Any Lexus owners out there?

[Eckie]

My wife has been searching for a new(er) vehicle and really likes the GX470 SUV. I've been doing some research, but thought I would throw this out here in hopes for some feedback from those with experience. From those we've found, some are "certified" which basically means they're preowned, but still have a warranty that covers most things up to 100k miles. I've also found a couple at dealers who don't offer the Lexus warranty at better prices, but I'm a little leary on those considering the average pricetag for fixing something that would otherwise be covered with the warranty. I'm wondering if any of you have found these vehicles to be fairly "sound" or high maintenence?

Thanks for any input, good or bad.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Infinity is the luxury lable for Nissan. I have never been impressed with any of the Nissan products!

[huntingislife]

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Infinity is the luxury lable for Nissan. I have never been impressed with any of the Nissan products!

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Isn't the gx470 a lexus, not an infiniti?

[Eckie]

Correct...the GX470 is made by Lexus, which is owned (if I'm not mistaken) by Toyota...

[Jeremy airjer W]

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Isn't the gx470 a lexus, not an infiniti?

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OOOOPS!!!

What was I thinking? oh, yeah I was trying to keep you from buying a Nissan. Looks like it worked

Isn't the 470 a "luxury" version of the 4 runner?

Anyways, as a loyal toyota owner for several years (corolla, tacoma, and tundra), I can say that these are good, quality, dependable vehicles. The lexus line will have more frills but the quality and dependability are there from the start. If I could choose any "luxury" vehicle for the wife it would be the Lexus line with BMW in a close second.

Just make sure the sales guy throughs in that big red bow at no charge!

As far as mileage and repairs I wouldn't think twice about buying one with 100,000 miles on it. The worse thing you'll have to do is a timing belt (4.7 liter). Otherwise the other services will be typical (tires, brakes, shocks, fluid exchanges, tune-ups). I just started seeing a couple of the tundras with the 4.7 liters coming in with check engine lights on at 130,000 miles. The 02 sensors are starting to fail. otherwise the only other problem I see with the "toyota" line is the VSV's (vacumm switching valves) for the evap emissions systems.

[sparkyaber]

My wife owns a Toyota Sequoia, which doesn't have a Lexus counter part, but is from the same stable. I personally would really recommend any product offered from toyota. I have had nothing but good luck with every one that I have owned, I drive a 1991 corolla to work everyday. We did look at lexus before the sequoia, we didn't need all of the extra gadgetry that the lexus offered. Oh, and if anyone wants to give you gruff about buying a "foreign" car, many Toyotas are made here in the United States (don't know about the Lexus). While some "domestic" trucks and cars are made in mexico. My last two toyotas (2001 Solara, and 2001 Sequoia) are more domestic than my 1998 chevy pickup truck, not by a lot, but they are. Do me a favor, before putting hard earned money on the Lexus, just go check out a few 4-runners. They are an amazing machine. Just make sure you check the ones out after their makeover, it think it was in 2003 or 2004, the new ones took huge strides in comfort and handling.

[Powerstroke]

I have to agree with Airjer. Lexus being the luxery version of the 4runner, which many people would consider to be a "luxo-suv" anyway is a great vehicle. A friend of mine is a Toyota techinician in Brooklyn Park and he is always encouraging me to buy toyota.

As far as "certified" you're paying for the extra warrenty. This can be a good deal or not depending on your view of repairs and how many miles the vehicle already has. Obviously you're not gonna modify a Lexus in any substantial way that would threaten the warrenty, but you're probably not gonna use it for anything that wouls create any extra stress on the vehicle. I would say skip the warrenty unless someone here can prove that "certified" means something more than warrentied. All the vehicles will have been checked over and refurbished for resale whether they are "certified" or not so you can assume its in the best "for-sale" condition that you will find. Sorry about all the ""'s.

Your wife is a lucky gal. Are you getting her the nice car to prepare her for your own expensive purchase?

[hondavxr]

The Lexus LX470 is actually more like the Toyota Landcrusier. If you gots the dough do for it. I think it is a great SUV. But if you could wait, go for the NEW 07 Tundra. I think it is going to suprise people. Air about Nissans, I work at a Nissan dealer, but most Nissans also dont impress me. Except their top models, like V6 Maxima, Altima, 350z. Come and drive the Titan it might change you. You know a funny thing, I work at a Nissan dealership, loves Toyota's, but race Honda's.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I actaully like the look of the Titan but as soon as a sat in one I jumped back out. The interior is seriously lacking in erganomic comfort. The most uncomfortable window switches ever!! You know what I'm talking about Hondavxr! That and the Four door didn't have a big enough box! I also heard that they are having some problems with the front brakes?

[Eckie]

Good reports guys..I've done some research on these and similar vehicles, especially the Sequoia and the Landcruiser and noticed many similarities. So far, from everyone I've talked to, I've yet to hear anything bad about them.

Sparkyaber - I'll take you up on your advice on the Sequoia and the 4 Runners. I haven't driven a newer 4 Runner, and the ones I do have experience with didn't feel very "sound" and quiet inside. Seemed like they were "tinny"-like an echo could be heard when shutting the doors, etc...surely the newer ones are much better built.

Hondavxr - isn't the Tundra a pickup? Thanks for the suggestion, but as stated earlier, this will be the family wagon as I already own a pickup. Need/want something with some real comfort and room for hauling the kids and all their dump around.

Powerstroke - I knew someone would chime in with your line of thinking . I don't have any immediate purchases on my agenda, but sometimes one has to invest a little "insurance" for future "needs".

[PikeBayCommanche]

I have a Lexus LX 470 (Basicly a Toyota Landcruiser). Love it. Never had any problems with it. Its a 200 and has 140,000 miles and never had anything ever break on it except one belt. Other that that the Lexus sport utility's are dependable, good vehicles.

[Eckie]

PikeBay -

Thanks for the update...did you buy it new? If not, how long have you had it?

Sounds like Airjer is right on the money on the dependability of these vehicles...

[hondavxr]

Yeah the Tundra is a pick up, but with the 07 Tundra there is over 30 combinations on bed length and cab, that you might be able to make something work for you. No matter what you pick, the Lexus or Toyota, its still the same company that makes quality cars and trucks.

[hondavxr]

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I actaully like the look of the Titan but as soon as a sat in one I jumped back out. The interior is seriously lacking in erganomic comfort. The most uncomfortable window switches ever!! You know what I'm talking about Hondavxr! That and the Four door didn't have a big enough box! I also heard that they are having some problems with the front brakes?

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I like Tundras too, but the 04-06 had no power. The Tundra's had no options for the interior, even the top model was still stripped. Yeah you are right about the window switches, that what the global economy makes you do, Nissan buys switches from Korea and Mexico. And they are a bit cheesy. I guess maybe I am more of a power/hp kinda guy.

[Powerstroke]

Hey Eckie, nothing wrong with hedging a little carma towards future wants.

[Eckie]

Thanks for the advice and comments guys...it's truly appreciated. I got a call from a salesman we'd been working with..(actually he's been calling/emailing almost daily for the past couple of weeks), seems he might have found something we have interest in. Going to look at it this afternoon.

My take on this salesman and his follow up with me - either he's very good at what he does, or the dealership is screaming for the business...maybe year end has something to do with it?

When you all have dealt with dealers, what's your take on what appears to be very good service (before the sale)? I'm in sales myself, so I know the rule on "it's easier to hold onto a potential customer, rather than find a new one"...

I guess I'm wondering with the economy and a not so hot year for car dealers, and given the time of year it is, seems like now is a good time to buy, and also a good time of year to be in the driver's seat (no pun intended) for negiotiation.

Agree or disagree??

[Doonbuggy]

Eckie - Interesting timing. I just bought a new '07 4Runner and it is awesome. Quiet, smooth, powerful, refined.

My buddy has the GX470 and he likes it very much as well. Either way you can't go wrong. I'll just throw out some things to ponder:

On the Lexus you only get the V8 engine. With the 4Runner you can get the V6 or the V8 (same 4.7L). I'm getting about 19.2mpg w/ my 4.0 V6 and my buddy is getting 18mpg on the GX.

I believe on Lexus 'certified' vehicles the factory warranty is extended for three years or up to 100,000 miles (from 0 miles).

Certified for used Toyotas gets the 7yr/100,000 mile powertrain extension.

The '08 4Runner will be all new so there is a $1,500 rebate on the '07 4Runner now and it will only be going up as the year goes along. I'd expect it to top out at $3,000 in fall of '07. Perhaps an "all new" GX for '08?

The 4runner's rear hatch goes up, I think the Lexus' goes out to the side, if that's important to you. Both hold their value tremendously well. Both can be had with seven seats.

If you want to save $10,000+ find a slightly used '06 4Runner Limited. It'll have everything other than nav or dvd. The same as a GX, just different sheet metal.

Finally, if you look at the 4Runner get the Michelins. The bridgestone and dunlops are universally hated by reviewers. I got my dealer to swap on the Michelins at no charge.

Happy shopping!

DB

[PikeBayCommanche]

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7yr/100,000 mile powertrain extension

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Yeah because they know that it will never break. I have talked to many people that have known people in the repair departments and they have never seen a Tundra/ 4-Runner/ or Landcruiser ever have a bad transmission.

You can't go wrong with a Toyota product.

[Jeremy airjer W]

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I have talked to many people that have known people in the repair departments and they have never seen a Tundra/ 4-Runner/ or Landcruiser ever have a bad transmission.

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Jeep used those transmissions for quite a while!!

[Eckie]

Thanks for the input guys...still searching, test driving, etc. Have been doing a little more research on the 4 Runner's, Sequoias and Land Cruisers. Have found a couple more GX470's around town that are closer to our price range...seems the Lexus dealerships prices are much higher, and either I'm not a good negotiator, or they are very firm with their bottom line, because I couldn't get them to budge more than $900....so I walked. Other dealers' prices start at less than they did, even with adding an extended warranty, which I may not opt for after hearing the raves for these trucks. I'll keep everyone posted on our results...thanks for the help!

Merry Christmas!

Greg