Need advice, used vehicle GX470

First of all I LOVE my 3rd gen taco. With another kid on the way, however, I am considering moving on to a used Lexus gx470. With the equity I have on the Taco I can almost do an even trade. I am looking at two different gx470's right now, a 2003 and a 2004. the 2003 has 20,000 more miles but has very detailed maintenance records on Carfax with two owners both of whom owned it for very long periods of time. the 2004 has 20000 less miles but not very detailed maintenance records on Carfax (shows new registration each year but no maintenance until second owner in 2017). The first owner owned until 2017 and the second owner only owned for 2 years (weird right?). How much emphasis do you put on Carfax reports? I have not test driven either yet. What advice does everyone have? The 2003 has 128,000 and the 2004 has 149,000.

 

Run both VINs here: https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/history

 

Carfax reports things but not all things. The GX470 has the same V8 as my Land Cruiser. Definitely check the timing belt and water pump to see the condition they are in. It is recommended that they both be changed out at 90k mile intervals. Make sure those vehicles had it done. Other than that, the engine and drivetrain are solid.

 

FYI- I have three kids and they fit in the Tacoma. I do also own a land cruiser, it’s a wonderful suv. Seats 8 and is amazing in the dirt. I guess I actually own two land cruiser, the kids don’t ride in the fj40.

 

"Fit" and "Comfortable Fit" are two different things. The Tacoma was just for me and occasionally my wife as at the time I drove close to 90K miles in two years. Now my driving is down to 20K a year and I have more business passengers I drive the Tundra. Much bigger back seat and softer too.
So yes, you can fit three in a Tacoma back seat. Are they comfortable? Not unless they are awful small lol.

 

I dont know how much research you have done on the year model changes but.. in 2006 Lexus updated the diff supports. Not a big deal, but one less thing to do. 2005 they added VVTI.
2003 and 2004 can use a Tundra 4.7 Supercharger if you can find on and if you want one.

in 2007 for the model year 2008, the GX 470 received styling updates, including a dark metallic grille, liquid graphite wheels, added exterior and interior chrome, revised turn signal lights, and added wood and body color options.

If you want a modern Nav/DVD screen unit, make sure you buy a Non Nav model. If not, you could still upgrade the sound system but you'll only be able to replace the tape player with a single DIN sized unit and you'll have to bypass the stock amp. Just some stuff i had saved when i was on my search for a GX myself. I ended up with a 3rd gen 4Runner and do not regret it.

 

Any of the generations generally thought of as better than another?

 

Make sure you carefully check the frame for rot. Also, the rear air suspension and exhaust manifolds can be an issue.

 

Make sure you change out the front brakes on the 470's for the 460 brakes.
Water pump and timing chain should be done at 90k, if not see if you can get that worked into the deal.

 

Just curious, what they are asking for GX470's? Around here 03/04's with those miles are going for 8 to 9K. Because you mentioned, enough equity to do possible even trade. There's a few 08's under 100k miles for 12 to 14K

 

Listen for exhaust leak on cold start, very common.

Coolant leaks from water pump and radiator.

Timing belt history.

Suspension condition, the shocks and air ride are very expensive to repair if they have failed.

Make sure to get an independent inspection!

 

An absence of Carfax maintenance items could simply mean the owner preferred to do the easy maintenance themselves...lots of people do their own oil changes.

 

I personally would prefer a GX460. You can get a base model without air suspension. Plus, you can spend $600 on OEM parts to get you crawl control and mult-terrain select that is already pre-wired in the vehicle.

 

I LOVE our gx470. Both of those examples are considered low miles. I bought mine for $5500. But that's because it had 220k when I bought it. These trucks really run forever. The power, options, quietness of the gx470 will blow you away compared to the rugged tacoma. Plus it is equally or even more capable offroad. Get one!!

 

Seems that around here its about 11 - 13k for low mileage (under 150k) and clean interiors and around 8 - 9k for higher mileage (175k-200+k) with worn/ripped interiors. I am looking at the 12k-13k vehicles.

 

What does it take to get a locking diff on one? Seems to be a great feature on the Tacoma

 

Many options. ARB locker is popular. I think it's about $1,000 in parts.