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

Lil'John said:
Minus the initial cost... maybe. Will take a quick look:idea: since it will fit my fleet of Land Cruisers:emb::shaking:
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Jesus dude, if you can't afford a 7k toyota you can't afford a free euro car:laughing:


I have 2 1st gen sequoias in the fleet, and a diesel x5 bmw. The bmw needs the tuning stuff and will be the DD racking up miles locally, probably sending down the road at 220k, but I expect to be driving the toyotas out of state to 350k

I wouldn't touch a diesel Benz that wasn't an om617
 
Projectjunkie said:
Jesus dude, if you can't afford a 7k toyota you can't afford a free euro car:laughing:


I have 2 1st gen sequoias in the fleet, and a diesel x5 bmw. The bmw needs the tuning stuff and will be the DD racking up miles locally, probably sending down the road at 220k, but I expect to be driving the toyotas out of state to 350k

I wouldn't touch a diesel Benz that wasn't an om617
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I've got enough Toyotas to shake a stick at. Zero problems with them. If you like throwing money away because 'muh Toyota', you do you. :shaking:

For my particular use case, Toyota doesn't offer me a damn thing. Tow rating isn't there in a price range I'm willing to pay and in a chassis I want. Could I buy a newer one that has the tow rating I want? Sure, but then it adds in a whole metric shit ton of feature I have ZERO desires for.

The Sequoia misses the boat for what will work for me. Too long, too much $$(based upon first search), and way too bad mpg.

Also as stated, Calif FUCKS people on registration based upon purchase price. Calif also FUCKS people on registration due to 'weight fees' of pickup trucks. I'd rather not have $500+ yearly registration because I spent more money up front.

My desire to not waste money has nothing to do with can't. I prefer to spend excess money on other things than this item but like I just stated, if you like throwing money away, you do you.:shaking:

Kyle I'm still looking but I saw hinted the ML400(OM628 engine) was imported into the USA while the ML420(OM629 engine) wasn't... but like most internets, results aren't reliable:homer:

larboc I had been looking at 6.5L Tahoe as an option. But finding 6.5L seems like hen's teeth at 1997 and under. 2 door doesn't quite fill my need and 4 door ends up a bit too long like Sequoia.
 
Lil'John said:
and add in 25 to 50 percent Toyota tax? Nah, I'm good not going that route.
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I would. They're different enough to warrant it. Thicker leather, better glass, better suspension, quieter ride. Sexus.
 
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Lil'John said:
For my particular use case, Toyota doesn't offer me a damn thing. Tow rating isn't there in a price range I'm willing to pay and in a chassis I want. Could I buy a newer one that has the tow rating I want? Sure, but then it adds in a whole metric shit ton of feature I have ZERO desires for.
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A early 00’s v8 4 runner has a tow rating of 7-7300 lbs so right in the ballpark with the ML, the 1st gen GX is 6500 lbs (gx likely reduced due to air suspension limitations.] both options are way more common than the CDI Benz so parts won’t be unobtanium like kraut car has the potential to become.

They’re Available in the $10k-ish price range which also seems in the comparable ballpark to mb, and get 20-25%lower mpg on regular fuel that’s similarly cheaper at the pump than diesel.

A gmt800 Tahoe/ Yukon would probably be the cheapest avenue to purchase- half your budget could get you a nicer one. a 5.3 will pull 7500 lbs just fine- but you gotta add a big cooler to the 4l60 to keep her healthy. And it’ll deliver high teens empty on the hwy
You can Get a 6.0 in the Denali/escalade if you think you need more power(at the expense of mpg’s).
 
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Worked with Mercedes parts for 30 years and the first thing I think of when I hear 2011< ML is money and issues. FWIW. Never saw a 629 or a 628 engine but the the 642 I would say might be the least of your issues with an older ML unless you find one that somebody loved and went through. Ther again for what its worth. :beer:
 
WTF? said:
A early 00’s v8 4 runner has a tow rating of 7-7300 lbs so right in the ballpark with the ML, the 1st gen GX is 6500 lbs (gx likely reduced due to air suspension limitations.] both options are way more common than the CDI Benz so parts won’t be unobtanium like kraut car has the potential to become.

They’re Available in the $10k-ish price range which also seems in the comparable ballpark to mb, and get 20-25%lower mpg on regular fuel that’s similarly cheaper at the pump than diesel.

A gmt800 Tahoe/ Yukon would probably be the cheapest avenue to purchase- half your budget could get you a nicer one. a 5.3 will pull 7500 lbs just fine- but you gotta add a big cooler to the 4l60 to keep her healthy. And it’ll deliver high teens empty on the hwy
You can Get a 6.0 in the Denali/escalade if you think you need more power(at the expense of mpg’s).
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I'd argue later 5.3 gmt900 w/6l80e. Right at his budget, 20+ on highway.
Nix afm if you belive internet lore.
 
WTF? ,2 zukyard Thank you for the useful input and things to consider.

My current ride of an 02 Tacoma with 315k does not cut the bill for my use;
  • Tow rating isn't there, not even close. Add in 300k mile 3.4L engine and it would suck compared to the 00 S10... it is seat of pants noticeably less powerful when compared to the S10(both manual, 4wd, 31" tires). S10 just had enough power to pull payload.
  • MPG beyond sucks. I have basically ZERO freeway miles in a month. If I get above 15mpg, the gods smiled upon me that fill:eek: I don't mind the MPG except for the fact that the engine is beyond anemic.
  • "Agility" isn't what I need. My 35" tired FJ55 is way more nimble than the 31" tired Tacoma. I feel this is due to wheel base(~121" vs 108") Thus I want something shorter wheel-based than 121".
I could possibly rebuild the Tacoma engine to fix mpg and power issue. Except my plan is to get rid of it... $50 fuck you from Calif in registration sucks(ie weight fee)

I'm not towing something daily or weekly... I don't need a won-ton dually with the tuned diesels rolling coal:lmao: My intended payload also doesn't require such; maybe 7-8k max - a mid-sized SUV on a trailer.

I may look at 4th gen 4runner but lady at work just got one for about $12-13k... body style isn't something I'm enthused with. I'm not sure if she has the V8 or not.
 
Lil'John said:
I've got enough Toyotas to shake a stick at. Zero problems with them. If you like throwing money away because 'muh Toyota', you do you. :shaking:

For my particular use case, Toyota doesn't offer me a damn thing. Tow rating isn't there in a price range I'm willing to pay and in a chassis I want. Could I buy a newer one that has the tow rating I want? Sure, but then it adds in a whole metric shit ton of feature I have ZERO desires for.

The Sequoia misses the boat for what will work for me. Too long, too much $$(based upon first search), and way too bad mpg.

Also as stated, Calif FUCKS people on registration based upon purchase price. Calif also FUCKS people on registration due to 'weight fees' of pickup trucks. I'd rather not have $500+ yearly registration because I spent more money up front.

My desire to not waste money has nothing to do with can't. I prefer to spend excess money on other things than this item but like I just stated, if you like throwing money away, you do you.:shaking:

Kyle I'm still looking but I saw hinted the ML400(OM628 engine) was imported into the USA while the ML420(OM629 engine) wasn't... but like most internets, results aren't reliable:homer:

larboc I had been looking at 6.5L Tahoe as an option. But finding 6.5L seems like hen's teeth at 1997 and under. 2 door doesn't quite fill my need and 4 door ends up a bit too long like Sequoia.
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I bought a clean 07 sequoia 200 miles from you 3 weeks ago for 6500, drove it 800 miles home, get 18 highway, has 6200lb tow rating (4wd, that's higher than a gmt800 Tahoe)


I expect to get another 100k with low cost of ownership out of it.

You talk about the sequoia being too expensive, it's the most toyota for the money, then mention 4runners:laughing:
You talk about buying a Mercedes because it's cheaper, you talk about a 4door Tahoe being too long. You talk about not wanting a pickup truck because of weight fees, a 2door tahoe doesn't work for you, but the 11 inch longer 4 door is too long.


Please, explain your criteria a little more:laughing:
 
larboc said:
I'd argue later 5.3 gmt900 w/6l80e. Right at his budget, 20+ on highway.
Nix afm if you belive internet lore.
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In addition to AFM (which is very real at commonly seen at around just 80-100k), GMT900 interior quality is a rolling trashcan that isn't worth spending a dime more than a gmt800 for.

And 6l80 isnt really significantly more robust than a 4l60, but a good 6l80 rebuild is $5k while a good 4l60 is less than half that. the extra gears are nice, but you can buy a lot of extra gas at the 2 mpg deficit of the 4 speed to bridge the gap.
 
Lil'John said:
WTF? ,2 zukyard Thank you for the useful input and things to consider.

My current ride of an 02 Tacoma with 315k does not cut the bill for my use;
  • Tow rating isn't there, not even close. Add in 300k mile 3.4L engine and it would suck compared to the 00 S10... it is seat of pants noticeably less powerful when compared to the S10(both manual, 4wd, 31" tires). S10 just had enough power to pull payload.
  • MPG beyond sucks. I have basically ZERO freeway miles in a month. If I get above 15mpg, the gods smiled upon me that fill:eek: I don't mind the MPG except for the fact that the engine is beyond anemic.
  • "Agility" isn't what I need. My 35" tired FJ55 is way more nimble than the 31" tired Tacoma. I feel this is due to wheel base(~121" vs 108") Thus I want something shorter wheel-based than 121".
I could possibly rebuild the Tacoma engine to fix mpg and power issue. Except my plan is to get rid of it... $50 fuck you from Calif in registration sucks(ie weight fee)

I'm not towing something daily or weekly... I don't need a won-ton dually with the tuned diesels rolling coal:lmao: My intended payload also doesn't require such; maybe 7-8k max - a mid-sized SUV on a trailer.

I may look at 4th gen 4runner but lady at work just got one for about $12-13k... body style isn't something I'm enthused with. I'm not sure if she has the V8 or not.
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A 04 GX470 is my dd around town errand runner with a gmt800 suburban for road trips, precisely because it's more nimble/parkable. as i understand it, the gx is pretty similar underpinnings to the 4 runner. The lexus interior fit and finish was worth the tradeoff off fulltime 4wd and its not as bad on fuel as I feared it might be.

i don't tow with mine because i have other vehicles for that duty but I'm confident that the GX has got enough power and brakes to pull/ stop 7k, however it certainly wont be un-noticed. If I were going to try and pull that weight, i'd probably want to add helper airbags (mine has had air suspension deleted/ converted to coilovers.) for a few weekends a year it'd get it done. Around town mine gets 16-17mpg on 87 octane. it did a hair over 20 on a recent 4 hr highway trip a few weeks ago. Overall I like it, but don't love it and if i had to pare down to a 3 car fleet, I'd keep the burb and sell the lexus.
(edit, gx cargo room with the 3rd row seats folded up is a bad joke. I don't have the 3rd row and its slam full to pack for a weekend with my family of 3 with 1 being a toddler so stroller and portacrib being aggravating factors)

I've actually pulled a 7k boat with no trailer brakes behind a gmt800 1500 burb with 5.3 on multiple occasions, and the chassis handles it suprisingly pretty well- and power and braking was adequate for flatlands/ rolling hills. You pay a lot of attention to the trans staying in tc lock and it still gets warm and shifts hard 1-2 after several miles at 60mph hwy speed, with no trailer brakes you keep a lot of distance between you and traffic, but it stoped it reasonably well and wasnt an imminent danger to busloads of nuns as long as youre not running mountain passes, and the rear coils could have used helper bags for the tongue weight but wasn't laying on the bump stops, only contacted the bumps rarely. So i assume a tahoe would do it just as well if not better with less of its own weight to pull.
 
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M92PV4U said:
Just start dating that lady so you can borrow the 4runner and buy yourself a car:grinpimp:
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She's heading in the right direction... got rid of an FJ Cruiser for the 4runner and got rid of a Wrangler(yj??):flipoff2: Unfortunately, I don't think her husband or my wife would approve:lmao:

Her new 4runner is 5th gen(2012) and she owned a 4th gen(2008). She claimed price would drive her purchase more than either one being better 'feature' wise.

Projectjunkie I said I would look into a 4runner(ie more stats to see how it measured up). From 'raw' stats, a 4th Gen(02 to 08) looks close to Merc if I could find one with the 4.7L V8 that wasn't $12k to $15k. As already noted, Sequoia is too large... hell, even the w164 platform Merc is pushing where I want to be. Congrats on getting a steal on a Sequoia. My first couple searches on any of the Toyotas were well over $10k.

WTF? I'll do a little more research on the GX470. At first sniff, it is a 'better' 4th gen 4runner with 'worse' tow rating(6500) Thank you for real world gas mileage report. The cargo room isn't much of a concern to me as it is just my wife and I and I am a hermit:shaking:
 
WTF? In looking further the gx470 looks like same deal as Lexus 80 and 100 series LCs with more 'upgrades' on the 4runner than Lexus did to the LCs. The notable upgrades that I'm starting to like are the V8 and the swing rear door over lift hatch. And at least initial search, the price on them is looking reasonable when compared to 4runners; I'm eyeballing a couple of potentials.

So with that said, let me pivot this thread over to a gx470 data gathering thread.:homer:

1) Is it worth avoiding the VVT-i? An extra ~35hp sounds nice. Caveat, see #6.
2) What are the general weaknesses of the engine? Anything I should be concerned.
3) Is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System(ie sport model) worth avoiding? Sounds like more complex shit to fail.
4) How bad is the transmission? Any recommended transmission cooler to help with towing?
5) Any must upgrade areas?
6) Any must look at years? The higher tow rating looks like I want 2005 to 2009.
7) Any must avoid years?
 
Lil'John said:
She's heading in the right direction... got rid of an FJ Cruiser for the 4runner and got rid of a Wrangler(yj??):flipoff2: Unfortunately, I don't think her husband or my wife would approve:lmao:

Her new 4runner is 5th gen(2012) and she owned a 4th gen(2008). She claimed price would drive her purchase more than either one being better 'feature' wise.

Projectjunkie I said I would look into a 4runner(ie more stats to see how it measured up). From 'raw' stats, a 4th Gen(02 to 08) looks close to Merc if I could find one with the 4.7L V8 that wasn't $12k to $15k. As already noted, Sequoia is too large... hell, even the w164 platform Merc is pushing where I want to be. Congrats on getting a steal on a Sequoia. My first couple searches on any of the Toyotas were well over $10k.

WTF? I'll do a little more research on the GX470. At first sniff, it is a 'better' 4th gen 4runner with 'worse' tow rating(6500) Thank you for real world gas mileage report. The cargo room isn't much of a concern to me as it is just my wife and I and I am a hermit:shaking:
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Fyi...I owned a v8 4runner and was disappointed in mileage...at 16 mpg...my 2009 escalade with 400hp and and got the same mileage...but was way more comfortable on hwy trips and more power...

Put a rzr on small trailer behind it and the 4runner was like 9 or 10 mpg and escalade was 12 to 14:laughing:
 
DT75FLH said:
Fyi...I owned a v8 4runner and was disappointed in mileage...at 16 mpg...my 2009 escalade with 400hp and and got the same mileage...but was way more comfortable on hwy trips and more power...

Put a rzr on small trailer behind it and the 4runner was like 9 or 10 mpg and escalade was 12 to 14:laughing:
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Thanks for the input.

Escalade is beyond too big for my needs. I need 'smaller' and 'nimble' in addition to being able to tow ~7k lbs. My 02 Tacoma xtra cab isn't nimble enough with ~121" wheelbase.

I'm not worried about shit gas mileage while towing. Driving maybe 200 miles each way isn't worth sweating a bigger more tow centric rig when I only do it once a month at best. For my usage, I can't make the numbers add up to have a dedicated tow rig sitting in the dirt while I pay reg/insurance for it to do nothing ;)

FWIW, in my area, I was able to 'force' a Chevy Volt to get sub 25mpg... yes, that Volt that is supposed to get 40mpg:homer:
 
Lil'John said:
WTF? In looking further the gx470 looks like same deal as Lexus 80 and 100 series LCs with more 'upgrades' on the 4runner than Lexus did to the LCs. The notable upgrades that I'm starting to like are the V8 and the swing rear door over lift hatch. And at least initial search, the price on them is looking reasonable when compared to 4runners; I'm eyeballing a couple of potentials.
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the swing door is interesting- if you're needing to get into the hatch in a tight ish paralell parking spot in front of a taller vehicle, or backed close to a wall/ barrier in a parking deck or just a sign post/railing in an open spot it can be less than ideal.

And yes, when I was shopping they were as cheap or cheaper than their 4 runner counterparts.

the adjustable air suspension was a treadmill of troubleshooting/ cascading failures for the seller of mine so they swapped it out for coilovers. I've never driven one with the OEM suspension so can't comment on a comparison. Whatever coilover kit they put in the rear ( probably the cheapest on the market) could use more rebound dampening in the rear as it tends to bounce/ hop over dips.

the 4.7 is a timing belt engine, but its not terribly invasive to service, but if you're looking at one without that service record history, its worth trying to negotiate on

Beware that the earlier years had a nav screen but no reverse camera if that matters to you. I had assumed nav meant camera and was let down to learn that was not the case. its got good mirrors to helo make up for the less than stellar rear visibility, and my wife hasn't backed it into anything yet so that's a plus.
 
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Lil'John said:
Thanks for the input.

Escalade is beyond too big for my needs. I need 'smaller' and 'nimble' in addition to being able to tow ~7k lbs. My 02 Tacoma xtra cab isn't nimble enough with ~121" wheelbase.

I'm not worried about shit gas mileage while towing. Driving maybe 200 miles each way isn't worth sweating a bigger more tow centric rig when I only do it once a month at best. For my usage, I can't make the numbers add up to have a dedicated tow rig sitting in the dirt while I pay reg/insurance for it to do nothing ;)

FWIW, in my area, I was able to 'force' a Chevy Volt to get sub 25mpg... yes, that Volt that is supposed to get 40mpg:homer:
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09 escalade is 116 in WB...tahoe also..they are nimble in town and tight parking lots..

Mb wheelbase is like 117.9:laughing:
 
DT75FLH said:
2009 Cadillac Escalade
Towing capacity

7,900 to 8,100 lbs..:flipoff2:
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Saying it twice doesn't change not fitting my bill. I'm also not sure what MB you were looking at but the two I was looking at were 110 or 114.7. And I stated that the MB was stretching where I want to be(2nd one).

WTF? Thanks for the input again. I've done the timing belt on my 3.4L Tacoma... not the worst thing in the world.

My focus is turning into 2005 to 2009 to ensure I get the higher tow rating. A side bonus is the higher rated engine:emb:

How early is 'too' early? Backup camera is a nice to have... if not installed, how involved would it be to add factory in? I've heard no nav is hen's teeth. I've got a dedicated GPS that I intend to move over.

So far, my search has been interesting... lots of $10k salvage title 200k mile examples:shaking:
 
Serially find a GX460. Same under frame but fold flat third row and slight suspension difference. But major interior upgrade.
 
Kyle said:
Serially find a GX460. Same under frame but fold flat third row and slight suspension difference. But major interior upgrade.
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I just did a quick search and so far that is way out of my budget. I'm trying to keep in the $10k range but may stretch a bunch for the right 470.
 
Lil'John said:
Saying it twice doesn't change not fitting my bill. I'm also not sure what MB you were looking at but the two I was looking at were 110 or 114.7. And I stated that the MB was stretching where I want to be(2nd one).

WTF? Thanks for the input again. I've done the timing belt on my 3.4L Tacoma... not the worst thing in the world.

My focus is turning into 2005 to 2009 to ensure I get the higher tow rating. A side bonus is the higher rated engine:emb:

How early is 'too' early? Backup camera is a nice to have... if not installed, how involved would it be to add factory in? I've heard no nav is hen's teeth. I've got a dedicated GPS that I intend to move over.

So far, my search has been interesting... lots of $10k salvage title 200k mile examples:shaking:
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the only earlier GX models sold in the US were 03-04, I think 05 got the reverse camera with nav but not positive on that,
 
Old backup cameras fucking suck compared to the new shit. I wouldn't go looking for one. :laughing:


Projectjunkie said:
Jesus dude, if you can't afford a 7k toyota you can't afford a free euro car:laughing:
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Need vs want.

Presumably he's not so retarded that he can't turn wrenches so the TCO is going to be about the same no matter what he buys.
 
Kyle said:
10-12 gets you a decent GX460.
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WTF? said:
got links? decent 460s are pushing 20k here.
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I'd second WTF? on this. My quick search 460s was $17k+. But then again, I didn't look much past the first page. I'm also not sure what makes the 460 better more than the 470s... seems like more electronics/gizmos to go wrong ;)

arse_sidewards said:
Old backup cameras fucking suck compared to the new shit. I wouldn't go looking for one. :laughing:
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Any backup camera is better than none:homer: Only part I care about is 'hidden stumps'.

arse_sidewards said:
Need vs want.

Presumably he's not so retarded that he can't turn wrenches so the TCO is going to be about the same no matter what he buys.
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I'm okay with turning a wrench... wrapped up timing belt on the 3.4L earlier this year(:confused:) and will be wrapping up front end rebuild shortly.

I look a test drive of a 2003 470 this morning. Size and agility felt pretty good. This trans didn't feel 'twitchy'. But given the salesman in the back, I couldn't get too wild.:emb: If it was a 2005 or later, it might have ended up in my yard:homer:
 
Lil'John said:
I'm also not sure what makes the 460 better more than the 470s... seems like more electronics/gizmos to go wrong ;)
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its newer so it much be better, right? it probably has a few more features and 'feels' a bit newer.

As a former owner of an 07 tundra, I can affirm that y2k era was about the peak of toyota/ lexus quality focus. The 2nd gen tundra was not as brick shithouse quality built as the 1st gen.

My mom had an 00 RX and an 07 and a 14 for about 6 weeks. eaxh successive generation felt less like it would be the official vehicle of the apocalypse.

Toyota tech and infotainment is notoriously terrible, and at least 10 yrs behind the leaders in that segment. my 07 platinum tundra had bluetooth phone but not music streaming so almost useful, right?
 
No experience with that gen, but do have a '22 GLE 350e that I often tow with. It does it very well, no complaints there. Mine needed the air suspension specced to have the 7700lbs (3500kg) tow capacity.

I've owned a '13 C-class, a '17 E-class and now a '22 GLE. Honestly, they've always been pretty much flawless. But I also like Land Rovers, so my expectations might be skewed.

I've always heard horror stories of the pre ~2011 (Chrysler) days, so keep that in mind.
Another thing: diagnostics on a Mercedes are a bit of a pain. The official stuff (Xentry) is available "on the internet", but you'll pay out the ass if you want to legally and fully use it. The more modern, the more locked down they are. You'll also need a VCI, which is either a 1k+ C4, or a more limited $200 OpenPort which does most things just fine.

But really, you just need an LR4 :flipoff2: Or an L322 Range Rover.
 
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