opinions on a Lexus GX470 to replace the wifes Touareg V8?

while I love our Touareg, Volkswagens severe lack of customer service and their inability to fix even minor issues in a timely fashion (if they fix them at all) has led us to shop for a new vehicle sooner than we anticipated. We're due to have our second child in December so the wife wanted something with a little more room inside than the VW. I have looked at the Audi Q7, BMW X5 (too small inside) and the Lexus. Personally, I like how the European trucks drive better than the Japanese overall but the BMW was too small and the Audi just didn't do it for either of us. I've had 4 S4's so I'm obviously a fan of the brand and she's been saying for months that she wanted a Q7 when it was time but after using one for a couple days there was something that both of us just didn't like about it... I can't even tell you what it was, it just didn't do it for us. I also considered a Land Rover product but the spotty reliability pushed us away from them. I also wanted her to try the new Esacalade but it was just too big for her.

The GX seems to be a nice truck with the perfect amount of room and it rode nice (obviously, it's a Lexus) and most importantly, she liked it. A couple of minor things that I was disappointed with though were the lack of any park distance control... it has the back up camera but she'll be parking by brail in the front. It also doesn't have any sunshades in the door (a favorite feature on the VW of my 2 yr old) and I just realized last night that they don't have xenon lights?!? That's probably the biggest surprise... I figured every Lexus had them and it's something my wife has had on her last 3 or 4 cars.

Anyway, do any of you guys have any first hand experiences (good or bad) with them? I'm probably going to pull the trigger on one today but would like some feedback before I do. Thanks!

 

My mom has a green 2007 gx470 and we are getting the 2008 model VERY soon. GREAT cars as far as I'm concerned, they are well built and the service is fast and easy. Once you get one you get hooked. Pull the trigger, they are seriously good. I have driven my moms truck ONCE an only ONCE due to the fact that the lack of parktronic and the numbness of the braking. ONLY problem with those cars are in the third row side windows going over 70 mph there starts to be a sign of wind noise.

 

Or it could be due to the fact that you're 14.

 

HAAAAAA!!!! That's great. I'm sure if he wanted advice from children, he could ask his own.




Darrell.

 

He asked for opinions and was not specific, so in that case I gave what he wanted. I am turning 15 in less than a month and have my permit.

 

I'm sure he took it as a given that user's would not comment unless they have real experience and accurate information (unlike your misinformation about 430 transmissions and black card qualification levels). That's sort of understood between adults; children are expected to listen and learn.

Even though I don't know him, I'm willing to bet that he didn't want what you gave him.

They call it a LEARNER'S permit for a reason.

 

Thanks, that pretty much summed up what I would have said. While I appreciate any relative information, it would be a little bit more helpful if it was from someone that has actually driven the vehicle for somewhat of an extended amount of time.

Thanks guys and by the way... I bought the truck today so I guess I'll learn the ups and downs of the GX470 as I go.

Thanks again!

 

Maybe I misread this, but why the hell would you trade an 07 for a 08 in the exact same model?

 

Most likely he is just lying, like usual. He has a big history of doing that.

O.K., back on topic "JamieO", what was the color combo that you got on the Lexus?

 

I have recently driven the Enclave and came away impressed, but I would not pass up on the SRX Cadillac. The SRX drives exceedingly well, has a nice interior, and is more enjoyable to drive than any truck. The Acura MDX is not bad, but I cannot get past its recent redesign.

I am not a truck guy and the GX is a little too boring and utilitarian for me.

 

We got the titanium silver w/ charcoal interior. I actually found one that I wanted that had the sport package w/ the black maple wood on the interior and liked that one much more than the regular wood but that dealer wasn't aggressive enough on his offer for the Touareg (man, did those things take a nose dive in value!). I have to say, Lexus has some of the most boring colors out there... at least on their trucks. All my wife said was that she didn't want another silver truck, she wanted white this time, but after seeing the white w/ the charcoal (she doesn't like tan interiors) she decided that the silver was actually the best option for her.

 

Haha lack of parktronic, because its impossible to parallel park a car without computer intervention.

 

LOL!! Keep going!! I find this thread hilarious!

 

If you can't park it without electronics just don't buy it......

Otherwise, you'll park too close to me one day (outside the lines, blocking access to my car) and I'll key the crap out of it.

 

When we were comparing it to our Touareg my wife said the same thing.. "this doesn't have the park distance thing?". I reminded her that she's only had one car w/ it and I don't remember her hitting every car she parked near before. She agreed and hasn't mentioned it since, plus I'm pretty sure that w/ a back up camera it should be pretty hard to hit something while you're parallel parking!!

While I don't consider park distance a necessary feature I am kind of surprised that Lexus doesn't offer it or xenon lights on the GX.

BTW: not one person has actually offered me some useful opinions on the vehicle and I'm really enjoying this thread!

 

Jaime, at risk of sounding like a bragging child (see above), my mother has one. Great truck (don't confuse it with a jacked-up station wagon). Excellent quality and expected long-term durability (based upon the Toyota Landcruiser Prado from overseas). Back-up camera is very useful for hooking up trailers.

If feel you need xenon lights, www.xenondepot.com has a H11 plug-and-play unit available. Many of the GX470 owners (myself...ok...ok..my father included) have installed this kit with good results.

Visit www.clublexus.com for further info, there's a GX470 subforum.

Sincerely,
Just a grown man who feels no need to self-inflate on the basis of his family's successes

 

Thanks for the info. A friend of mine actually told me about the xenon kit the other day... he had an extra one from a couple of installs that he did so I'm having it put in at some point this week. So far, I have to say I actually like the truck and my wife loves it. I'm sure the lack of minor issues and the unbelievable service will make up for any lack of a driving experience it has when compared to the Touareg.

 

We have a 2007 470 GX that my wife drives every day -- Black. She loves it. We had several Tahoe's before that and the fit and finish is far better on the Lexus (should be -- it was a lot more expensive). The service from our Lexus dealer is the best that we have ever had. I also drive a Lexus (250 IS AWD). Most of time, when we go places, she drives. We immediately took the third row seats out and stored them in the basement (like we did with our Tahoe's). We tow a horse trailer with ours. The Tahoe was better for towing but, given that we don't tow a lot, the Lexus is adequate for towing.

I'd be interested in hearing how you like the new lightbulb install. I have thought about it but don't like the idea of aftermarket installs for the obvious reason that warranty issues could surface later.

 

Fantastic car, period. I wanted it for the wife but she insisted upon the LX470, the bigger more off roader. The LX does have more room and the seats are bigger, but it doesn't drive as nice. We have owned 8 Lexus and let me stress that we only buy newer models, never have we had an issue with any of them. Oh, the service is THE BEST. Buy the car and be happy my man.

 

thank you guys! The 3rd row seats have already been stashed in the garage and will be heading to the basement soon. After dealing w/ Volkswagen dealers that didn't really seem to want to do anything for you for 3 years I'm really looking forward to a pleasant service experience.

My wife also loved the look of the LX470 when we went into the dealership last week. One glance at the window sticker and it was back over to the GX

I don't have the need to tow that often so I'm not too concerned w/ it's towing capabilities but it's nice to know I can tow something if the need arises.

I will definitely post my opinions on the xenons after they're installed. I'm usually wary about that type of aftermarket stuff too but I'm willing to take the chance based on a friends recommendation, he's doing the install and he has the same kit in his Tundra and he loves it.

 

proud LX470 owner here. It was my first forray over to the Lexus dealership and I couldn't be happier. The GX and LX are GREAT trucks. Did u get the air suspension? It comes in handy when parking in low height parking garages ;-)

 

They told me that there wasn't an air suspension option!?? Are you talking about the kinetic suspension? If so, then no, I didn't get it. I tried buying one w/ the sport package that included the kinetic suspension because I liked the black maple wood instead of the regular wood trim and I figured the suspension would be a bonus but I couldn't get that dealer to give me the same deal on my trade that the other guy offered me. My wife liked the one w/out the sport package more so it came down to price and the non sport package truck ended up being a better deal. She's the one that's going to be driving it every day and she loves it so I'm happy. It seems like a great truck so far, I just have to get used to the fact that I can't drive it like I drove the Touareg. The handling just isn't there but the extra room and reliability will more than make up for it.