Lexus GX470 Overland Build Review

Douglas Sonders has owned and experienced many cars! His latest purchase and build is this 2008 Lexus GX470. This is the Bluetooth system he now uses amzn.to/3asEjog
ANSWRD is a series of car reviews by real owners. Not automotive journalists like Chris Harris, Doug Demuro or The Straight Pipes. Cars in this series include the Gaglardi Vex, Porsche 911 GT3, McLaren 600LT, Ferrari F12/F430 and 458 Italia, Acura NSX, Corvette, FRS, BMWs, Drift Cars and others!
Thanks to Douglas for the photos you see in this video and the thumbnail.
In 2008 when this GX470 was new it was a very nice luxury SUV capable of off-roading mostly owned by affluent families. As the market prices of used GXs has gone down, many overland enthusiasts have started to build them up with lift kits, roof racks, lighting accessories and more.
As camping and outdoor activities have picked up more traction during 2020 the prices on GX470s has started to rise. This video is a walkthrough of the modifications Douglas has done on his truck and his reason for purchasing a GX after having owned a Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS.
It's affordable, known for reliability, luxurious inside, and easily upgradeable to handle any terrain.
Gear I use to make videos:
GoPro Hero 8 Black: amzn.to/3hWIuJ0
Canon SL3 Starter DSLR: amzn.to/2Ryjqhg
Panasonic GH5: amzn.to/2Xp8cNM
Panasonic 12-60mm: amzn.to/2Xp8cNM
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8: amzn.to/37LwzIX
Godox SL60W: amzn.to/2v3c5y0
Zoom H1: amzn.to/2kQ2khI
Rode VideoMic pro: amzn.to/2mbo6fR
Sony Action Cam: amzn.to/2kwPe8J
Nikon D750: amzn.to/2mwjWQ6
Tamron 24-70mmm F/2.8: amzn.to/2m90A3q

[@bikerbud3903]

I picked up an '06 GX470 a few months ago. Black Sport Edition with KDSS, one owner with only 68,000 miles on it. Spotless, even the nuts and bolts did not have any rust. I was visiting the Phoenix area from Pa. A Ford dealership listed it the night before I was leaving. I called them first thing in the morning and picked it up that day for $15,500 and drove it home. I don't think they knew what they had. I traded in my "16 Tacoma I bought about 2 weeks prior. They gave me $2k more for my trade than I paid for it 2 weeks prior. I felt like I stole my GX. I have already been offered $30k for it.

[@shouldigetit]

Wow you better never sell that GX! Sounds like a dream come true

[@RidgeRunner4501]

Dude that’s an insane deal on that thing

[@tavorismarquell]

I'm stealing this whole look

[@moj840]

Great video and I agree with all the points you made, especially the Incredible Hulk comment lol. I also just bought my GX470 at Miramar Motorsports and in the past month I've owned it I've probably put a thousand miles on it from exploring the Mojave Trail Road and Joshua Tree National Park. This is a very different world compared to owning sports cars and going fast on race tracks but it's very enjoyable. Look forward to seeing the rack and tent upgrades!

[@collinstockwell8375]

I’m sorry you got yours from Miramar Motorsport, those guys price gouge for upwards of 7 grand for the cheapest suspension and wheels and tires they can find. But just my opinion.

[@yeloautosports]

Way to do this video!!! I ordered the same wheels and they should be here anyday. Thanks for the motivation

[@shouldigetit]

Nice! Thanks for watching and enjoy your new wheel setup! What else do you have done or are you planning for your GX? -Ben

[@yeloautosports]

@@shouldigetit I made a video lexus gx470 setup. Jusy the wheels for now, its already lifted. Ill probably do a rear swing arm bumper so I can keep a 5th wheel for safety. Im going to do a video soon with a full paint correction and ceramic coating too which ill do at my shop. Ill make sure to document the process incase you consider it in the future with someone where you live. Ill explain the benefits and stuff. Good to be knowledgeable on the paint side. Different from off roading mods but still car foxused

[@9252LIFE]

Love your co pilot

[@balbi7590]

Nice build Doug!

[@WarZone84]

I’ve got a 2020 4-Runner and I’m looking at getting one of these now.

[@shouldigetit]

Nice! Would you keep both?

[@TRDGE]

I had one, you won't be disappointed 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JR-un7uj]

I bet you feel sorry for buying that 4runner

[@Dangler83]

its more based on the Prado, which is yes a "Land Cruiser Prado" but the GX is more Prado, the LX is more Land Cruiser. Its' like Bronco vs Bronco II

[@dirty2jz283]

So I have a older Lexus with a stock radio. I use a GROM USB3, plugs into OEM radio, then to a box, and out to a Bluetooth Dongle. I use it everyday works great. There are plenty of interfaces you can use out there to give u Bluetooth Audio or 3.5mm jack for your radio.

[@polypoly7781]

My GROM USB now removed, and Tesla style is installed.

[@LoganKingMedia]

Great video!

[@shouldigetit]

Thank you Logan!

[@humbertovelarde7350]

Suspencion is all the way old man emu?? I'm looking for the right one for my gx .

[@ronnieredneck9162]

Curious about the name of the flowmaster muffler you put on it , thanks. Great looking rig.

[@lvwrx]

with the 33s did you re-gear or is it good as is?

[@bjongoco]

Great vid and nice rig. Gx470’s are no longer under the radar. See you on gxor fb group.

[@shouldigetit]

Thanks for watching Benjamin! -Ben

[@pauln412]

Nope .. it’s way over priced now !

[@shouldigetit]

@@pauln412 the price of GXs climbed up like GME stock!

[@pauln412]

Should I Get It Reviews lol

[@chasermcchaser1668]

What wheel tire combo are you running?

[@papercut1987]

You might want to update your friend circle :)

[@shouldigetit]

?

[@papercut1987]

@@shouldigetit since you mentioned several times in the video that some of your friends didn't really understand the GX.

[@shouldigetit]

@@papercut1987 Ah yes, makes more sense now!

[@dv8740]

Awesome rig and nice vid! Man your rig sits high for just a 2", looks killer. Question, I just added the 1.25" spider wheel spacers as well (I have 3" toytec lift) and my fronts are rubbing really bad (285 75 17). Curious what you did to make your spacers work. I agree they look way better with spacers. Thanks🤙🏼

[@DouglasSonders]

body mount chop, im sad to say. I decided to remove mine before that happened

[@wahswolf88]

Just bought a low mileage 06. Have not done a thing to it yet but yet I find myself just looking at it in my driveway.

[@shouldigetit]

Enjoy that feeling :)

[@timothykaye2902]

What are you doing for a spare tire?

[@jakealazruei3444]

Whats up Doug i have one of these and have been thinking about tossin in a new muffler. Has that one you have in yours thrown you any engine codes after install. Also ive heard they have made a new version of the tesla screen addressing the lag issue, with double the built in ram Gb so its supposed to be way faster then the original one, have you heard anything about that? Id like to upgrade the screen but that lag would drive me nuts for sure so im hesitant to do it.

[@DouglasSonders]

no codes, and i had the newer tesla screen and had lag. stick to the bluetooth. its fine

[@michaelsolomon8872]

Hey Douglas, did you end up getting a "blue tooth module" ? I just got a 08 Gx and would love the ability to play Music via blue tooth, can you tell me what blue tooth module you were looking at?

[@DouglasSonders]

For sure. Took out my Tesla screen and installed a BT-toy unit. Look on amazon! Only about 100-150$ and works great. Goes in place of you satellite or disc changer inputs

[@brett9382]

You mentioned the gas mileage being bad. What are you actually getting though? It's not great from factory but it is manageable, is that what your referring to or did the aftermarket tires cut it in half?

[@rngrscott]

Nice rig bro. You should do a video on the stereo and (if you switch back) the Bluetooth module.

[@shouldigetit]

He did switch back! Would you want me to do a video with Douglas on his new radio setup? -Ben

[@dmay949]

My girlfriend and I are planning on getting one of these. I used to drive a 09 Prius that has the same navigation touch screen. What do you recommend doing if you wanted to upgrade the stereo that’s not the Tesla style one? Problem is climate control is connected to the screen. Also when my screen went out in the Prius it was an expensive fix...

[@DouglasSonders]

just dont upgrade it. trust me. all of the aftermarket options are awful. Get a bluetooth adapter like the BT-TOY unit. Mount your phone. I came from a 2018 Range Rover and im fine. Works fine.

[@kimchourtang1325]

Nice job

[@shouldigetit]

Thanks Mr.Tang! -Ben

[@luissandoval9358]

Did you do anything to the rear suspension? I love your Gx470 I hope to get one soon.

[@DouglasSonders]

Thank you. Yeah 2” lift all around. Old man emu. Air bag delete

[@greenacres4518]

It's like 4 wheeling in a Rolls Royce. Love mine but yours looks great.

[@shouldigetit]

What color is yours?

[@GuerreSeigneur]

I know you said these tires are 33”.... are they 285/70r17? Thanks. Great looking set up and great video!

[@DouglasSonders]

yep

[@stevenfrench8831]

Looks very nice. Did it come with the lift, wheels and tires installed?

[@DouglasSonders]

came with the lift and tires and rims. Tires and rims have since been replaced. Springs have been upgraded by me in the front to account for the weight of the steel bumper and winch.

[@joshmoore6165]

Dude, what kind of flow master are you talking about? I can't find it

[@shouldigetit]

Shout Doug a message on IG!

[@roveirdatu3851]

You’re in SD!!! Where is the shop you went to to get the muffler exhaust ?

[@DouglasSonders]

im in LA. I just ordered a Magnaflow from Amazon for $100 and had a local shop install it for like $75. Good value. here you go: amzn.to/2HVCQuT

[@Pennychaser1]

Got 08 gx. I do not overland so it will stay mostly stock. You can buy a Grom bluetooth module. With Mark Levinson, it sounds awesome

[@shouldigetit]

Nice! When did you pick up your GX?

[@Pennychaser1]

@@shouldigetit 4 yrs ago at lexus dealership for $13k. I think I can get that money back right now

[@shouldigetit]

@@Pennychaser1 You totally could! I'd probably offer $13,500 for it at least and I have no idea what condition yours is in!

[@jamesm9560]

My least favorite part about mine is I have to explain it to everyone. I tell people the FJ Cruiser is the snub noise and this is the long barrel in stainless steel.

[@shouldigetit]

Haha get an FAQ sheet laminated on your rear window 😂

[@markpfeifer1402]

Miramar Motorsports in SD is selling a TON of lifted GX's....I know, I bought one (And I LOVE it!)

[@shouldigetit]

Awesome Mark! How long ago did you get it? -Ben

[@markpfeifer1402]

@@shouldigetit August 2020. Waiting for a Gobi rack/ladder right now. Probably a roof top tent and rock sliders next year.....

[@DouglasSonders]

yeah not sure if i mentioned in the video, this is a miramar GX. super clean and happy with it

[@Vicpadilla79]

Yeah, they are charging a crap ton for them too. Luckily I found a unicorn with only 55,000 miles and one owner. All I had to do was setup a crapload of notifications on everything from Craigslist to Facebook market. 2 months and I finally found it. Yasssssss!

[@stevenfrench8831]

Nice rig

[@shouldigetit]

Thanks for watching Steven -Ben

[@eleazargarcia4264]

Where did you get the sport headlights ? From who?

[@DouglasSonders]

easy ebay search

[@g8rayrr]

Need some front bumper Reccs for gx I can weld

[@DouglasSonders]

Coastal is the only way to go in my opinion. Thats what i have. Dimello (i think thats spelled right...Demello?) just released a self-weld kit but it costs a bit more but it also nice

[@JasonSun386]

How much does it cost for the lift and tires and that front bumper?

[@DouglasSonders]

like $4k? depends on how much you do yourself

[@TheTexasOiler]

Replace tesla screen with the 9" android unit super quick and joying is a breeze to deal with

[@DouglasSonders]

Yeah I heard the Grom is nice. I’m fine with my Bluetooth for now

[@gotmullets]

What you said..in your video..about what you wanted and why...is pretty much my own thoughts..lol.. I have heard...when a person thinks something roughly 9,000 other people are thinking the same!

[@citydogpack]

Is that a 2 inch lift? Looks great

[@DouglasSonders]

yeah 2 inch!

[@flamegent]

I have seen dozens of videos about the gx470 and everyone always says the gas mileage is soooo bad but everything I can find online with actually numbers is like 15mpg in stop and go traffic which all things considered is not bat at allll so like is that number just wrong or like are people just being dramatic about the millage?

[@Florida_Adventure]

I get 15 on my 05

[@photoguzzi753]

To whom ever calls this car a “soccer mom car”: you have no idea wtf you talking about. This car will outperform all of your tacos, wranglers, rams, f150s and the most important, will outlive all you mofos.

[@camorriss]

There is a guy on Facebook named sergey kozlov. He makes firmware for your Tesla screen that will completely change the way it functions and a lot of the lag. It’s 100.00 and he will walk you through everything.

[@roveirdatu3851]

Do you have to make frequent updates? Or just one fix and It’ll be all good ?

[@camorriss]

@@roveirdatu3851 all the updates are free but overall it should be good once you install his firmware. He can explain everything to you

[@bucketheadrox]

I just deleted the muffler on my 2uz and it ended up not being too loud

[@TyrannicalReigner]

Any highway drone?

[@scottschaefer2086]

Does anyone else find the prices in these older videos hysterical? 100 for a magnaflow exhaust. Nothing is that cheap these days

[@TXCherokee]

I’ve got a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2017 with 5.7 Hemi. Think I’ll trade the Jeep in for Lexus GX470

[@6Mictian9]

KBB for 2005 GX470 is $11k. Market now is about $18k to $25k at least in San Diego...SMH...

[@DouglasSonders]

yup

[@tomastylecek7209]

dont worry about neighbors

[@DanTaninecz]

Cool interview and car. Probably took an hour or two to film? Dog in the car, in the sun, the whole time.

[@shouldigetit]

Don't worry Dan, Douglas takes great car of Emma. We had a bowl for her in the car and ran the AC between takes.

[@DanTaninecz]

@@shouldigetit Glad to hear it! Sorry. I get overprotective about dogs. It is cool he got a rescue.

[@shouldigetit]

That’s okay! I’m glad you take great care of dogs! Thanks for watching the video! -Ben

[@DouglasSonders]

@@DanTaninecz hey dan! Not to worry. I produce for a popular animal tv network I’m sure you’ve heard of and helped fight breed specific legislation on a national scale and work at a local dog shelter in my free time. Emma the old street dog goes with me most places

[@DanTaninecz]

@@DouglasSonders that's awesome. I agree it is dumb to blame the breed when it is the owners who are usually at fault. I'm glad to hear about your positive work! Just saw her panting in the back and was like, "no way..." Glad to be wrong. Keep up the good work, and again, cool truck.

[@JMac96]

Just needs a factory spoiler

[@DouglasSonders]

I agree, ive done a lot of mods since this video, including the spoiler: instagram.com/p/CIOjrhNAnpW/

[@SoppiestDragoon]

How much did this build cost?

[@DouglasSonders]

It’s evolved since this video. I maybe have like 10-12k of mods into it.

[@shouldigetit]

Which was the most expensive?

[@alonzokincaid1362]

@@shouldigetit after you did the front bumper, what did you do with the windshield washer tank?

[@Fake2JZ]

TEs??

[@DouglasSonders]

Fuel Shok D666

[@Kaizen2013v]

7:10 What rim and tire set was that?

[@DouglasSonders]

Method rims and BFG KO2s

[@louismccall]

I never really notice gas mileage.... But get a Joying head unit. Thank me later.

[@shouldigetit]

Did you consider a 570 over 460? My brother is considering both now. Thanks. -Ben

[@carloshernandez93]

Bro I’m buying one today I’m so happy lets go i love how everyone calls this screen Tesla screen so don’t get it? Seems expensive

[@DouglasSonders]

Don’t do the Tesla screen. Just get the BT-toy Bluetooth adapter. Super seamless and easy

[@ronpaulssecretary]

@@DouglasSonders why do you even want bluetooth? Bluetooth is out of sync with your phone audio. Why not just play through aux?

[@DouglasSonders]

@@ronpaulssecretary haha not sure where you get that. The bt-toy Bluetooth adapter is perfect in sync. Boots up immediately. Clear phone calls. The Tesla screen, not so much

[@ronpaulssecretary]

@@DouglasSonders literally any bluetooth audio is out of sync. Have fun being 5 seconds behind whatever you're playing.

[@DouglasSonders]

@@ronpaulssecretary haha that’s literally not true at all. What kind of cars are you driving? I’m nearly 40 and been driving for 25 years and I can assure you that modern Bluetooth, particularly factory, have no noticeable audio delay

[@stevenfrench8831]

How Much

[@DouglasSonders]

How much for what

[@stevenfrench8831]

@@DouglasSonders How much did you pay for the GX initially

[@DouglasSonders]

@@stevenfrench8831 I got it for about 18k in early may 2020. Clean history previously a certified pre-owned vehicle. Service records. Rust free

[@I41535D]

Mom-obile??? Naw son, Tahoe’s are mom-obiles

[@Mr.International82]

The gx470 is not whacky at all!! It’s tough as nails and looks better than any of today’s shit suvs

[@Gazziza29]

Miramar Motorsports...let me guess $25k?

[@DouglasSonders]

Haha. I bought it before the price hike. Around 18

[@christoward6471]

@@DouglasSonders I went there in July. Seem like good guys and they seem to do good builds. Might have bought one if I hadn't come back from SD that night and saw one listed locally for $10k less (without build).

[@Reeldegen]

Don’t tell everyone they’re cheaper than 4 runners!

[@shouldigetit]

Shhhh not for long Tate! Thanks for watching :) -Ben

[@michaeljnewton]

Anyone that wants to update an older Lexus infotainment system go with the Grom Vline 2. The “Tesla” style screens are hot garbage

[@shouldigetit]

Did you also learn the hard way by installing a Tesla screen first? 😂 thanks for watching Michael. -Ben

[@michaeljnewton]

@@shouldigetit fortunately there’s a lot of people in the LS460 community that made the mistake of getting it so I didn’t have to 😂

[@turbolq4]

This is a cool rig but it's not a land cruiser. It's also not as capable as they are off road. It's more refined on the road though.

[@Andrew-on5do]

4 runners are shit inside. A 20yo Lexus is at least enjoyable inside and it might even cost less. My off road to on road ratio is why I went the Lexus rt.

[@gorvardanyan5203]

Ара ае фуцн ани кши тенанг ет жехиц есел унем 2 ат апсосумес чатибек

[@shouldigetit]

что?

[@tomjones9519]

Try hard 2020

[@shouldigetit]

Thank you mr president. -Ben

[@DouglasSonders]

That’s my middle name

[@thooks1234]

You need new friends. Real friends would laugh at them tight pants and shoes, not a legendary vehicle purchase. Just sayin.

[@jfreakinl4719]

Didn't know you had to hack off the stock steps. They uhhh, bolt on. Amd so do the sliders.... this is a shit build, not gonna lie. Check out awesomoto, or any GXOR build. Spacers are ass btw.