Current original owner of a 2015 GX460 (24000 miles), and a 2019 4runner SR. I am excited about getting a new GX550 Premium, my dealer will have one in a couple wks in the color a want. I don't know if want to trade in my GX460 just to have a new toy, it can probably last another 10 plus yrs.
On the fence
- Thread starter uwilsonuw
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Welcome to the forum, it's a tough call, GX550 is a great vehicle.
Welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum - so many variables to consider.
Financial implication aside, as this is not a Dave Ramsey forum, your 4runner and GX currently sort of have very similar applications. Certainly, the GX you currently have does things a little nicer than your 4Runner. Is this is a 2 vehicle household or is the 4Runner built up for overlanding/camping, etc?
I would argue that your GX is probably going to last you another 20 years easily. I have owned 470s, 4th and 5th Gen 4Runners, and a Tundra. I also had driven many GX460s in the past, but could never really get over the look. The GX550 is a superior vehicle unless you're someone who just can't give up the idea of a V8. The tech, the looks, and the power of the 550 is far superior to the GX460 in my opinion.
With that said, since you already have an SUV that sounds like its in great shape with only 24k miles, I would probably rather have an SUV and a sports car/different type of vehicle, or as you referred to it, another toy. That's just me, tho.
Either way, you're on a GX550 Forum, so I'd wager that we are all going to be very pro purchase, and based on your post, I'd say that you've made your mind up as well.
Financial implication aside, as this is not a Dave Ramsey forum, your 4runner and GX currently sort of have very similar applications. Certainly, the GX you currently have does things a little nicer than your 4Runner. Is this is a 2 vehicle household or is the 4Runner built up for overlanding/camping, etc?
I would argue that your GX is probably going to last you another 20 years easily. I have owned 470s, 4th and 5th Gen 4Runners, and a Tundra. I also had driven many GX460s in the past, but could never really get over the look. The GX550 is a superior vehicle unless you're someone who just can't give up the idea of a V8. The tech, the looks, and the power of the 550 is far superior to the GX460 in my opinion.
With that said, since you already have an SUV that sounds like its in great shape with only 24k miles, I would probably rather have an SUV and a sports car/different type of vehicle, or as you referred to it, another toy. That's just me, tho.
Either way, you're on a GX550 Forum, so I'd wager that we are all going to be very pro purchase, and based on your post, I'd say that you've made your mind up as well.
Unless you have a sentimental reason to keep the 4R, if I were you, I'll consider keeping the GX460 for the V8 and low mileage, and trade in the 4R for a 550 (or a LC250). I owned a 2022 GX460 with Apple car play and would not have upgraded to the 550 if it wasn't totaled. With the newer generation, you do get the safety and technology upgrades which I think is worthwhile. I have no regrets going from the 460 to 550 but the 550 is also not perfect.
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Thank you for responding. What are your pros and cons of GX550 ownership?
- Thread starter
- #7
Thank you for responding. What are your pros and cons of GX550 ownership?
Pros: The vehicles looks are stellar. Lexus quality. The new lane keep assist, dynamic cruise, traffic assist are great. It handles much better than my past GX's. They eliminated the leaning when entering driveways and cornering. Towing capacity is terrific for an SUV. Fantastic off road. Extremely capable. I like the electric emergency brake. You can customize the ride and driveability. Center display is really good. Seats are more comfortable than my previous GX's.
Cons: It's a rougher ride because they eliminated the body sway which I feel was needed. You feel the smaller bumps at low speeds although pretty smooth at higher speeds.
Slight hood flutter at 75+ which doesn't bother me. My dealer said my OT was built on 12/24 so the reported problems were addressed.
Storage space is limited. The Enhanced Engine Sound I don't like and had the dealer kill it.
The cabin is quiet but a little more noise than my previous GX's.
The windshield is more vertical so breaks are more likely. Some have reported excessive breakage and the replacements are 6 months out. The V6 engine doesn't give better milage than the V8. About 16.5mpg. However it has more HP Torque and acceleration.
All in all I am happy with my OT. That said I've only had it for 3 months and only put 6,000 miles on it. I hope it is as reliable as my previous 4 GX's have been.
Cons: It's a rougher ride because they eliminated the body sway which I feel was needed. You feel the smaller bumps at low speeds although pretty smooth at higher speeds.
Slight hood flutter at 75+ which doesn't bother me. My dealer said my OT was built on 12/24 so the reported problems were addressed.
Storage space is limited. The Enhanced Engine Sound I don't like and had the dealer kill it.
The cabin is quiet but a little more noise than my previous GX's.
The windshield is more vertical so breaks are more likely. Some have reported excessive breakage and the replacements are 6 months out. The V6 engine doesn't give better milage than the V8. About 16.5mpg. However it has more HP Torque and acceleration.
All in all I am happy with my OT. That said I've only had it for 3 months and only put 6,000 miles on it. I hope it is as reliable as my previous 4 GX's have been.
TBH, I'd wait a bit. There are still a few tech glitches (CarPlay volume issue, ML amplifier and DSP issues, phantom alerts on the Lexus app, transmission control software leading to clunky shifting after a while) to deal with. And these are all fixable, but no apparent timeline for any of them getting addressed.
I also would not be surprised if a future model year GX550 gets a larger fuel tank, which really is needed.
I also would not be surprised if a future model year GX550 gets a larger fuel tank, which really is needed.
GX550 Forum Photos
GX550 Forum Photos
