the comment section. As a result, will read my comment. Unless you want to make an addendum/updated video. that's up to you, Sir..
I would love to know what the SAIP is , so I can watch out for that failing. Thanks!
@@davidbutler1825 SAIP= Secondary Air Injection Pump. Helps warm up the Cat(s) Faster, During start-up.
@@Kiss__Kiss thank you so much! I'm going to put that on my list of things to do.
Great video
Thank you :)
This is an underrated vid. There’s 160k miles on an my ‘05 and I’ve experienced problems 1, 3, 4, and 8 just happened to me a few weeks ago. Another common problem I would add is rust. If you’re looking to buy one definitely look for one from southern states.
Yes and no my 05 sports package just hit 230k. And I've replaced loads more than this control arms, idler tension unit, etc but once you replace those parts your good for another 200k easy.
I'm in Wisconsin and the original owner of a 2004 GX470 that just turned 100,000 miles. We do salt roads around here, but I had the entire vehicle Ziebart rust protected when new. I also get it inspected and touched up by Ziebart every year. No rust on it at all. I have had some of the other issues mentioned in the video though. Both key fobs cracked and fell apart, but my Lexus dealer offered replacement fobs that they swapped the electric part into from my original ones. The dash crack just happened a couple months ago..a single crack right over the gauge cluster. Even though the extended dash warranty expired, Lexus agreed to replace mine anyway. They listed it on the service report as a "Lexus Goodwill Claim". They just did that on 11/23/20. I've had my dealer do all of the maintenance and repair on my GX since new, and I'm pretty much of a fanatic about it. Oil and filter changed every 5,000 miles...only Mobil 1 full synthetic used since the first oil change. I'm on my 4th battery, had the brake pads front and rear each done once, had all fluids changed at 75,000 miles...including transmission, front and rear differentials, Brake fluid, radiator of course, plus new spark plugs, plus serpentine belt and radiator hoses. I did have a water pump leak at 50,000 miles and as long as they were replacing that, I had them do the timing belt as well. Its been a very reliable car and my Lexus dealer has been fantastic to work with. btw, I ran a car fax report on my car, plus checked my VIN at club Lexus forums, and both have a complete service history of my GX posted. Every service done by my dealer is posted in detail with dates and mileage. If I ever want to sell it, the buyer will have a complete, verified service history.
@@scotttrindl1192 Scott did you have the Lexus rubber floor mats in your and the weather tech rear mat? I think I’m looking at buying your car right now and the car fax showed it was from Wisconsin and then Arizona and now texas
@@Breese147 Nope, that one isn't mine. I do have the original Lexus rubber floor mats back and front though. Mine is still in Wisconsin and not for sale.
@@scotttrindl1192 ah congrats on the low mileage gx470! How many does it have now?
My gx470 2005 have gear box problem. Can it be serviced? Or better still replacement. Waiting for your response. Reginald from Nigeria
The paint and dash issues are not recalls, they are warranty enhancements. That means Toyota will fix them for free if they fall under the mileage and age requirements. Recalls are safety related and do not have limits on vehicle age and mileage.
So I have a 2006 gx with a crack dash, do you think Toyota will fix it?
secondary air injection system
So you replaced the air suspension with a huge coil in the center
My 2004 has 353k and runs like a top,
Original engine and transmission?
@@jlozano180 original engine, have replaced transmission due to me goofing off and messing is reverse “mud tires 4 wheel low and full throttle in reverse” isn’t good for it. I work at a Toyota Lexus shop and see them regularly in the 300’s with no real issues.
@@opgarrett so if you treat it right transmission issues arent common ?
@@atakillz they almost never have issues is you change fluid and filter every 60-90k she will last
@@opgarrett what’s the best way to change the transmission fluid. My gx has a sealed transmission.
Hi there I got a problem with my gx470 when I drivin it’s soun a bepin "bee-bee-bee-bee" sound from driver front side under de dash and I realize when the car is with lights on and breaking lights on thes lights of the dashboard lose brightness maybe is a battery problem someone has some similar problem thanks I appreciate
Certainly you know like I know that we have the best suv ever .
All these problems are excited with this age... In fact, except paint issues, all are related to lack of proper maintenance..
Yeah I’d have to agree with that. It may be problems to look out for but a lot of it sounds like quick fixes or lack of proper maintenance. Even if some of those things failed. The vehicle is 12 years old... hard for me to really bash a machine that old. And paint? Pish posh I plan to take the thing off-roading anyway
Hmmm no engine problems just water and tare, I’ll buy me a 470 now 😆
Surprised you didn’t mention the peeling paint on the rims, mine had that too probably should’ve been a recall
That's a good one! Yeah that is an issue for sure. Solution: TRD wheels 😎
How does a recall expire?
There may be 9 items, maybe 12, but no one will have all 12. I have maybe 1/2 . my paint is great, which save expensive paint.
Those are nada issues for a Japanese car brand. My 03 RSX Type Slow has over 300k miles, been driven all over California on some of the best canyon roads, still has original rotors, starter, cam chain, fuel pump, oil pump, and doesn't leak oil.
Just bought my first 2007 gx470 with 190k!
Details on ur two weeks
Biggest annoyance with my GX470 is the drive shafts, consistent bump when stopping and getting going. Love everything else though. None of those issues so far.
Oh that should be an easy fix! They typically just need to be regreased. Fairly common with these trucks.
@@pws629 I know, it just seems like I'm always greasing em up, far too often.
There's a part to fix this and it's well documented online. I got it done at the dealer for about $500 last year which I didn't think was too bad for something I plan to drive another 50-100,000k.
My 04 had the same bump at start and stop. There is a TSB about this, basically replace the drive shaft. I purchased a new Toyota shaft online (no damn Dorman). Around
Wow, I had a 2016 Dodge with a melting dash board in 2020. Dodge would not touch it , it was also a known issue. Impressive Lexus would go back on 10 year vehicles to replace a dash....thats says a lot about Lexus.
Well no wonder. Dodge build quality is horrendous.
there are posts with over 400k, over 150k will get a good deal
Where is this Phoenix Automative?
#10. Every Gx470 passenger switch for heated seat “light on switch” burns out lol
True!
not so fast, mine works, 06 165k LOL
2005 180k heat lights works, just changed one reverse light bulb and 1 license plate bulb for first time.
Have a 2007 great vehicle there is another problem the window seals steering wheel leather pealing front light plastic gets really bad my vehicle has 105;000 miles
I dunno you might of gotten a bad one. Bcus my 05 has 230k and is just now getting those issues. But most of them are a quick fix or in the case of my whole suspension a hard fix lol but once fixed your good for another 200k.
timing belt, dash, rust, paint are the most expensive.Find one without these needs and its worth a bit! The 4runner has the exact problems.Yes the 07 is the best year.These are why the price varies from $8k-$17k for the same vehicle year/miles
Why 07 is the best please? Not 08/09? Thanks
@@jrm163 I said that? must of been something I copied. In 07 the music system and navigation was updated, cant advise on 08 or 09
If that’s all what is wrong with the gx470 than everything else must be right. It’s a good suv.
Glass rear end
new air bags $78 ebay
is there a cutoff for mileage if i’m buying used? like would it be worth it to invest in anything with over 150k miles? And what years are the best for these? I’ve heard 04-07 are the nicest but idk if there’s a consensus opinion on which year is the best.
Mine has 200k and have had no major issues. A friend recently bought one at 165k and had the radiator fail due to lack of maintenance from the previous owner. These really only need the cooling system and timing belt addressed every 100k. I would say 150k miles is fine as long as there is a maintenance history. These are landcruiser prados after all, so they have a "minimum 25 year" service life. The best year in my opinion is the 2007. You get all the updated tech, as well as an aux port. The 2008-09 have ugly chrome door handles, whereas the 2007 and older are body colored. 2005+ have the updated engine which pulls significantly harder than the 2003-04 engine. The 2005+ feels fine at 85 mph, whereas the 03/04 feel like the engine is really working for it. So in summary, 2005-2007 is the sweet spot.
@@pws629 I appreciate the reply, definitely agree 08-9 are uglier, i think their resale value probably tells me all i need to know but it’s good to double check
This is a 400k + vehicle, keep it for the long run or sell it before 250k to get some $ out of it. my 2006 4runner LTD V8 brought $8200 at 237k.
I bought mine at 205k, completed the maintenance myself, and now it’s at 290k without a single problem. Only maintenance I do are fluids/oil.
I have an O4 with 216k and 09 with 95K....equal love between the two.
Those rear air bags are so misunderstood. Bought a pair @$36 and a freiend with a gx slipped them in over 1hour. Some mechanics want $350-$750 for this sham.
MY SUN ROOF FRAME IS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND I HAVE A BUMP NOISE WHEN i START AND STOP.....I STILL WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE.
1) SAIS system fail ($$$). You're doing the starter at the same time, too. 2) radiator frame crack at upper hose mount ($) 3) air suspension system fail ($$ --> $$$) 4) CV boots/axles ( even if not lifted $$) 5) wheel bearing (fronts $$) 6) shift retaining clip (not yet - anticipated - $) 7) transfer case leak (not yet - anticipated - $$) 8) steering rack (not yet - anticipated - $$$) Key: $ :$500 or less $$: $500 - $1000 $$$: $1000 ++ EXPECT 1 - 5 to happen to your GX by 200k miles. Over 15 years of ownership and 190k miles on my '07 I have done them all and my (low-priced, *very* experienced and *very* busy Toyota-only tech) confirms. Unless you have good jack stands, a proper floor jack and DIY skills expect to budget $2500 per year for routine maintenance and repair for a mall crawler. Exponential cost increase if wheeling/crawling. Everyone talks about how reliable/bulletproof/simple these 470s and Landcruisers are - and yep: they are awesome - but you have to feed them.
So true! Some people think Toyota/Lexus don’t need maintenance at all😂
In my gx group, 05 has more power, 07 has better Nav and a few misc items.
Is it true that the 05 has more power? Vvti first introduced?
@@ClearWater7.62 For 2005 there was a power increase in the 4.7l, with noticeable improvement
Missing sunroof rattle, front wheel bearings, radiator, secondary air pump (just to name a few)all failed around 60-70k miles.
Oof. Sorry to hear that. I have not had any of those issues. I believe there is a very quick/cheap fix for the secondary air pump on the 2005+ models.
Thanks.
Secondary air pump can be prevented by adding the bypass plate before you have the issue!
dash and timing belt can be costly
2007 GX470 Pearl White. Bought it with paint issues and cracked dash (PO was lazy, or what?). I found an OEM dash discounted and took it to a local upholstery place (of all things), which installed it for $600. Not cheap but what a difference it makes. I cut costs by getting a Maaco paint job on the peeling doors.
@@adventure-journal $1200ttl ?
I disagree on common problems the biggest I heard were the CV boot suspension and transfer case. Sure the handle too. Other than these these vehicles are 12 years old. Buying any one gives me the hee-bee-jee-bees I’m still going to get one though 😁and will look out for these. Thanks for the reminders. Great up close details
Is it true you can swap calipers rotors pads bracket from gx460 for better braking?
I have heard there are some braking components of the gx460 that you can use. I am not positive on the specifics though.
Parker Smith sure can. Calipers and rotors.
@@maxx4944 I was unsuccessful finding write-ups online about it have you done it do you have a copy of a URL to one of the write-ups do the caliper brackets also have to be swapped over what about the hoses I guess I'm just wondering what everything is that has to be done for it what years are compatible
Johnny B to do the 460 upgrade, you will need rotors, pads and calipers from the 460. The rear calipers on the 470 and 460 are the same, no need to upgrade. Honestly, I found no reason to upgrade to 460 unless the 470 calipers seizes up, not have been good so far. I put stainless steel brake lines all around and that alone made a world of difference. Check out GXOR on Facebook. That’s where the world of GX currently lives. And Ih8mud.com.
@@maxx4944 thx. I had to brake hard on highway once and it felt like the brakes did not work optimally. I read somewhere by accident something that aligned w what happened. Its not the brakes are small just that there was like not enough and then it just gave up and locked. Idk maybe 470calipers r ok. I wonder what the difference is to the 460 but i won't annoy u. I like the i hate mud site definitely good resource. Didnt know facebook was any use. When iwent to it for gx stuff when i started our researching before buying a gx a year to a year half ago it seemed sparce. I ended up buying white 08 base not sport not kdss (w navi like nearly all 08 unlike earlier years) in nov 2019.
I’m gettin one of these, 04 100k 11grand. But i’m not sellin my 18 wrangler 2 door
Overpriced
Wayy overpriced... I hope u didn't get it
Do you have an Instagram page brw?
Don't forget the two front door speakers that fall apart and cost 500 bucks to replace.
I bought some drop in replacement speakers on Ebay for $65 with free shipping. It took me around 45mins to change both sides and they sound great.
Lol.... It costs about $20 and an hour of your time to repair the speakers. If you're paying $500 I have a bridge for sale you might be interested in.
Yup some nice aftermarket speakers should cost less than a hundred bucks. You are crazy if you spent 500.
The paint issues is with all car company’s using that paint code.
I just got an estimate to repaint the car now that the recall is expired... 8 THOUSAND DOLLARS. WTF
No problem, driving this is like a 2008 4runner LTD V8 w/Nav, on Steroids! better ride, better sound, faster but same engine. Addictive drive!
@MysteriousOklahoma 15:4 City 17.1 Highway
Does it feel stronger or faster than the 4runner?
How did this video possibly take 9 minutes???
whats the average cost on these issues? Looking to buy a 2003
The most expensive fixes are the touchscreen if it goes out, and the dashboard cracking if it bothers you. Everything else is pretty cheap.
@@pws629 cool thank you..Im.looking for one now in the midwest...chicago area..know of any good used dealers?.
@@bambam6231973 sorry, not familiar with the area
@@pws629 ok Thanks Parker!
If you care about horsepower, look at 2005 and later as they got a 35 HP bump in the same engine.
Paint chipping off is that the recall
Small rock chips, no. Large patches of paint/clear coat fade and chipping, yes.
@@pws629 yeah it's crazy the paint is just like completely coming off on the hood in the front
@@LLCoolPass contact some lexus dealers. Even if your car is not a covered model year they might do something.
I took mine today to Toyota. Without a letter, they took me in and we are in the process of repairing the truck!
@@7kevo glad to hear it! What year is your truck?
I just bought a GX 470 I am getting about 7 mpg driving 25 miles RT with 3 miles city and 22 freeway. Any ideas of what is wrong?
Are you sure you didn't buy a hummer H1? All jokes aside, what year is it? Any check engine lights? Any strange sounds?
Something is seriously wrong if that's true. I don't get that bad offroad. Are you calculating it yourself or using the built in computer?
Check engine lights on? Any mods? That's bad
Blizzard Pearl?, it is white whatever you call the paint
Driver's seat cover.... sigh....
Exhaust manifolds on these are garbage
No kidding. I have a check engine light because of it.
Theres a lot, but im ok with it, exhaust manifold, key fob, radiator, air bags, paint, cv boot, touchscreen, pads/rotors etc, BUT one vehicle isnt going to have ALL these issues.I had only a few.
Headers
0:59 I got hit
I found a 470 with 330k miles for 2700.00 ..Do I Dare???
Do a compression test And see if it tranny shifts fine If so jump on the deal.
It is NOT your "paint code". It is the name of the colour if your paint.
Of*
most of your "common problems" are standard with age and normal wear and tear.
You are correct, a lot of these issues are age related. All GX470s are at least 10 years old. The items I listed are what generally go out first on the GX470.
After reading everyone's input, I have decided to keep my old, one-owner MT G35 with 240k miles in excellent condition as my back up vehicle. When I need a truck or 4wd truck for the camping trip, I'll continue to rent. Could maybe justify a GX470 or GX460 purchase but not if it has a few of the failure points you have kindly illustrated. Too inflexible, crochety & Covided now.
Let’s not call the SUV a truck ok now big boi I know it seems a little more manly but it’s definitely an SUV 😉
it has a full body on frame, solid rear axle and IFS, same as the tacoma. It's a truck. SUV's are unibody, no solid axles etc. like a subaru.