Used 2009 Lexus GX 470 Consumer Reviews
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Unsurpassed Quaility and Off Road Capabilities
I traded up from a FJ Cruiser to this. In short, it's an amazingly comfortable SUV that excels at off road performance. Based on the Land Cruiser Prado sold pretty much everywhere else in the world except the US (think sand dunes and the bush), this truck is NOT a pimped out 4Runner. The full time 4WD, V8, rear air suspension, build quality, comfort and reliability combined make this rig unsurpassed for those who venture beyond the mall. These trucks are often referred to as out of date dinosaurs, and are compared to their unibody competitors who may outperform in terms of drivability and road manners; but this truck is built for towing, adverse driving conditions, and off-road capabilities while maintaining superior daily driver comfort for the whole family. If that’s not what you need, then look elsewhere. If it is, then look no further, spend a little extra up front, and drive it for another 200k miles. The KDSS version will decrease road body roll and improve off-road capabilities, as well, but they are hard to find. Not so great features include: limited 3rd row seating space and comfort, high (but rare) repair costs, fuel efficiency, styling (face it, it's ugly front most angles), and rear door.
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Best of all luxury SUV
Of all the vehicles I have owned, this must be the best one suited for the whole family. Used to drive an Infiniti Q45 that was an excellent vehicle but not enough room, my wife drives a Honda Pilot, which I dread to drive because of intolerable road noise. The GX470 is the end result of my hours of research and test drives. It is like driving in the quiet comfort and luxury of my previous Q45, with the roominess of the Honda Pilot.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,711118 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $12,995155 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,995203 mi away
Great SUV,But...
For an SUV it's very good with plenty of space unless you have a family or carrying more than 5 people, then some issues arise. The third row isn't exactly spacious and kids will fight for the mid row to avoid the third. Gas mileage is self explinatory since it runs on a V8. Power is plenty when you need it on highways and even after years, the GX is still fairly quiet even with a V8. All in all, it is a great SUV, just be prepared for gas trips and the questionable third row.
Love my Lexus
I purchased a used 2008 Lexus GX470 2 weeks ago with just 7500 miles. I love this car! I previously drove an Acura MDX and this vehicle is so much more comfortable. The ride is smooth and there is no road noise at all. My only issue: my Blue tooth. I can hear perfectly but no one seems to hear me! Hopefully, this can be fixed. If you enjoy an SUV but yearn for the smooth ride of a luxury sedan, consider this model!
Tough choice but happy with the GX
We had a tough time deciding between this and the ML. In the end, Lexus reliability and interior finish were what sold us. For the money the interior of the Lexus felt more polished (totally a personal choice here) than the M. Although the GX does have a tape deck, which definitely is dated! Seats are comfortable and layout of dash made sense. Also, the crossover drive feel of the ML, RX and MDX was unappealing to us. The GX works well for male & female but the Xovers felt very girly. After 2 months of use we really are pleased with it. Ride is comfortable around town as well as freeway, fuel economy as with others in this class is OK. Fits 2 car seats easily.
This is the one!
What can I say about this 4runner's brother and FJ cruiser's cousin in a suit and tie. I've owned about 3 cars in the past year hoping to find the one that I'd own for a while after my last car was totaled. I finally came across this one and I think this one is a winner. I like a good highway cruiser and typically only looked for long wheelbase (used) luxury sedans. However, after being bitten by the adventurous offroading bug thanks to my friends, I caved and had to have something with offroading capability. This one popped up at a dealership as I was trading in my M5 and immediately jumped at the opportunity. The water pump was leaking (dealership replaced for me) but considering it still had the original pump and t-belt at 152k I knew this one would warn me well in advance before I need worry about being stranded on the side of the road or giving me unnecessary stress as to whether it would start in the morning. MPG is... well.... it's a V8 truck. You don't buy these and expect anything better than 16-18 mpg (What I get). Ride is comfortable as can be as expected. Off roading capabilities are extraordinary and can definitely hang with others on the trail. Haven't had a problem yet with the running boards. Might have to push it harder to scratch them. I tend to take the less daring way off road. Have 5 seats more than usually needed, but the cargo space I can't do without. You can feel the beasts weight in the corners but again, it's an truck. Probably should stop driving it like one of my old cars. One thing I do like is the torque from a stop. Again it isn't sports car fast, but oh man does it get up and go. With 152k, I'm waiting for the air suspension to bite the dust, but knowing Lexus/Toyota reliability, that will be a while I hope. Overall, I think I've found the truck I will keep for a while.
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It really is this good
After driving a Durango for many years, we wanted something a little nicer but still powerful enough to keep up our active outdoor lifestyle. We were looking at the Sequioa, but decided that for a little more the GX had all that we wanted and more. This is a great deal. The vehicle performed on a recent road trip under conditions ranging from 110 degrees to below 32 without any issues. It handled on ice, snow, mud, dirt, rock and pavement better than expected. Performance is unbelieveable when you accelerate. It tows like a truck and the engine doesn't even balk. Sometimes it is easy to forget that you aren't driving a luxury sedan. The only close competition is the Mercedes GL class.
Love This Vehicle, Glad I Got One!
Traded my 2001 4Runner for a 2008 Lexus GX. What a great upgrade from the Toyota model to their luxury brand. This vehicle rides amazingly smooth. It is a little thirsty on the tank, but hope this improves over time. The seats are extremely comfortable and all the features in it are just wonderful to use. We love the looks we get riding around town in this. You see why Lexus is at the top of their game.
2008 GX 470 - Rock Solid
I purchased the vehicle 2 years ago to keep at my place in CO. It is used for ski trips in very bad road conditions, hardware store runs, touring state parks and going off road on occasion. The vehicle is well maintained, but lives a hard life and it drives like a new vehicle despite having 120,000 miles on it. It is not as refined as newer vehicles, but that said I don't think I could find a more reliable vehicle that drives as well as this one in all the conditions I encounter in CO. I would buy another GX470 without question.
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Versatile, Comfortable, Impressive
I picked up my GX in 3/08. I wanted to wait awhile before posting a review to allow for some perspective. The craftsmanship and build quality is fantastic. Power train the smoothest I've experienced (previous BMW owner). The car has been 100% trouble free so far (14K miles). No squeaks or rattles to speak of. Superb driving position and seats. Having just moved into a new house with a new baby, this car has been very useful for carrying boxes, etc. Rock solid in snow as well. Wish gas mileage was better though; I've been averaging 17.5 mpg on premium. I would recommend this car as long as you don't mind the mileage.
Still love it - after a year
I was the first one here to write a review (see bottom). It has been a year and a month and a happy 14,000 miles since I got my 2008 GX470. What can I say, I STILL LOVE IT. I feel like 100 bucks when I get in and I know I made the right choice when I get out. Every day I look forward to driving the car. I use it primarily for commuting to my workplace (40 miles both ways). When I get home it feels nice to know that this great vehicle is waiting for me in the morning. I had 2 problems: driver side mirror was sticking and my aluminum wheels had some black spots. Both problems were fixed promptly and the dealer even apologized for the inconvenience. I will drive this truck forever!
Accept no substitutes!
I can't say enough great things about this truck! It's a phenomenal piece of machinery and if you love the 4runner, the GX 470 will put it to shame and make you wonder why you ever drove one! The ride is smooth. The interior is plush and luxurious. It rides so quiet! As many have said already, there are a few things that need improving but that's the advantage when you own one. You know it will only be a few years before they roll out the next new model. I just couldn't be happier. I traded my RX350 in for this and I think I made an excellent choice. Much roomier, not too much difference on the gas mileage and it's just a more solid vehicle. Truly outstanding product!
Just Bought My Lexus
We bought our GX on 12/24/07. We looked at the Sequoia and the Yukon. I drove all three. The GX blows the other two away in driving luxury. We were selling our 12 yr old Jeep Grand Cherokee and needed something bigger. The Lexus is a great SUV for both road trips and everyday driving. 3 days after buying it we put drove it to the UP Michigan for a ski vaca. Drove great in the snow and the long distance. Third row is easy to remove for extra storage. I thought I'd hate the way the hatch opens in the rear, but I am liking how easy it is to get things in and out. My only complaint is I wish the side mirrors folded in mechanically and the third row folded flat, that's it.
We Love It
This is my 5th Lexus, had two ES 300 sedans, and this is my third GX 470. We love the luxury ride, the look, the amenities, the comfort, and the regular mountain driving is superb. I trade every two years, and don't think I would ever consider another car as nothing I have seen matches the quality and the Lexus service.
Better than a new American Suv
Bought a GX 3 years ago from florida and it was rust free with low miles and I have no issues. According to GXOR on Facebook the members have alot of these withover 350,000 miles as daily drivers, or they spend thousands making them into offroad rigs. Very Reliable
This is one of the BEST go anywhere SUV in the mar
It's my 1st SUV and I would like a 4x4 SUV that can go off-road and go to snow without a problem and this car never let me down..already 160,234 miles and no problem at all.Reliable,Durable,comfortable and very high resale value..it's a Lexus and version of Toyota Land Cruiser prado in other country..and last year i got a new Landcruiser200...
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Simply the Best
I bought an 08 GX 470 for my wife and love every bit of this truck. I own an 06 Trailblazer SS and love it to death. I can say the Lexus out performs the SS in every category except performance. The Lexus is tight The doors don't rattle when you shut them. At the age of 33 I'm really sick of all the American cars I've had. I guess I'm getting old and tired of dealing with the problems. GX 470 is awesome.
Love My Lexus
This is my first Lexus and I love it. I traded in my BMW 530 because I now have 5 grandchildren and I needed more room. I looked at the Volvo X90 and the 3rd row seat was not very accessible, Sequoia and Tahoe are too big. This LX 470 is just right. The third row seats are very easy to fold up and down. The ride is very smooth and luxurious. The bluetooth and navigation system are easy to use. I am very happy I bought this car.
See you soccer mom's car on the trail
They're reliable as hell and super off-road capable. Definitely a sleeper on the trail. On top of that, these things regularly last 400-500k miles if you treat them right.
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Affordable & Excellent Overlander
Bought used in 2021 with 150,000 miles, one owner and good records. Best SUV we've owned. Put a 3" lift, larger tires, sliders and have driven all over 4 x 4 trails in Colorado. Much more comfortable than a Jeep and very good off road. Yes, MPG isn't good and it doesn't have all the new tech but it doesn't break down either. It is a 14 year old SUV that drives like new. No rattles or leaks (like a Jeep) nothing falling off (like trim on a Mini Countryman). Our Mini also had high pressure fuel pump fail at 5,000 miles! And everyone knows what happens to a Jeep after about 100k miles. A made in Japan Lexus like the GX makes it one of the best. Why can't others build an SUV like this that just lasts?
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Def not a 4Runner
Owned 3rd gen and 4th gen 4runners, this is nothing like them. I've rented the newest 4Runner on a week long trip and this is nothing like that vehicle. I have owned a Nissan Xterra and a Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I've also owned MANY fast sports cars. My family's kiddo count just went from 2 kids to 5...we had TRIPLET boys 7 months ago. While we hardly ever need to haul all children in one vehicle BUT the Sienna I bought my wife got stuck in gear in a parking lot one day because the shifter cable from cabin to transmission broke by way of retainer bushing failure (not the cable itself). My fast car was a BMW M3 at that time. So, I made two trips in that car to take the wife and kids back home while AAA took the sienna back to our house so that I could install a new corrected cable/bushing from Toyota. I work nights and had to work the following night so I put the vehicle work off for 3 days. Wife was not happy that we were down to a single cab pickup (used to haul our dirtbikes to the mottocross track) and my M3. So, here we are...I traded my coveted M3 for this Lexus GX 470. I want to cry, but let me tell you this GX 470 will make those tears a bit smaller and will perhaps even allow them to run dry a bit faster too. See this thing rides like a dream on the highway and I was watching videos of them off-roading before I decided on it vs a ton of othe SUV's I could have bought. I took the GX 470 to the freakin' motocross track and it got around a DIRTBIKE track (at low speeds granted) like nobody's business. My 4runners would have MAYBE made it, the Xterra may have made it, but I honestly kinda doubt they would. What I do know with no doubt at all is that this crazy Lexus SUV made it around that track and some of those jump faces are 15' formidable, steep, inclines. To be honest I kinda wanted this vehicle to pay a price...I had to sell my M3 to get it. I didn't bash it but I was kind of telling it "you had better be what I expected or else"....it was what I expected and then some. Can't go wrong with this thing. I considered Land Cruisers, Escalade ESV's, LX 470, and GX 460...I know the escalade sounds way off beat but they're kinda cool.
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Does not fit 2 Car Seats in 2nd Row
I saw a posting that it fits multiple car seats in the 2nd row. This is not a correct statement. One Car seat will fit fine, but due to the position of the 2nd latch behind the drive it will not probably hold the car seat still. It is not positioned on par with Federal Guidelines. NHTSA certified fireman said he could not properly install the seat due to the positioning as it of center. So don't buy if you need multiple car-seats in the 2nd row.
Lots of pluses, lots of minuses
Our old car was a Ford expedition (Eddie bauer 2003) and I wanted to downsize. We shopped through lots of suvs and finally settled on the gx470. There were a couple of requirements: smaller size and tough four wheel drive vehicle, along with great reliability. The gx met these requirements. But, the interior left so much lacking. I wanted the quality of a Japanese built car and this is built in Japan, but this suv was designed for the Japanese. The seats are way too small (no one should buy this vehicle that is anywhere near 6 feet tall) and the drivers compartment is crampedbase of seat is inches shorter than the expedition, ashtrays everywhere but no personal storage.
Great car for the price
I just picked up my new car last night. Already put 200 miles and loving it. If you want speed, performance and fuel economy, get something else. If you want plush luxury ride with great ergonomics this is it. I had 2000 LX 470 which was a little too big for me. My wife has a 2007 RX 350 - a little too small for me and too many chicks riding in that. But when I got into GX, I knew right away, its a match made in heaven.
You might want to look elsewhere for a SUV
These cars are overly complex to the point of being poorly engineered. Yes they drive well for a heavy SUV and the ride is better than most SUVs. The engine has decent power and you pay for that at the pump. The problem(s) is the complexity. The suspension system is over the top bizarre. There is an aftermarket suspension for this car because repairing the original is insanely expensive. The engine has a reputation for going many miles BUT they can also have crazy, stupid, odd and very expensive things go wrong. They have water pipes going in and out of places water pipes were never intended to go. And when one of them leaks, look out wallet. The cars are too heavy to be good 4X4s. And they RUST underneath, badly and quickly if you live in any area where this is a problem. I have had three Lexus SUVs and I will NEVER buy another. BUT if you have a big fat wallet.............
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Overall Impressed
This was the first Lexus we have purchased and traded in an 05 MDX. We have had the car since December of 2007 and have put 10,000 miles on. The ride is superb and the acceleration and handling are just right for a vehicle this size. This is the first car my wife ever said that she liked. We considered the RX, but it was smaller than the MDX we traded, so we went with the GX for the extra space. The build quality is superb and every angle you look exemplifies luxury. The handling in the snow is superb and you feel safe at all times. Was very impressed how well the vehicle handled considering its height. If you're thinking about the GX, its well worth it and you won't be disappointed.
Best car
I was driving a 2006 Acura MDX. I then decided to take a look at Lexus. Well, so far the GX470 drive like a GEM. The ride is very smooth and I really couldn't be happier.
Saved me!
From the day I purchased my 2009 GX 470 with 36,000 miles, I have loved it it. The guys at the dealership call it the "tank". I was involved in a 4 car pile up on a bridge. My Lexus GX470 was the only vehicle that was able to drive away from the scene. I love my GX470!!!!
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Our piece of crap Lexus
We bought this car in November before Thanksgiving and I wish we would not have. We compared it between the Tahoe and Escalade and decided to go with the Lexus because of the resale value. What I really hate this car because of the lack of trunk space with the third row folded up and the big bulky 4wd shifter. Most manufactures have put 4wd at the touch of a button and lexus desided to leave it as a shifter to take up half of center console. Because of the positioning of the shifter and 4wd shifter you have to reach around to control the heated seat controls which gets old real quick. The transmision is all so a joke because it has shifted into a higher gear as soon as i begin to lay into it
The most soft car
Everything perfect , only thing is that seats are not comfy for long drive