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Looking for feedback on Lexus GX470(was Mercedes GLE/ML)

Lil'John

Lil'John

Former #278
Joined
May 20, 2020
Member Number
488
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Walking to the Rubicon
Title is the short... I'm going to start looking here beginning of next month.

*edit*title was: Looking for feedback on Mercedes GLE/ML 2nd gen(06-11) especially diesel engine
Due to some feedback here and research as a result, I'm looking at 2005 to 2009 Lexus GX470.

It is smaller and may work better as a result. The tow rating is only a little lower than I really want but still acceptable.
/edit

It ticks off the boxes I need (~7k lb tow rating from my research, "smaller" SUV, reasonable MPG, reasonable purchase price)

It is going to replace a 310k mile Tacoma. Part of my logic is a good chance it could be a one owner 'babied' SUV.

Typical use is packing the back with shit, mountain roads, curb/ditch hopping, and snow/ice on road to get home. I can't think of the last time I was on a freeway for more than 10 miles and I hit it less than 10 miles total a month:eek:

I will be doing very minimal mods. A plate style rear bumper and rocker guards. Front bumper may change to match the rear. No lift. No power adders. After this winter, I may add ARBs or similar... depends upon how I like it in the snow.

Lexus GX470 questions:
1) How good is the 2uz engine? It appears to be pretty bullet proof with what seems to be typical "replace timing belt at 90k" requirement.
2) How solid is the transmission? I've been jaded against autos since 700r4 hell(four in under 100k)
3) For the year range 05 to 09, are any of them better or worse?
4) Is the nav stuff that bad? I get the impression that hard core GX470 searchers try to avoid it and find the unicorns that didn't have it. I won't be using it as I have a stand alone GPS that I favor especially due to location.

edit old questions
Questions:
1) Did the 4.0L diesel(OM629) ever make it into the US? If yes, how bad is it from maint stand point?
2) How is the 3.0L(OM642)?
3) Is the trans solid?
4) Is the 4wd worth a damn? Mostly interested in snow/ice on roads.
5) Any other known issues?

The 4.0L seems to be the 'perfect' medium for over powered vs cost per mile(in fuel). From there, the 3.0L seems like the 'best' for cost per mile.

Is there a better brand model that is similar sized SUV and sub $10k? BMW x5?
 
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Having a fleet of old fullsize SUVs and checking out a new-ish Mercedes because you're hung up on a rating is pretty spot on for a Toyota fanboy. :laughing:
 
Lil'John said:
2) How is the 3.0L(OM642)?
Click to expand...
20231011_123433.jpg

Oil, water heat exchanger is down in the valley and unless it has had the updated gaskets, it is going to leak. The leak shows up on the driver's side near the transmission and the front of the engine.

These are the intake ports at around 80k miles.
20231011_123942.jpg

Figured I'd add this one so that you can see the engine fully assembled.
20231009_112002.jpg
 
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Speaking of Sequoia's, that reminds me, I know a successful potato farmer in Maine who drives first gen ML series and at least respects them enough to put his kids in them through college.

And by "know a potato farmer" I mean I knew his daughter. :laughing:
 
M92PV4U Thanks for the input/pictures. I may 2nd guess that choice:emb:

arse_sidewards said:
Having a fleet of old fullsize SUVs and checking out a new-ish Mercedes because you're hung up on a rating is pretty spot on for a Toyota fanboy. :laughing:
Click to expand...
FJ55... FJ55... FJ55... FJ40... I'm still looking for a fullsize SUV in my current fleet:shaking: 6.0L, turbo 5.3L, Cady 472, <maybe> turbo 4.3L all with 1 ton axles... yup, a whole lot of Toyota in the drivetrain choices:homer:

The only full blown Toyota I have is a 310k Tacoma. It lacks the balls to even attempt the tow I want. My old S10 truck(4.3L) was able to do the tow I wanted... sort of... minus having a slow leak HG as a result:homer:

Not sure a 68 mustang or 77 Civic would be classified as full size SUVs... not sure they'd be up for 1k lbs:flipoff2:

Sorry if I don't trust my luck in dealing with insurance companies and not wanting to get a claim rejected because I was over towing. Not that I'm expecting to wreck but I'd rather not get jerked around.:flipoff2:
 
DRTDEVL said:
Don't rule out the OM642 just yet...

Oh, wait. You are in California. I guess you need to rule it out, because the rest of the free world can contact Malone Tuning in Canada and get a nice little file that drastically reduces the amount of carbon in the intake manifold.:flipoff2:
Click to expand...
I won't say that is a big issue.:homer:
 
Isn’t the first gen ML like a cult classic vehicle now? I only see them lifted with big tires.


I have been eyeing the GL350 diesel but the GLE63 AMG just keeps tickling me in a way I can’t explain.
 
The only Mercedes I have experience owning is a 2011 C63 AMG, I highly suggest you buy one.



Your welcome
 
The standard issue 400hp n/a V8 on those is probably worth a look and more fun to drive.
 
M92PV4U said:
<snip picture>
Oil, water heat exchanger is down in the valley and unless it has had the updated gaskets, it is going to leak. The leak shows up on the driver's side near the transmission and the front of the engine.

These are the intake ports at around 80k miles.
20231011_123942.jpg

Figured I'd add this one so that you can see the engine fully assembled.
Click to expand...
Is this carbon build up? From watching good ole 'I Do Cars' tear downs, it seems like all direct injection engines have an issue with carbon build up in the intake/head due to no fuel washing it down:confused:

I'm hoping to close in on something by end of month and I'm still second guessing on the diesel.

Anyone know if the 4.0L diesel(OM629) was available in the US?
 
My buddy has one and it always has a check engine light. He will fix it and a few days later it's on again. There's a mystery trans shudder it's had for years and the dealer won't fix it.
I helped him do wheel bearings and airbags last year. I hate the damn thing with all my heart.
 
I'm starting to get more serious on my searches.

How bad are the transmissions?

The 02 to 05 ml400cdi is somewhat tempting but I'm not having much luck finding one. It has the rating I'm looking for but it doesn't loo impressive compared to the 05 to 09 ml320cdi. 247hp/413ft-lbs vs 221hp/376ft-lb. OIder is somewhat more appealing due to less ADHD ass hat designs.
 
Stix said:
Toyota tax goes out the window the first time something breaks on the kraut wagon. :flipoff2:
Click to expand...
Not my experience when shit hits the fan on my Tacos:flipoff2:

Toyota tax of spending $15k for <fill in SUV> compared to everyone else at $10k or less that are similar in all other measurables. I'd rather keep the $5k plus up front. I also can't ignore the fact that Calif fucks people on registration based upon purchase price:flipoff:
 
Lil'John said:
Title is the short... I'm going to start looking here beginning of next month.

It ticks off the boxes I need (~7k lb tow rating from my research, "smaller" SUV, reasonable MPG, reasonable purchase price)

It is going to replace a 310k mile Tacoma. Part of my logic is a good chance it could be a one owner 'babied' SUV.

Typical use is packing the back with shit, mountain roads, curb/ditch hopping, and snow/ice on road to get home. I can't think of the last time I was on a freeway for more than 10 miles and I hit it less than 10 miles total a month:eek:

Questions:
1) Did the 4.0L diesel(OM629) ever make it into the US? If yes, how bad is it from maint stand point?
2) How is the 3.0L(OM642)?
3) Is the trans solid?
4) Is the 4wd worth a damn? Mostly interested in snow/ice on roads.
5) Any other known issues?

The 4.0L seems to be the 'perfect' medium for over powered vs cost per mile(in fuel). From there, the 3.0L seems like the 'best' for cost per mile.

Is there a better brand model that is similar sized SUV and sub $10k? BMW x5?
Click to expand...
6.5 gmt400 tahoe.
 
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