I know all of the basics about both cars, and both have been promoted by Scotty - though I can't get a clear read on his view on reliability as it seems to shift a lot (between Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, etc).
Considering I get a used one in good condition and I want the car to run for as long as possible with minimal maintanence, which will run the longest? I want something that'll run for at least 200k more miles, 250k ideally. I'll be city driving, cross country driving, and off roading sometimes for camping. GX470 has a bit more room for sleeping and can tow a lot more (though I'm not sure I'll need to tow that much it is a good piece of mind because it'll be my only vehicle). I'll definitely be towing around a 400lbs motorcycle sometimes, but either can do that. The only other thing that is important to me is low noise inside and good sound system (either can be upgraded reasonably, though).
Considering both used are inspected properly, which will last longer?! Thanks!!!
So I have an 08 GX470, and yes, flat out they are a super reliable vehicle that have had tons of people going hundreds of thousands of miles with little or no issues.
I do a ton of research before buying a vehicle, because I am cheap. I actually bought it because it was cheaper than a comparable 4Runner 4 years ago, mainly because people don't know what the big ugly Lexus GX470 is, normally. Yes I used to think it was ugly, it has grown on me. I don't buy a car for what it looks like anyway.
The positives are great reliability, wonderful ride, I used to drive it multi thousand mile trips around the country. Low interior noise. It was the Motor trend's Four Wheeler of the year in 2003 and 2004, it can get you where you need to go. It is a joy to drive though, my friends love riding in it. The engine, and transmission are arguably the most reliable Toyota has ever made. They still make the transmission, as you can see in the first video I linked.
Scotty likes to give a true and fair opinion of vehicles, so here are the negatives he alludes to.
Compared to a 4Runner, some parts are really expensive, like the brake master cylinder that could cost you $1500+ to get replaced. The air suspension can get costly, my air bags went about a year ago, and $200 later, and an hours help from a friend and I am back on the road though. The radio is annoying to add a newer model because it is tied in with navigation. It cost me $500 for the device that allows you to put in another radio without whacking the system out. The starter is also in an odd place that cost more to replace it than most cars, about $750 I think. The thing is, they are very reliable, and are in a better place for longevity. Yes it sucks gas, but honestly not that much more than my 98 4Runner. It does seem to do a fair bit worse in city driving, but highway is about the same, and towing it does better.
It also has a timing belt that should be replaced every 100k or so, and that will cost about a thousand.
From what I have seen of the Land Cruiser, it has a lot of expensive parts as well, but is also one of the most reliable vehicles on the planet.
So yes, it has some more expensive parts, but very well built and long life parts, that rarely need replacing if ever. I am willing to take the risk, and the hit to my wallet if something like my starter goes out, because I know that in the long run, my car is going to be significantly cheaper than buying most anything new.
193k running perfect.
Remember, Scotty won't leave out telling you if a car has some negatives, that doesn't mean it is a horrible car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JteXnrxPQJo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRZfkKpk-jQ
I would go for the Mazda on that price range and that mileage because V8 lexuses are very expensive cars to maintain. Plus they're also gas hogs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CMNee6qFbc - "I'm Sitting in the Best SUV Ever Made" (Lexus GX470)
Sounded like you said it would run forever with minimal maintanence like a 4runner or land cruiser (and it shares many parts with those). So I don't get it; something has changed?
Scotty has said in several videos such Lexuses are OK until they start breaking down. And when they do, they are expensive to repair.
OK, so I gather what is trying to be communicated here is:
- 4runners and the land cruiser platforms are very reliable, and so are the parts they share with the Lexus GX.
- the parts the Lexus GX does not share with the Toyotas, especially the engine, cannot be considered as economical
Correct?