How could this super reliable '07 Lexus GX470 have such a stupid design? CAR WIZARD weighs the risk

No vehicle is perfect, even though as the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ has said before, Toyota/Lexus comes close. So how did they make this vehicle with such a stupid design?
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[@ryanmartinage]

Also remember that this IS a Land Cruiser Prado. The starter up under the intake manifold keeps it out of the weather and elements. They typically last hundreds of thousands of miles without a fuss. Seems a pain but for those who use these vehicles as intended, it's a feature.

[@Turskaify]

Also the job isn't particularly difficult but just takes a while, I'd much rather clear the intake above the engine for a few hours rather than fight awkward bolts under the car for even 15 minutes.

[@donmynack]

@@Turskaify What? You rather work for hours instead of removing a couple bolts and sliding a new start on in 15 minutes? OK...

[@ligmaknutts2752]

@@donmynack yeah I know that was a really stupid remark he must be one of those liberal Peter eaters

[@fsb_-bf3th]

@@donmynack its alright, he's a "toyota guy" they rationalize any bad design or mandatory expensive maintenence, (ie water pump and timing belt at the dealer). That kind of money going into any vehicle no matter what the repair will keep it on the road. Keep a starter on hand if you're going in the middle of nowhere, replace it easy. Instead of being fucked.

[@dawicked2k8]

Yall hating in the comments yall ever heard of BMW?

[@MarcBookPro]

My wife has 216,000 miles on her '09 GX. I don't know what it is, but these things age so well, mechanically and cosmetically.

[@kevinbarry71]

These are fantastic vehicles; and if that's the biggest problem you can find, nobody can complain. And has been pointed out, there are advantages to putting the starter there. Keeps it out of the way of damage, doesn't cook it with the exhaust, and it's quieter. No big deal to pay a little extra to change it every 15 years when you need to

[@onlyrog5]

gas mileage.

[@Baebon6259]

@@onlyrog5 of course gas is an issue because it starts and gets you to places unlike many others that just sit in the repair shop ie saving on gas.

[@rawalqayyum5128]

@@onlyrog5 who buys a V8 5000 pound truck and complain about gas mileage 🥴

[@ASSOpid]

Am I the only person who thinks those big screen radio/center displays (Tesla) are just ridiculous.

[@abdotheelder7143]

Agree, screens are not luxury they will be outdated in 2 to 3 years

[@beastmodetruelife1083]

A very distracting option. But to each its own.

[@mprime6807]

I don't mind a big screen, but this one blocks the a/c vents. Couldn't have it that way in TX.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

100%

[@profencegrandrapids2684]

Only 166k? It's barely broken in! I just sold mine with 345,000 miles on it and it still ran like new. Absolutely wonderful vehicles

[@7sunsetmaro7]

I sold my 19 Tacoma and got a GX470. 222k miles. Runs like a champ!

[@jesselara2736]

The starter is placed at the highest point of the transmission and this is due to people getting mud and other debris in them whenever they try to go off roading. And causing them to fail. Keep in mind this engine is shared with the LX 470, and the Land Cruiser of the same era. All of them design to go off road and last a long time.

[@adamharris2674]

So my 93 LS400 has this “feature” so it can go “off-roading” huh? Lol.

[@dsonyay]

It’s the LandCruiser engine in the Lexus.. and many owners do offroad them especially the older models that were bought second/third hand.

[@MrSweetHart6976]

Its cool that you show so many different vehicles on this channel, but once in a while I'd love to see an actually video of you working on the vehicle. Especially something like a timing belt like this. Most people know timing belts need to eventually be replaced and can be expensive to do so. So showing a video of how much work it takes to actually change one would be educational and I think a lot of people would be interested?

[@vw5056]

Won't happen as he doesn't wrench anymore but it is a full-time show man. Go to CSW (Customer States What) to see actual repairs.

[@j_freed]

@@vw5056 He’s also a certified engine fluids Sommelier… Can easily recognize by taste the type of undercar seepage, where that fluid came from and who made it and also the approximate vintage. 🍾

[@denitipuric1130]

@@vw5056 his guys can work on it and film it

[@humpsuka]

Absolutely, a timelapse video or something would be nice.

[@geepeerces]

Filming a complex job slows it way down. A shop like this needs to move cars through and make book time.

[@joshuagibson2520]

One thing I absolutely agree with Grumplestiltsken on: start / stop "feature" on a vehicle is an AWFUL idea.

[@Paul-sk2pc]

It was promoted by regulators to “cut down” emissions. Same reason they are killing v8 on newer Lexus LX and future GX. It is the first thing I disable on every car I owned.

[@markphillips6154]

Love the grumble still skin name

[@mro1160]

My car has the feature and I turn it off each time I use the car.

[@jfv65]

1 exception: Hybrid vehicles. They often use the drive E-motor as a motor/starter/generator. Those are beefy and fully up to the job. Just have a look at a Prius. It doesn't even have a conventional starter motor. The E-driveline is taking care of starting.

[@fleurdewin7958]

Agree. I live in a tropical climate country. When the engine stops, the air-cond compressor stops too. In a hot and humid weather, it is torturing for the occupants.

[@TheShakir98]

For something that's very reliable and can last you as long as 250-300k, I wouldn't call it a design flaw. My GX has 260k miles with original starter from 2004 and LX470 2006 with 150k KMs and starter on both of them, still going strong. So, for something that doesn't require a regular attention, it is kind of silly to classify as a design flaw

[@nordicpride9708]

I’d call it a bonehead engineer who isn’t considering the technician. All modern American V-8 motors have externally mounted starters. There’s no benefit other than footprint to placing it under the intake. Just some jackass who has never actually wrenched on a car would make this decision. And I like the 4.7 2UZ-FE

[@motley06]

The dude loves euro trash. The starter under the intake is not a big deal. The list of retarded crap I see on euro cars is longer than my arm, and their reliability is nowhere close to Toyota/Lexus. And euro cars depreciate so much, I can’t see why anyone would like those turds.

[@ryanroland6426]

​@nordicpride9708 it's actually a fantastic design for the vehicles intended purpose. The uz is most often in offroad vehicles in which they go through harsh elements such as water crossings in which you do not want your starter getting a bath.

[@johnadams3800]

It's funny how must people think a decent Japanese vehicle can go only 250-300k. My ridgeline is at 374k, and i treat this thing like crap lol. I haven't changed the timing belt in 180k miles, and just keep adding oil every now and again ..yup.. not even actual proper oil changes. And i live in rather rough country.

[@MidnightMiata]

I remember watching your video on which 1/2 ton gas trucks to buy. I decided to save a bit more and got a 2012 Toyota Tundra 5.7 with 4x4. Holy crap is this an incredible truck! Bad gas mileage, but it has been absolutely trouble free. I did the spark plugs, oil change, differential fluid, and transmission fluid when I got it. It's absolutely fantastic! Thank you so much for the solid advice Car Wizard!!

[@jasonpark5692]

I got a 2014 tundra in December after watching the same video. Sweet truck.

[@rolandocurro8842]

I had a 2007 Toyota Tundra V6 - 4.0 liter regular cab short bed. That truck with just 240 horses and the 6 speed trans. Would pin you back in the seat. When i did stomped it every once in awhile. The steering and handling the corners were A1 performance all the way.

[@peters1821]

Few months ago I replaced a starter on a 2002 Tundra with the same 2UZ 4.7 engine. The starter failed at 320 thousand miles!!!! It took me about 2.5 hours. In my opinion it’s not really a design flaw. From 2005 it’s more complicated but still not too bad of a job, just a little more time consuming.

[@worldhello1234]

It is a design flaw if it becomes unnecessarily expensive.

[@j.h.hahnes8849]

@@worldhello1234 It's an even worse design flaw if it must be done frequently and/or just even further complicated

[@89toy4wd]

The exhaust manifold has to come of to change the starter on 5.7s, this seems pretty easy…

[@daniels2761]

Agreed. I wish my 5.7 was set up this way instead.

[@nicholasjanssen2175]

@@j.h.hahnes8849 Yeah, you'll be doing it again when you replace you made in japan oem starter with autozone dura-crap. These starters last forever

[@stymiesnerdly771]

I had a Sequoia with that same 4.7L V8. It’s an outstanding baby V8 at 285ci. I sold mine with 330k miles and never had to replace the original starter.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Yeah, I don't know why someone would want to replace a starter that is still working fine. Waste of money. Odds are, the one in this unit will last well over 200k, the owner might not even have the vehicle by the time the starter fails.

[@repairvehicle]

Oem used starter is way better than brand aftermarket garbage

[@ac-mu2nw]

It would be a design flaw if they failed a lot, they don't. It is one of the most reliable starters on the road. Same set up in the early Tundras. It is not that hard to do either. Like your channel just the same. Keep it up. 49 yrs in the trade myself.

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

Luxury version of the Toyota Prado sold everywhere except the US and Canada I believe. Have driven the Prado in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq. Love them as they are pretty much bullet proof with a great 4WD system.

[@syxepop]

There are some Prados (like there are some LC 200's and now all new LC 300's) with the same NA-V8 (or T-V6 on the new LC300) that have the same engines as the US-spec Lexi (counting the new LX600 as the only US-spec version of the LC 300). The difference is the availability of other lesser-powered engines and / or TD's and equipment.

[@diablocls55]

What’s driving in Afghanistan like?

[@nenaddimitrijevikj5125]

@@diablocls55 like in every country. You turn the wheel to go left and right and press the gas pedal to go and brake to stop

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq...bullet proof? Did you dangle that out there to see who would bite?

[@diablocls55]

@@nenaddimitrijevikj5125 no shit, smartass.

[@jbhorner]

Really appreciate that you folks go the extra step to evaluate your customers’ vehicles. It demonstrates the understanding that multiple visits is an inconvenience. I arranged for a friend to take his Toyota Sienna to address a specific concern. When I asked the shop to look over the car for the purpose of finding any other issues that were not know, you’d have thought I asked them to plan a trip to Mars.

[@MrCarGuy]

The vacuum lines under the intake manifold all turn to dust by the time starters fail on all 1UZ/2UZ/3UZ it affects. Kind of forces you to address it all at once

[@ivanstarkov4053]

As well as knock sensors wiring

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

I agree! Here's my take on the job. Well, I didn't replace the starter, but did the intake manifold gasket and secondary air injection pump breather filter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn3QoWp6iKeMgqs

[@dillonkoch72]

I'll be upgrading the hoses to silicone and replace the filter and start and intake gaskets with OEM parts with that time comes. I hope i don't pull me hair out lol

[@davidr6865]

@@ivanstarkov4053 chipmunks get to the wires

[@RickysHP]

That GX definitely needs a set of airbags replaced. And yes, you're supposed to turn OFF the ride height control before putting it on a lift. There's a placard down low on the center console that tells you that.

[@TheShakir98]

I converted mine onto regular springs with little bit of lift kit on all four sides, sure comfort is not as good as bags but for long term, they will last me and lifted with mean tires, car looks cool

[@jeffreylyons1531]

@@TheShakir98 the air bags on mine rode terrible, loving my coil conversion

[@Shalmaneser1]

When Cadillak introduced a reactive air shock system, they memoed everyone to NOT lift the car before disabling the system. Guess why... (hint: *Boom* *Boom* *Boom* *Boom*) "What Memo?" It twernt pretty nor cheap while shops adapted.

[@doogiemoster]

120 series is awesome, retains great value and just as good as it's more expensive big brother, especially for long distance driving. 180l fuel tank and removable third row. I've owned mine since new in 2006 and it's been awesome

[@ImADJSquack]

“The car will be cheaper to fix because the mechanic won’t get pissed off while working on it…” never thought of it that way, thanks Car Wizard!

[@vw5056]

Charging more because you don't like the car sounds unprofessional.

[@derekteter982]

I think I may actually have an answer to why they did it like this. It may have something to do with using this motor in RHD countries to keep it out of the way of the steering column no matter which side of the car it's on.

[@clintprice2123]

The Nissan Titan 5.6 V-8 also has the starter located there. I’m on my third Titan and all three have been rock solid and reliable.

[@rowboyto156]

its to have a very quiet start up. theres a video called lexus ls400 documentary, its an hour long but it tells you why the engine was designed like that. the 1uz and 2uz are basically the same engine the difference is the displacement and the truck motor is an iron block

[@Beer_Dad1975]

I was actually impressed the book time on this is 4 hours. I did my SC400 starter many years ago - took me maybe twice that over Saturday and Sunday and destroyed my back leaning over the engine.

[@jnljnl8485]

The thing is the starter not getting cooked by the exhaust makes them last a long time. Much longer than a gm ls starter that gets cooked by the exhaust.

[@brayannexon4613]

@@jnljnl8485 hmm gm northstar engines have the starter in the same spot and they fail regularly.

[@MoDoza623]

Can you make a video showing how you guys are fixing this car? Like the surprised air suspension issue.

[@jorgefernandez281]

I vote for this too!

[@nexusyang4832]

Me too!!!!

[@lumiapixel1241]

I really thought gx470 has no airbag since it's hydraulic.. i guess I am wrong

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

He doesnt work on cars to busy making youtube money, sends his workers to do everything and just videos cars from euroshitbob.

[@TheShakir98]

@@ILOVEBACONBOY2018 if i have money and a garage like that, i would do the same. You sound very jealous

[@donaldmiller9130]

One maintenance item that went unnoticed: It appears that both sets of road-spray protectors are torn-off/missing from the front wheel wells. These formed-fiber sheets reduce water splashes into the engine compartment and help protect components. They become brittle over time and require occasional replacement.

[@maximaniac7231]

Yep. I had to replace them on my '09 when I bought it. She just turned 223,000 miles today. Runs like a top.

[@wernerdanler2742]

He may actually have removed them in order to show us the items he did.

[@drainaudio]

@@wernerdanler2742 - Pieces of them are still clearly attached to the chassis by their mounting clips/bolts. Have a closer look.

[@wernerdanler2742]

@@drainaudio Thanks, I'll look again.

[@richardgalindo1364]

We can thank the EPA for the design flaw on that engine. Placing the starter in the valley allows for the cats to be located closer to the manifold thus reducing warm up time and allowing the system to go closed loop sooner to reduce emissions. Still a pain in the butt when the starter fails. It also allows for tighter packaging of the exhaust components and makes the engine more symmetrical. That way they can build just one variant of the engine for left and right hand drive applications. At least all of the other service items are easily accessed.

[@briggsquantum]

Great answer - thanks for posting that. My understanding having owned and worked on four Lexus V8's that it is for converter heat.

[@daniels2761]

I don't think either of your assumptions are correct. It is more likely due to this car being a global product that gets the crap beat out of it. Starter up top to keep it out of mud and water, cats up high to protect them from damage (similar to other components underneath being well protected). It'd be nice if they used this same design on the Tundra 3UZ, its starter is down low and hard to get to due to the exhaust, and the cats are way back and very easy to steal or damage.

[@MyCatInABox]

Yep yep...I definitely agree with you on that.

[@Kevin-hp5fk]

@@daniels2761 You're correct. It's always bizarre why some people just blame things they don't understand on a generic boogyman like the EPA or some other group they dislike. Having the starter up there is the best place for it, keeps it dry and allows a long life if the vehicle is used for what the LandCruiser was designed for. As an example of another toyota product, the last gen Tundra had the starter in the more usual spot, much easier to service, but you couldn't take it throw water near as deep as that LandCruiser without killing the starter. Edit: I'm second guessing myself now about the Tundra comment. It's so long since i was under one i can't be sure I'm not thinking of the alternator placement instead.

[@BradleyJokerst]

This is correct. It’s also the reason for the ridiculous secondary air system which assists the cat at warming up quicker on a cold start, thus burning less emissions. An EPA requirement again. The catch on this motor is that you have to take apart the entire manifold to replace it. It’s also one of the first parts to fail on this motor. Which mine did. There are a few different bipass modules you can install that will bipass the entire secondary air system. I installed the Hewitt Tech modules 7 months ago with absolutely no issues. While technically illegal in states that require emissions tests, it will not cause the vehicle to fail the test. It will also not cause any issues to the motor or affect fuel economy when using the module. The secondary air system failing and not being addressed can cause all kinds of problems. This is why people usually replace the starter if they have to replace the entire air system.

[@kevinschiffer1413]

The first car repair I did on my own was the starter on my 74 Toyota Corona. Two bolts and the wires, took me a 17 year old kid at the time - 15 minutes. That was the old days though. Honda puts some starters like on this car, under the intake. I’m not going to even attempt that one…pay the pros that know what they are doing for sure.

[@stephenbartram7377]

That's their plan so noone works on their own vehicle They make triple the money on bad designs for service than the price of it When they can't make money on it it goes bye bye Also why stan meyers was removed from the living in mid 90's His cranberry juice was poisoned and died in front of the cracker barrel right after signing a contract for his water powered dune buggy technology

[@funnypranker34]

Not too bad. Hard part is the top bolt for the starter

[@michaeltutty1540]

Great video, Wizard. On potentially large jobs I like having a very rough ballpark guess about the labour so I don't waste my time and the shops on a job I can't afford right then. That is not something I often do ask about, but when it was the head gasket on a Red Block I needed a ballpark on shop time. It did not stop the job happening, but I knew how much money I was going to be looking at. No sticker shock. I fully realize a quote is not realistic, but a quick look at the computer for the number of shop hours to be billed does not take long. That said, I appreciate and even expect that if the shop finds something else wrong they tell me. After 32 years and 613,000 kilometers, my old Volvo sometimes has things needing attention. Since the shop knows I plan to keep Arthur the test of my life, they are well aware that if they tell me something is bad I am going to say "Fix it" without hesitation. Sometimes on an old Volvo it is easier or better for me to get the parts, so it is a cooperative effort. It works.

[@Ervincat]

Right On! Like the content but enough complaints about customers that want a price. Tired of that theme in the videos. Not legal advice but It is actually the law in Kansas anything over $150 customer is entitled to an estimate unless expressly waived. Wizard has said before that he is not giving customers a break even if he can beat the book time. So, if you are charging book time regardless what’s so hard about giving an estimate? Content used to be about Hoovie getting estimates. Wouldn’t we all like customers to give blank checks. Anyone that does that is eventually going to be taken advantage of and there is a name for that we call them “suckers” or victims.

[@gregoryj5874]

You are the most articulate mechanic I have ever been blessed to hear and see work. KZbin sent me here I guess cause I been clicking on the GX 470 researching to purchase. Thank you for explaining the protocol when calling a mechanic for an estimate. I've had it where cv joint(2001 Corolla) went bad but they only discovered tie-rods were also needing replacement AFTER I bought it in dor the CV joint repair.

[@mikes1929]

These things will run forever. I’ll always miss my 2006 GX470. Sadly the frames were known to get extra rusty if you lived in the salt belt .

[@bigsteppa9843]

yup :( i have to get rid of mine soon because of this and it’s gonna break my heart. first car

[@Shalmaneser1]

Yah. The HVAC lines fittings & rear condenser manifold. are also prone to corrosion.

[@LaGaspa]

At runners timestamp 13:37 This is why if there's a repair needed on any of my vehicles which I cannot do, I do my research on it from various KZbin channels and mechanics to determine how many hours it would take to do it before I take it to my well qualified local garage. By doing so, I know/learn how many hours it takes to do repairs and/or the difficulty of replacing that part.

[@TheCyberMantis]

That is only what the book pays on the job, for flat-rate purposes, so shops know approximately what to charge. It is usually NOT "how long it takes to do the job". It usually takes longer to actually do the job.

[@Morpheen999]

@@TheCyberMantis Ya and sometimes it can be done in half the book time and you get charged full time anyway

[@j_freed]

@@Morpheen999 - Sure, some mechanics work faster because they’ve been doing it for decades, and they’re not expecting a pay cut. They actually expect to make a better living than far lesser mechanics if you can believe it… All trades and professions are like this.

[@rfvc600r]

I do the same thing in a way, I research and decide if it's worth the trouble for me myself and my current situation. Right now I'm rebuilding my dirt bike engine, I just did a clutch and transmission job on my Fiat Abarth, but I paid a shop to install a gas tank on my truck and another shop to the timing belt on my car. I'm perfectly able to do it but for whatever reason at the time I decided to outsource Word.

[@LaGaspa]

@@TheCyberMantis granted, I was in a rush to reply and trying to compose my words to basically say, but you just did, that. The book tells how many hours it should take....each ship charges a different rate.

[@petesmitt]

Not a design flaw, just packaging the starter in a space under the manifold; the starters are very reliable.

[@walterk1221]

So the same can be said of the Northstar engine? 😉

[@aabikrman]

Sheepskin seat covers are extremely comfortable and effective. I have a set of real sheepskin seat covers in my 2nd Gen Ram and when you're not thinking about how cold or hot your rear is, you know they're doing the job. They also seemingly last forever. I put one on the driver's side after installing leather seat covers a few years after I bought the truck new in July of '95. I moved the older cover over to the passenger side about 20 years later. The older one has a little bit of sun fade and some wear but it's not noticeable and still very comfortable. Truck has a little over 325,000 miles on it and she's still going strong. Same starter on it btw...!

[@sheiladawg1664]

How's the seat heaters work when they're covered by 3" of sheepskin?

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

I agree completely. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Love them!

[@aabikrman]

@@sheiladawg1664 I don't have heated seats in my Ram and initially sitting down on uncovered leather seats can be a very chilling experience in the winter ! In the summer it's the exact opposite but with the sheepskin covers, it doesn't matter, the seats are comfortable year round. I do have a Lexus as well as the Ram and the Lexus has heated and cooled seats and until the car has been running for awhile, those seats are initially uncomfortable depending on time of year and you're correct in implying covering the seats would negate the effects of the heat but then again, one probably wouldn't notice the lack of heat or AC because the covers make the seats comfortable year round. The covers do add a little bit of height which could be an issue for some vehicles and I wasn't implying one should cover their heated or AC'd seats. I got a kick out of Mrs Wizard's comment about "Granpa's '80's seat covers"...:-) Whether sheepskin covers are dated or not, they're very effective, very comfortable, don't shed, and very long-lasting ! The covers could be used as a relatively, inexpensive way to add some height for shorter drivers but their biggest benefit is year round comfort !

[@Shalmaneser1]

@@sheiladawg1664 By moving to a more temperate climate? Plasticized leather isn't a great insulator, so the sensation is chilling. Sheepskin traps your own body heat, helping your sensory experience. Seat heaters are a cheap response to cheaping on real leather.

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Great video I like how it mentions things good and bad about this along with other vehicles. Good catch on the air leak good to catch it early or moisture gets in and overwhelms the air drier on the compressor. Which then starts to pump gunk in the lines and through the pump. I had a car where I later found out my mechanic thought he was doing good in wiping off horizontally mounted dampener shocks. He didn't think were needed on this or any car. I was not pleased to have a clunk and compromised handling that was not mentioned.

[@busman7228]

Cardinal why would wiping cause problems?

[@RavensHater007]

As a GX470 owner myself this was an insta-click lol

[@jesdadotcom]

Starters don't fail often at all on cars without start-stop. Perfectly reasonable place to put it.

[@emanhero6311]

As a diyer it took some time put I did it mayself buy oem

[@oambrosia]

Kinda curious as to why the customer wanted this done. Seems very un-wizard like to do a job like this just because the customer asked?

[@houseofno]

On the contrary. Starters CAN and do fail on cars with no start stop. Especially on cars like mine with a plastic bendix that breaks, preventing the solenoid from engaging with the starter motor. Think a starter can't fail? Tell that to my busted knuckle and that broken starter I pulled (no start stop on my 1988 BMW 750iL).

[@AT-wl9yq]

I have to agree. Personally, I prefer doing the ones under the intake manifold.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

The exact opposite is actually true, especially if you don’t use start/stop all the time. The St St Starters are heavy duty.

[@Soulburn89]

The Alfa Romeo has become a permanent resident I see. It's like that friend that sleeps on your couch and refuses to leave. Gotta love Alfas.

[@Gadget0343]

Very nice review. The real design flaw on the GX470 and the V8 4Runner is the exhaust manifolds. They have a weird design where it seals to the exhaust ports and they crack and leak. All of them will do it at some point in their life. They will need to be replaced. The thing that is unfortunate is the front cats are built into the manifold so to replace it you have to replace the entire assembly, manifold and front cat together and it is very expensive. They do run forever!

[@sanjayvishwanathan1735]

Yes, many of these have the exhaust manifold issue and its a costly aftermarket fix. Toyota did step up and replace it in some cases but they use the same OEM which causes issues in a few yrs. Also the dash cover is most likely due to the fact that these were notorious for dashboard cracks which is again a costly fix. And the frame rust can get really bad if not well cared for. So yes very reliable but has its share of issues which can be costly to fix.

[@SlightReturn666]

Yup just had to replace my starboard manifold. Used new OEM part but had it installed by an indie shop. Worked out fine and soooo much quieter now.

[@TickleFingers]

This doesn't affect all GX470s equally. The 2003 to 2004 non VVTi 4.7 doesn't have the secondary air injection system for emissions. The SIA injects air into the exhaust on startup to get more O2 in the exhaust to warm up the cats quicker. The design is cause for manifold cracking issues. The 2003 and 2004 do have manifold cracks, but it's less prevalent than 2005-2009.

[@closer71]

More so on the 4Runners. Not so much on the GX470s…not sure why.

[@Gadget0343]

@@closer71 That is odd since is the very same part and so on.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

GX470 is hands down the best 2000s SUV platform out there. Torque, reliability, 4x4 capability.

[@Zephyr8086]

Shared platform with the 4Runner v8 too.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@Zephyr8086 they are definitely very similar to 4Runners. The platform twin is the Toyota Prado 120 which was only sold overseas. Here’s some more background kzbin.info/www/bejne/np2knWaeop5nn68

[@joshuagibson2520]

But poop fuel economy.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@joshuagibson2520 sadly, yes

[@johncyr181]

@@joshuagibson2520 MPG around town for me is about 13mpg. On trip from Oregon to San jose I got 22.9 driving gently, on the way back I drove at the fastest safe speed and got 17. At least as good as my 2006 4runner 2wd. It is a great truck.

[@sashoxxx]

This and it's "original" self (The Land Cruiser 120 Prado) are The Best all around vehicles on the planet. They are one of the most capable offroaders, very decent on-road as well, ride comfort at a luxury sedan levels, interior and all around quality - unmatched. Even today. My 2005 Prado diesel has 1,093,000km's on the clock right now and the starter is factory, never touched. As is almost everything else, apart from few minor things and a transmission. There is no actual flaw with this vehicle in any way.

[@adzy166]

Hugely impressive mileage. I love my 120 1kd. Puts a smile on my face whenever I get in it. Just done new set of injectors at 220km. Pulls like a train and is very smooth for a four pot.

[@sashoxxx]

@@adzy166 ​ That's one of the items that just can't miss puking on the 1kd-ftv unfortunately. These Denso injectors are quite fragile. Mine went at around 400k km's though, but anywhere from 200 to 500 is where they die. It hugely depends on driving style and fuel quality. Anyway, not the cheapest, but easy enough to change yourself at least. Like just about anything else on these babies. Tell you what helps the injectors case immensly though - a nice long warm-up of the engine before driving in the winter. Just hit the idle-up/pwr heat switch, and let it rattle away for 5 minutes before driving, then still apply the gas very lightly when accelerating till engine sound gets friendlier. In the really cold that's what matters the most for the entire unit. My second set of injectors actually outlasted the oem set by quite a good margin. And I contribute that to things like better warming up of the vehicle in the cold, using a lot of fuel additives and cleaners, changing quality fuel filters each oil change (9-10k km's), and as equally as important - giving it the beans as often as possible ;) I swear I love this vehicle to death. They just don't build them better than this.

[@adzy166]

@@sashoxxx good advice, Frank. Thanks. I didn’t do the injectors myself this time but I will do next. It’s such a great vehicle to work on. There’s so many helpful videos out there. Interesting about combining fuel filter with oil changes. Might start doing that. Recently changed all the gearbox and diff oils and made a big difference. Agree. Love mine to death. It’s the faithful sheep dog of motors

[@unstablebobgable]

One little known fact is that The Car Wizards has the coolest walk on KZbin! I'd love to see a continuous loop video of him just waddling around on his stubby little legs with Pantera's WALK as the background music!

[@WhittyPics]

I have been putting Michelin tires on my vehicles for decades. I knew a guy that ran an alignment shop and he told me that he never ever seen an out of round Michelin tire. They ride smooth.

[@WhittyPics]

Easy to work on means lower repair and maintenance bill when you need them, which isn't very often. If you weren't 1200 miles away I would bring you my 09 Honda

[@CRAPO2011]

They are good if you drive the vehicle regularly. If a car isnt driven much and is exposed to the sun michelins have a tendency to start cracking.

[@Recovering_Californian]

I have a 2005 GX470. Bought it 2 years ago before the prices went crazy. BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. Seriously. First, in stock condition it's a very capable off-road truck. Second, at 17 years old and 185K miles it drives great. Solid, solid truck. In mine there isn't a single squeak or rattle anywhere. The fit and finish is superb. These trucks were built in Japan and shipped to the US. This alone make the build quality superior to any American SUV/truck of it's era. I'll never sell mine...so don't ask!

[@donjuanddavis]

I'm with you, I recently bought a GS 350 at the local Lexus dealer. Guy asked me if I wanted to trade in my GX470. I said no way, I'm driving this to the wheels fall off. His reply was that will take a long time. My GX470 is quieter and rides better than the much newer GS 350. I only take the GS 350 out of town for the better gas mileage.

[@mikegabler5183]

I have watched other video's that explain that the replacement rate on Lexus/Toyota starters is almost 0. Very few ever sold at the parts store. I can live with that risk.

[@goenitzlopez2076]

No way its almost 0. Ive done a few. Trucks were already past 200k tho. But if you wanna get technical. A LOT of starters make it to 200k

[@cajunweatherman8974]

Thanks Car Wizard for your great detail oriented videos. I would like to point out another very serious design flaw on several Toyota models and a couple of Lexus models as well mainly from 2007-2011 involving engine oil cooler "pipes". If you have already made a video on this issue, then my apologies. This potentially catastrophic engine-destroying oil leak involves the Toyota Highlander, Sienna, Venza and also the Lexus RX350 and RX450h. Just about a week ago my wife was driving to work in our 2011 Toyota Highlander and the low oil pressure light came on. She called me right away and I told her to pull over into a safe place as soon as possible so she was able to quickly pull over into a parking lot and shut down the engine. Since I had done an oil and filter change about 2 weeks prior to this happening, I thought that I must have not tightened the drain plug properly or the oil filter. When I got to where my wife was and checked the oil level, there was little to no oil on the dipstick and a big pool of oil underneath the car from just under the radiator extending quite a ways back mainly on the passenger side. By this time the engine had cooled down and wife said it never smoked or overheated. I added 5 gallons of oil and started it up. Oil was "peeing" out and it was below the radiator. There were no leaks from the drain plug or the oil filter cartridge housing but I noticed that the leak seemed to be coming from a couple of rubber lines or hoses that ran between the upper part of the oil filter cartridge housing and the bottom of the engine. Those are the engine oil cooler lines or pipes. The problem is that those rubber oil lines are just a few inches away from a catalytic converter and over time the heat will bake the rubber hoses making them hard and brittle. At that point, just a pinhole or slight crack on either of the two rubber lines will cause a major oil leak and if you're going down the road the engine may be destroyed from oil starvation if you don't pull over and shut it down soon enough. With those rubber oil cooler lines, it's not a matter of if but when they will fail. I had our Highlander towed to the Toyota Dealership and they advised me that the leak was from one of the oil cooler lines and it needed to be replaced with the metal pipes since Toyota had come out with all metal ones to replace the rubber ones. Fortunately, after compression tests and other engine examination, the dealership said that no permanent engine damage had occurred. We bought it used from the same dealership back in early 2017 with just over 40,000 miles on it and it now has 103,000 miles. An elderly couple bought it brand new from the same dealer and they had it serviced at the dealership so I had all the maintenance records and the gentleman was very OCD about his maintenance so it was well taken care of and in mint conditions when we bought it. However, there was a Technical Service Bulletin(TSB) issued by Toyota to dealerships and owners in mid 2014 into 2015 about possible oil leaks or seepage from these rubber lines or pipes. I'm quite certain that the owner took the vehicle to the dealership and had it inspected. Toyota also had a Warranty Enhancement for this issue as well. But the TSB basically said, inspect it but if ain't broke don't fix it. Well, if you had one of the 2011 Toyota models or Lexus models with low mileage those rubber lines were likely still fine and had not yet begun to fail so Toyota/Lexus did nothing about it. This did involve over half a million vehicles! I've done a lot of research over the past week and there have been many youtube videos and posts in Toyota and Lexus forums about massive oil leaks just in the past year or two as those rubber oil coolant lines are now failing at an alarming rate. If you have one of these model years, please get them replaced immediately. If you are in the vicinity of the Car Wizard, get it to him ASAP! You're risking your engine and this could be a safety issue as well depending on when and where this occurs while driving. I have seen videos where DIY folks are using a Dorman or other after market pipe kit replacement. Please DO NOT go that route and use the Toyota OEM metal pipe replacement because it's an exact fit and made much better and only $30 or 40 dollars more if that. The extended warranty ran out in 2021 so I had to pay out of pocket. I love my 2007 Tacoma and my 2011 Highlander but shame on Toyota for not doing a recall! I'm putting a link from the NHTSA so everyone can see the models and model years this major problem pertains to. static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2014/SB-10056501-8923.pdf If you don't want to click on the link...it's safe but just google SB-10056501-8923 and you can get the information that way as well. Please don't fool around with this and address it right away. It may well save your engine and without being overly dramatic but possibly save you from bodily harm as well! I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.

[@stevemcrichards8768]

That PSA you did near the end of this video really hits home with me. I have noticed about the automotive industry that the way you Wizard conduct things is the right way. You've said this before: "I'm not doing work that I'm not getting paid for." People that don't like how much it costs or how long it takes to fix once you diagnose the problem you may have to tell them to go somewhere else but, you're going to get paid to diagnose the problem correctly. There's a lot of people in this industry that like to play fast and loose with information about their car or shops don't get all the information about a customers car and that affects their ability to find the correct parts for that car. Those are a couple of ways how you get burned and have so much hassle and headache from attempting to do an over the phone diagnosis of a vehicle issue. What I've learned is don't get pushed around by people that use ego or false bravado to make you think you don't know what you're talking about and they're always right. When you've got the experience, connections and knowledge you don't put up with any of that nonsense.

[@robertm2608]

Wizard, there are supposed to be rubber covers that shield the engine compartment from the wheel well. These frequently crack and either fall off or are removed and not replaced. The air bags tend to leak, many owners swap them out for coil springs. I have the same year GX470 at 100k miles and is due for a belt change. It would be nice if you posted a how to replace the belt on this truck.

[@libertysoutlook5160]

Yeah, I didn't know about the splash guards until I saw something on KZbin. Ordered them up on amazon. The critical stuff the wizard was shining his light on needs to be protected.

[@kevinknotts6337]

I thought he just took them off to show everyone. It was clean in there so I’m guessing they were on initially.

[@robertmaclachlan1102]

@@kevinknotts6337 If he did take them off he left the push on plastic buttons fasteners.

[@HannibalACP82]

Plenty of great videos on the timing belt and water pump on KZbin already. Used them to do mine!

[@mprime6807]

I also saw the broken push fasteners where the inner splash shields used to be.

[@duncanwillis9743]

Great reminder of good customer management........never give a price over the phone. I was taught years ago......"Diagnosis without consultation is called malpractice ". Thanks Wiz for another great video. And greetings from Australia

[@Shalmaneser1]

I'm content if they'll look up dealer shop hours and parts. With computing it's not that much work if the manufacturer has game.

[@AceSolomon94]

Car Wizard I gotta see you tackle some work on that Tc of yours. Replacing the Rack & Pinion was one HELL of a job. Had that done at a DIY garage shop & even the supervisor there who has 20+ knowledge of cars had a hard time getting the shaft to lock onto the rack & pinion 😂 Man that wasn't fun, that & the poorly built plastic oil filter housing.

[@doncorleon9]

I like how Wizard leaned into the KZbin thing. Even better how Mrs. Wizard was seamlessly integrated. Good job my man! Love these trucks. In my neck of the woods they come as the Toyota Prado J120. The GX looks more appointed in creature comforts though. Bulletproof. Edit: Is there a video on the Alpha 164 in the shop?

[@donjuanddavis]

I have the same vehicle, almost 200k and on the original starter. I expect to have to replace it eventually, but so far this vehicle has been very reliable. My only complaint was the air suspension. I converted to coils when mine started acting up. I was happy I did, rides smoother now and I don't have to worry about expensive repairs when other parts like the compressor goes out.

[@nabahmadi5012]

What about warning lights? When u took out the bags.

[@donjuanddavis]

Nab, i had to jump a couple pins under the dash but I don't remember which ones. Here is the info for Strutmasters. They sent me the instructions when I did the conversion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4bIgIWhnrytpdU

[@AnthonyIlstonJones]

Seems to be the compressors that go on Land Rover vehicles. Ask me how I know...😁

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I find it hard to believe that a converted coil suspension rides smoother than the OEM air suspension.

[@nabahmadi5012]

@@OMGWTFLOLSMH u know in many countries, they don't even offer you a lexus with air suspension? And they're still master leaders in refinement. When I converted my ucf10 celsior to coils, I loved it. Plus you reduce a fair bit of weight.

[@NICK-uy3nl]

Good car, horrendous fuel economy

[@danielkramer8586]

Thanks for another informative video and thank you for keeping it under 20 minutes!!!

[@SonNguyen-mk2wq]

That cracked dash had a recall that I had to harass Lexus on twitter to finally get done. They limited the timeframe on when you could get it fixed for free but would not schedule you due to "low inventory." How convenient. Owner could prob still get it done by Lexus especially if they're the original owners.

[@TRDOffRoad2020]

The 4runner the same " campaign " is what it was referred to. My 2004 dash got replaced around 2014 for free. I was never notified by mail or anything i went to the dealer and told them, I read about it on a forum. I don't think many people knew about it and it was only a short window to get locked in like you said.

[@user-oc1ns5bc1p]

After watching a number of his videos, I am convinced that the Car Wizard is the greatest, most honest mechanic in the world. In every video, he faithfully details how he picks up on issues that other shops failed to see, along with his great ability at fixing every problem. Well done .

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

I am convinced that there's at least one shop this good in every city. The problem is finding it!

[@TheCam2363]

On some of the newer audis, they have a starter generator, like a golf cart, so there is no starter to wear out doing start and stop all the time. Really a neat design.

[@ozarkliving7263]

Newer Toyota’s have this too

[@tombob671]

Back in the 60s NSU Prinz had this feature

[@znorc]

Mild hybrids typically have this design. It takes a bit getting used to the noise they make when starting the engine since there's no "cranking" as such 😁

[@funnypranker34]

Audi is one of the few car manufacturers you can trust that the latest shit is gonna be safe and always will work. Saw a video of a guy reviewing an Audi EV with fully electric brakes and he said that in the event the electrics fail the brake pedal is still hydraulically connected. Also good call on the mild hybrid system handling stop starts because on the Audis with the 3.0 and 4.0, the starter is buried

[@funnypranker34]

@@ozarkliving7263 which ones

[@jjlegend3922]

Your intro gets me excited for boating season every time I see it! LOL. No yacht, but I love my ole' cigarette boat.

[@lilredexptsc]

My main car is in the shop right now, 2016 Veloster Turbo with a fuel issue, anyway, I told them, if it’s over $300 call me to let me know otherwise just fix it. My wife had then said to me, does it matter if it is? We’ll get it fixed anyway, she’s right though, it’s a good local shop who’s honest and fair. I’m lucky enough to have my toy/project car to drive to work in the meantime, 92 Daytona ES. If it’s a car you use all the time and it’s something that needs to be done just go ahead and do it especially if it’s a shop you know and trust. Great video, Wizard.

[@redbaron6805]

There is one major flaw on these cars, and surprisingly many Toyota's. Dismal fuel economy. As in, ridiculous. This vehicle does 15MPG on PREMIUM FUEL, which was one of the reasons I crossed it off my list. It is beyond WTF territory, are we in the 1960's or something? The fuel costs of using this as a daily driver for someone that drives significant number of a miles is basically unacceptable at $4000+ a YEAR!! If this vehicle was run for 166,000 miles at current fuel prices, you would have paid $46,000 in fuel and bought the car for the second time. Seriously. Even my 4Runner with a V6 had similar or worse fuel economy than my Chevy truck did despite being much smaller and the truck had a V8. I have always been puzzled why Toyota V6's and V8's have such terrible fuel economy when they make the most fuel efficient Hybrids on the other side.

[@chynacash3138]

I don't think any Toyota V8 gets worse mileage than my husbands old 2006 Cadillac Escalade 6.0L that he uses for a work truck (and every blue moon I'll use it if I have to which I try not to lol)... At $3+ per gallon it takes nearly $100 to fill that thing up on Regular and it burns a gallon every 10-12 miles in the city and never cracks 18 on the hwy. Atrocious even when gas was a buck and change when he got it. It's been perfectly reliable mechanically but a gas guzzler like that seems worthless in today's times.

[@redbaron6805]

@@chynacash3138 Yep, couldn't agree more. But this also makes the case for electric vehicles. Driving this car with fuel in my area, which is currently $4.49 per gallon 15k miles a year would be $4500. Driving something like a Tesla Model X or equivalent size vehicle would cost around $550 a year, and the Model X has better performance. When people talk about buying electric cars and saving thousands of dollars a year in fuel, and then thousands more in maintenance, it starts to become clearer what they are talking about when you look at a car like this. The operating cost is just crazy in fuel alone.

[@ewetuber186000]

We bought one new and drove it to 225k. A few small issues after 150k miles. But no major issues. Would buy another one except wife wanted a smaller vehicle for her daily driver. That engine burns a lot of fuel!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

As a lone driver, I cannot imagine using this hulking gas guzzler as a daily driver, even if I could afford the fuel.

[@phendrix9476]

And that’s not the 87 octane flavor!!

[@maximaniac7231]

@@phendrix9476 I run mine on 85 octane here and it runs fine. These engines don't need premium fuel at all, regardless of what the fuel door says.

[@mopheousredpill7462]

How many miles do you get on a full tank?

[@notyouraveragewhiteguy7821]

@@maximaniac7231 my 06 will throw knock sensor code everytime Ive tried to run 87. Maybe the non vvti engine can get away with it otherwise I'll have to disagree.

[@camdensworld0516]

David’s genius is that he covers every day cars for us. Sure, who doesn’t love a Lamborghini? But I’d rather see something I’m likely to see in real life. Love it. Thanks, CW.

[@mackakiwinz4353]

Love your review Wizard so relaxed and truckloads of experience and knowledge presented in such a great manner thank you if I was near you I would love you as our mechanic 🤙

[@mindthependulum6245]

I've done the starter swaps on these a few times. I count on intake gaskets, a full set of injector orings, fuel rail crush washers and a lid off a Gatorade bottle. The positive cable mounts low on the starter and the plastic cover crumbles, so I set the bottle cap under it as I set the new starter in place to prevent it from shorting out against the the lower intake. Hey wizard, a cheapo outfit like midas charges around $170 per hour in Minneapolis. Maybe your rates are less than fair to you? Before I retired from autobody in 2002, my shop charged $300 per hour for labor. We did some show cars and a lot of race cars. We had customers on a wait list over a year long. I do miss the job, but 15 orthopedic surgeries later I know I had to retire for great reasons.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

$170 per hour for a shop working on normal repairs is ridiculous - no wonder cars have become disposable. Of course if you are a specialist race shop, it's a different story entirely.

[@schadlarry]

Toyota dealership charges $140/hr in NM.

[@dr.feelgood7615]

$100hr is around the average where i live

[@mindthependulum6245]

@@dr.feelgood7615 I have to imagine it varies by area. Like when all the gas stations in a small radius are the same cost but 1 town over there is a different price.

[@mindthependulum6245]

@@Beer_Dad1975 I think it depends on the area you live in. The custom shop I had was in Dallas Texas but I'm in the twin cities are of Minnesota. If I drive an hour or more out of town to rural areas, that cost goes down. I think thebwizard has a specialty shop with top end technicians and he could easily charge more. I am happy to pay more for a good job. Midas in my area will brake as much as they fix.

[@davidnelson7149]

I'm with you on the stop/start Wizard. It also increases engine wear exponentially because of oil starvation on re-start due to the oil has re-settling into the sump on shut down.

[@chynacash3138]

I wonder what the used car market will look like 5 years from now when all this newer junk starts falling apart due to all the fuel saving crap some manufacturers are using which will almost guarantee short lifespans for alot of cars.

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Yup it's one of those features that is designed around the parameters of mpg testing. It saves gas on paper but in the real world it is virtually an un-noticeable mpg increase. It also as mentioned causes more resources to be used up. It operates the starter far more than normal causing earlier replacement. Which how much fuel and other resources go into each starter. Many of those also employ pressure from the transmission to assist the restart. Which then uses several more electrical and mechanical components & potential wear items for replacement.

[@davidnelson7149]

@@cardinaloflannagancr8929 Sorry for late reply, business matters and my little project of a nut and bolt 'strip down/ re-build' of my beloved MK1 MX-5 means I can't be a keyboard warrior. Yes you are right, but in mitigation to the manufacturers'', they are hard pressed by the idiot politicians and the greeny nutjobs like Greta Thunberg. The irony being that the damage to the environment caused by this device is greater than the savings, rather like using antiquated battery technology (which are charged from coal/oil/gas power stations) for electric cars rather than using a hydrogen or nitrogen fuel cell.

[@adamharris2674]

Another amateur powertrain engineer checking in..

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

Great vid!! Thanks for the great advice. IMHO I still prefer the old intro/outro.

[@rodrigomontoya3112]

Great video . Congratulations for being overbooked, honest mechanic pays in the long run .

[@Max_Flashheart]

Love the Lexus GX470 I was driving in Oman. Reliable in the heat, sand and dust and was capable off road plus the Aircon was solid.

[@j.h.hahnes8849]

"Equinox or Acadia. Get one of these!" Those might be slightly too large for my uses and many other peoples', but still nice nonetheless. I suppose that something smaller like a RAV4 or Highlander or RX350 would be still good for a smaller vehicle

[@colchronic]

I have an rx350 its reliable as hell. 230k mi

[@meadowsmydog]

At 0:55, I believe he says, "If you're thinking of getting an Equinox or Acadia...DON'T! Buy one of these (instead).

[@colchronic]

@@meadowsmydog i believe he understands. But hes saying the 4runner/gx is too large

[@md2k8]

@@meadowsmydog Agreed, because a Mitsubishi Outlander with the V6 engine or the Mazda CX-5 with any four-cylinder engine are much better choices.

[@j.h.hahnes8849]

​@@meadowsmydog Yes he said that. I might have misworded it. Speaking of the Acadia or Equinox, or any vehicles based on those, so many of my buddies and coworkers and others I know have these sort of vehicles. And at least 1 of them was in disbelief when I said how good Toyota was, and about how good/bad other cars and car companies are

[@isher9035]

Me, seeing it's an '07 GX: "...I bet he's going to mention the secondary air injection." Especially given you were doing a timing belt, water pump, and starter. For those curious, 04+ GX470s have VVTi, which is also when they added the secondary air injection. It's 12 hour book time, and it's not a fun thing to replace. Not surprised to see the rubbery plastic splash shields in the fenders are gone--they get brittle and go eventually, or usually fall apart trying to remove them for something else. The timing belt and water pump really ISN'T as bad, like Wizard says...I found it a lot easier to do removing the radiator altogether. Aside from the air injection and rear air suspension, these things are damn reliable. And even then, you can go months seeing these things on a weekly basis and maybe one every so often where the air injection has become a problem.

[@NastyCustoms5150]

It would be very interesting to take any of my beater trucks to the wizards shop, although he’d most likely have heart attack looking it over lol. But that’s why I love this channel, it’s cool to see what nice cars look like/ proper repairs being done.

[@Steve-yl1yg]

Good video, agree with other commenters about seeing you actually fix what you find. Glad my wife wanted this car back in 06, I thought we were crazy paying over 50K but we've got our money out of it. Oh and we too have those sheepskin covers.

[@Shalmaneser1]

Some people don't like sliding around on plasticized leather. Go figure. As for comfort, I'm 6' tall, it's a bit uncomfortable on long drives.

[@mistermister2085]

idocars has ripped apart a few of these toyota v8s.. he says the starters rarely go bad even if they are in a crappy place.

[@damilolaakanni]

True. The starter on ours went bad in early 2020, at about 100k miles or more, can't remember. Was replaced then, and there was no reason to go back down there whatsoever after two years.

[@sgttombailes3380]

LOL ! Estimates~~. when I was in automotive sales, customers would call up and ask me what would I give them for trade in value on their car.. I ALWAYS LOVED to tell them to "back it up to your phone, rev it up so I can hear the engine."

[@billyrayvalentine5220]

Keep your eye on the ring gear teeth. If they're chipping away, the new starter will only exacerbate it. Mine was that way, but it was audible too. The foam for the radiator/ condenser gap was hanging out of the skid plate?.. lol. Great trucks and engines. They did however have factory recalls for warped/leaking exhaust manifold...Mine is on #3 in 165k miles. Enjoying your videos! Thanks 😊.

[@davidkaminski615]

The starter on my 340k '02 Sequoia is still fine. Very few minor fixes on this 4.7L since I bought it 4 years ago. Amazing machine. Say all you want about the starter and timing belt about Toyotas, but it's better than that $10k engine/trans job on the Ford in the background.

[@yeasonyea1]

I had an 02 sequoia. Starter went out at 240k after 15 years living outside in Colorado. I ain’t mad

[@robertdavis120]

Truth!!!😀

[@PieterBreda]

The only decent start/stop is on hybrids. Toyota/Lexus hybrids don't even have a starter motor.

[@richroggio]

I love the Car Wizard. he is the best there is. and Mrs. Wizard also. I wish they were in NYC !!

[@davidfarmer]

the starter on the 5vz is mounted where it can be more easily accessed, however i only had to replace mine after an unplanned river crossing. the contacts were corroded, so I replaced the contacts. then 80k miles later the bearing failed inside the starter. if it had been mounted up high like the uz starter, this would not have been an issue.

[@frestkd]

I have over 260k miles on my GX470 with the original starter on it...

[@lieutenantdan8170]

GM got the idea from Toyota to put the starter under the intake on the Northstar V8, when the LS400 first came out GM bought one a tore it to pieces to reverse engineer it.

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

GM - "Let's copy a Toyota engine but we'll somehow end up making it 50% less reliable"

[@stuartferguson7947]

Nice to see the GX going so well after so long; the Lexus GX known to most of us as a Prado has many engine options depending on when and where they are sold in the world, I’m also sure knowing Toyota the V8 you referred to is used in lots of Toyota models so there will be compromises in the various installations; they are a great bus.

[@1AEROSOL.1PUFF]

THE WIZARD LOOKS YOUNGER SINCE HE TRIMED HIS BEARD 🫖

[@grampy2004]

Well i thought that was a bad design at first but when you think about it is a good place to put the starter .It is the same place on my Nissan Titan as well . Main thing is it is out of the way of the cats and other hot exhaust piping ,it's high and dry . Even it taking longer to change out it will have to be changed out less often . The heat from my headers on my old 73 Ford Truck would kill my starters in about a year . I'm still on the original starter on my 2004 Titan . But what do i know ...where would you have put it ?

[@wigletron2846]

It's not really avoiding much heat when it's right in the V of the engine

[@grampy2004]

@@wigletron2846 Better than being next to the cats though i would think . It would be interesting to do a test . Take the temp of a starter next to cats and take temp of one in the valley ; )

[@wigletron2846]

@@grampy2004 I'm sure it's hotter near the cats but it's also completely closed in inside the V and under the manifold. I think the reasoning behind putting it in the V is mostly to protect it from the elements.

[@rdvendingservices3073]

Great video! I have a 2003 151,000 miles best truck I ever had!

[@damilolaakanni]

We had issues with the starter of our 2003 in early 2020, so it had to be replaced. It was a pain to get to and obviously a pretty long process, but we've not had to replace another starter ever since. It's not so much a design flaw if the part hardly ever breaks.

[@xoxo2008oxox]

So ironic in that the other day, I was in a car with the engine-shutoff at stop. I said to the driver, "you realize that you drive in stop and go traffic? And the starter has kicked on 20x since we left your place to get take out. And another 18x to get back. You will need a new starter in 2 years!" ... he looks at me and grins, "its a lease. I don't care"... so there ya go!

[@leivabernie]

These cars last forever

[@42luke93]

Noticed the impala, was that the one the car Wizard bought for his daughter’s best friend?

[@TheMano33]

I agree with some of these comments. Although I know you're extremely busy it would be great to see you working on this car!! Also, how much would that GX be on the market today, might look to get one, but the air suspension is something that might throw me off.

[@BrettsGarage]

I have an 06' GX. The starter location is a plus for off road protection. Some downsides you dont mention are that the cats come off the headers which weigh them down and make them prone to cracking. Also the front brake calipers were prone to binding up but the early gx460 front brakes fit on the 470.

[@lcq2102]

Starters for stop/start are different than conventional starters. Different design of brushes and lower rpm when cranking.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

And they operate at 48v, which reduces the damaging current.

[@lcq2102]

@@aliendroneservices6621 not all, some like FCA vehicles. But they use a belt driven starter/generator.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

@@lcq2102 I stand corrected. Thanks!

[@EddieIrvine106]

You can tell that the owner has maintained the car well

[@ravennexusmh]

hey at least it's not inside the bellhousing. the bentley bentayga keeps there bolted from the inside. so you have to pull the trans to change the starter

[@patrickfullan9509]

I didn't know that "Murder Logs" were a problem in Kansas. We have millions of them here in Florida 😉

[@chrissscottt]

The dash mats are probably there to hide the cracking dash issue that affected that generation of Lexus. I had the same issue in mine but otherwise a great car.

[@gdubya83]

It kind of seems like a JC Whitney version of an exotic dash. Kind of like the wood not being real. Still a very nice vehicle

[@morganlingsweiler9813]

Yep. When looking at ones in the used market, it was the first thing I would notice in almost every gx470 for sale. There was a small window for warranty repair on them, but must have been something that wasn't widely advertised and some owners just lived with it.

[@driojal]

Love your easy to understand explanations and the great footage, but here are few pointers. The location on that starter is definitely to keep it off the elements just like that charcoal canister. It also need new airbags (i bet the driver side leaks over night, exactly what you said) this happens between 145k to 170k, they put that dash mat because most likely the dashboard is all cracked. You forgot to grease all the u-joints they usually fell nice and tight but when you see a lot of the shinny metal on the ends of the shafts, that means it needs grease because the grease will push things around and will make the shafts go where they need to be to prevent that famous thump when you let go the brake. Yeah you are suppose to hit the button by the height switch to the OFF position before lifting the GX. Wait until you have to do one of those exhaust manifold. hahahahah They are a pain. The real STUPID design is on the parking brake shoes, tool or not tool it is stupid tight and the hardest parking brake shoes I have ever done in my entire life. Definitely not 4 hours job but many cuss words involved. LOL

[@juki6377]

my dash is fine, i use a dashmat just because i think (no evidence) my car doesnt heat up as much in the sun and you can put stuff on the dash without them sliding everywhere

[@Abesta83]

@@juki6377 ceramic tint your windshield. 70-80%. you won't see it and it blocks most UV light and makes a HUGE difference.

[@Abesta83]

hahahaha, that's what i kept thinkin when he said how nice and easy the headers were. Yeah, you'll get the bolts off, goodluck with everything that comes afterwards ! don't get me started on the shoes.

[@driojal]

@@juki6377 that's a good idea. And also helps with the glare. Right?

[@Abesta83]

@@driojal oh yeah. Plus on something like a 120 or 100 series with a shallow dash, when the Texas sun is hitting your legs it's not uncomfortable anymore. And I use a sun visor as well. THAT is a life saver. covercraft uvs100 made for your vehicle. Worth every penny.

[@LTD347]

Love your honesty wizard. Wish you could be my shop but the logistics of shipping my cars over from Australia for service might outweigh the savings of finding someone local ha.

[@dam4274]

Hello CW, I do hope you read this story. Here where I live in Houma, LA is Greg LeBlanc Toyota. Not long after the Tundra was introduced, a local hot shot driver purchased one with a 4.7. His drive took him from here to the Dakota oilfields on a weekly basis. He made proper oil changes with LeBlanc Toyota and after a few years he had accumulated 1 million miles. It was time for a new 4.7 liter Tundra. He got it shortly before the 4.7 was discontinued. (If I recall correctly). Toyota HQ in San Antonio got word of this “Million Mile” Tundra, came to LeBlanc Toyota, bought it from them and took it back to R&D and tear it down to see what didn’t wear out. His second truck also just made a million miles and it was time for a third Tundra. So yes, although the starter is in a stupid place, the engine is good for a million miles. By the way, the video of this truck is here on KZbin if you’re interested.

[@7477238]

I agree with you on not buying an Equinox or Acadia/Traverse. They're terrible vehicles to own. As a Service Advisor at a GM dealership I love when they come in off warranty because it's good work for us but customers sure aren't impressed when stabilizer bars go out at 60k miles or if the vehicle needs a 3 timing chain replacement or AC issues.

[@brutekiller787]

Wizard, don’t let perfect be the enemy of excellent. Everything has a design flaw or a bad design, but if you write off an otherwise excellent reliable vehicle because of one repair item, you won’t even be able to ride a bicycle. Do a video on a Lexus gs300 if you can find one in kansas

[@stevewhite3424]

In what way did he write it off? He had nothing but praise for the thing and fact said before you buy a couple of different Chevy's buy this one instead. SMH!

[@brutekiller787]

@@stevewhite3424 did you….read the title? Did you watch a minute into the video? He said unless you’re ready, do not, I repeat, not buy one of these things. Or did I just imagine that

[@ChrisLesmerises]

Dear Car Wizzard. If we take a conservative estimate, this 4.7 idles at a consumption rate of .4 gallons per hour. If you have a total of 15 minutes stop and idle time on your 1 way commute, you waste .2 gallons idling. each day. More than 15 gallons a month with trips for errands. That's over $700 a year. If the starter lasts 5 years on a stop start vehicle, this example shows a minimum of $3500 savings - starter cost replacement `$800 at a high quality shop like yours. This system makes a lot of sense from a cost of ownership perspective. Even with the high cost of replacement on this design. When extremes are considered like the starter placement on the old stingray vettes, vs this design it could be argued that the starters heat range is better managed and life extended surrounded by coolant cooled block/heads , and an air cooled intake manifold. If a stop start starter is purpose built, weak points from short crank cycles are addressed in the manufacturing process. I really think you're stuck in an old way of thinking here. Again based on failure rates of these new start stop systems, this is a highly conservative estimate considering we're likely to see a longer than 5 year lifespan, especially from Toyota. Personally I think you've just been jaded by the Northstar ;)

[@iDIL53]

15:15 that is exactly how my mechanic do his business too.. "bring ur car over, I'll take a look and then give u an estimate."