Summer Q&A: GX550, Toyota pricing, depreciation, what makes a great car, and so much more!

[@Notofu4u246]

You’re quickly becoming one of my favorite car channels on KZbin! Such great commentary. Thank you for speaking to the actual normal consumer!

[@joshjamescars]

That’s so incredibly nice of you to say, thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying!

[@KMCrummey]

Your opinion about influencers made me become a subscriber. Love your sidebar distractions and rants, they make me smile. Keep doing what you’re doing. I appreciate you. Thanks for all your great content, integrity and honest POVs.

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! Thank you so much for being here and I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed!

[@afzalshaikh2128]

I stumbled on your channel and you speak to a lot of us who want someone to speak the truth on these vehicles. You focus on the facts and get straight to the point. Much appreciated. 🙏🏽

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching!

[@markc7274]

Josh you are the best auto reviewer on the internet.

[@joshjamescars]

You are so very kind to say that, thank you!

[@joecrash1232]

I love you Q&A videos. It’s very interesting to hear your opinions and facts on variety of vehicles. By the way, if the Honda Civic Hybrid (I think it’s a fantastic refresh) is available in your area as well as the 6th gen 4Runner, could you make a review video with your honest impressions on these two vehicles? I actually feel like your car reviews are much more informative and better than most auto “journalists”.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! I most definitely will see if I can get both of them. I’m really excited about the Civic hybrid. I think it will definitely give Prius a run for its money for those who don’t need AWD. And thank you so much for the kind words!!

[@davidglad]

I get your critique on being a smart consumer and buying something that actually fits your needs: I watch various videos, but I am more than happy to stick with the 06 Camry going on 194000 miles so long as it gets from point A to B. Also a flex that I'm a safe driver that I can hold it year after year.

[@joshjamescars]

Right! Like exactly this, and that’s amazing! Good for you keeping it going for so long!

[@steveh545]

So fun. We had an Infinity QX about 8 years ago. It was like an owning a Gulfstream G whatever (airplane). Heaven on the hwy. in town…it really was like a Gulfstream and bumping into everything trying to maneuver it. The beltline (?) was so high, visibility was horrible. And the electronics were a mess. In Texas, it probably doesn’t matter.

[@joshjamescars]

YES to all of this. That’s why I have always stayed away from full size SUVs. Wonderful on the highway but way too much for city living. Plus, I don’t think it would fit in our garage anyhow and if I’m spending that much on a car it better be garage-able! Thanks for watching!

[@wonderboy1998]

Josh: 1:03:18 Me: ☕ 🥣 The weather is great...vacation time...let me watch and relax About the depreciation... a pristine Lexus es350 2016 I was looking at the price with 56k miles around 20k... same price as the new Nissan Altima , so they hold that good price after these years Buying the new Toyota products nowadays.... maybe Crown Signia(because it's Japanese), but Honda Mazda and The Korean brands are killing the game too...Even the American brands(more Korean/Mexican than American to be honest) are coming hard. Mazda interior is far superior than the other Japanese brands, thats why Honda interior look straight out of Mazda. Abt the youtubers ... I like Savagegeese and Topher and Ahmed from the care nut ... they pretty reasonable. Suzuki Jimmy is a classic... and they are so reliable and capable off road. You know what will be good...the 10k subs(it's coming) driving the new Camry or Lc500👀😁.

[@joshjamescars]

Haha!! I’m glad you’re having a great vacation!!! That’s always nice. We’re on vacation soon but not soon enough! 😂😂 Totally agree with you on Mazda, though their seats tend to be really (oddly) firm for the level of plushness of the car. Also, hoping to get the new QX80 but probably before we hit 10K! I also really want to drive both Crown Signia and Camry; Crown Signia has apparently been held up in production due to quality or safety issues…

[@wonderboy1998]

@@joshjamescars I heard more abt the issues that Taco and Tundra are having than Crown ...need to do more research. I watched the launch of new Signia in Japan ... the luxury variant is similar what Lexus used to be(maybe because is built over there in Japan).

[@joshjamescars]

@wonderboy1998 Yeah, Toyota is keeping quiet about the Crown Signia but Motormouth said that they heard it might be another airbag issue like what’s put Grand Highlander and TX on stop sale. Prius is also on stop sale right now too due to the rear, electronic door latches potentially popping open randomly if water gets into the mechanism.

[@nahoumabara3712]

I wish you would talk more about the RAV4 Prime in today's world but not sure if you or everyone else is as interested as I am.

[@joshjamescars]

I have a 30 minute video that I’m working on as we speak on all the questions I get asked about it, haha! People are most definitely interested. Hoping to get it up on July 12th.

[@FatalAnimal]

In your video about the GX550 you were spot on. Its about perspective. I have owned shitty cars/trucks/vans my entire life. Back in 2020 I purchased a Limited 4runner. From my perspective it seems super luxurious. We both know that its really not. The GX460 is old school Lexus luxury. It demonstrably luxurious. The GX550 seems more like an upgraded Toyota Prado from other markets with a Lexus badge. It seems to have some of the the bones of a Lexus GX but it is missing the heart and tuxedo. If you come from a 4runner the GX 550 will seem very luxurious I guess but why did Toyota market to 4runner owners as opposed to pervious Lexus owners? It will be interesting to see how the market plays out in about 3-5 years.

[@joshjamescars]

I actually think the 4Runner Limited is more luxurious than the 550. Nice, thick REAL leather. Solid, old plastics, proven and reliable drivetrain, etc. My 2020 4Runner most definitely felt better built and more solid than the 550. The tech is better in the 550 but it’s also the same tech as is in any new Toyota so like no big deal there IMO.

[@kylekraemer1151]

Hey Josh, enjoying your channel recently. Love honest car reviews. Hate watching the glorified ads where they just show the cool features and gun it around a corner. We got a '21 GX in part because of your reviews. Just wanted to say thanks, and keep it up

[@joshjamescars]

Hey Kyle!! Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words! I’m so glad you’re enjoying! And congrats on the GX!!

[@TEQLC]

Was smiling the whole way through! Love to hear your thoughts and mini rants. 😁 It's crazy, because I'm thinking the same things, but it's nice to hear someone else say them out loud. (confirms, I can't be the "only" one). lol

[@joshjamescars]

Haha!! I couldn’t agree more with the “I can’t be the only one…” line of thinking. That’s how I feel when y’all comment or email me saying you feel the same way. So glad you enjoyed, and hope you’re enjoying your new ride!! ;)

[@gregjoubert5118]

Great video! Like your unsolicited take. Curious why you got rid of your 4Runner, or have a link to your video that explains? I couldn’t find a specific one. Thank you!

[@joshjamescars]

Hello, and thank you! You can find more detail on that at the end of the video linked below. Long story short, I bought the GX in the summer of 2023 and by fall I just didn’t feel like I needed both.because 4Runners hold their value so well, the dealer offered me $4K more in 2023 than I paid for it brand new back in 2019 and so that was a no brainer. Mentioned at the end of this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g56Yhat_ms-KldE

[@linhunnicutt6556]

My biggest issue with the new RAV4 prime is the price. The XSE model is $52,000 and I refuse to pay that kind of money for a RAV4 no matter what kind of power train it has. If they would drop the price on that thing about $10,000, You could get one pretty easily and they would sell like hotcakes. I think of all of the hybrids that Toyota does, their plug-in hybrids are definitely above the curve, but they've gotten so out of sight pricewise and the quality is so diminished. I would not buy one right now.

[@joshjamescars]

Yep! I’m with you. We paid $30K out the door for ours and I felt like that was a fair price. But I wouldn’t pay anything more than that.

[@nikescream]

Great videos. Glad I found your channel. How is the step in height between the 460 and 550? I was planning on the luxury plus but haven’t been happy with the interior quality. Step in height is important for my small family though.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! Both are high because they’re both body on frame SUVs (the cab and floor of the vehicle sits atop the steel ladder frame). If that’s critical to you, skip every body on frame SUV and go with something unibody (where the subframe of the vehicle is basically the vehicle floor) like a Grand Highlander/TX, QX60, or MDX. I would never recommend a body on frame car for young kids or elderly adults. Not just for the lack of ease but the very real potential for injury as well, especially in inclement weather. One slip off a running board getting into a truck is all it takes for a twisted or broken appendage.

[@tarasco888]

Great video as always Josh, came upon your channel while doing research on Lexus GX and TX and appreciate your hones reviews. I don't sit through many 1 hour videos but this was compelling. Keep up the good.

[@joshjamescars]

I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed and that my videos have been helpful to you! Reach out anytime if you have questions!

[@rishinarang9966]

I think the only RX you should buy is the 350h and the only TX you should buy is the 550h+

[@joshjamescars]

I agree! Although the 550h+ is so much money to pay for the rest of the car (video on the TX350 coming next week, LOL).

[@joecrash1232]

I agree too. Although I doubt it will happen, but I hope they would put at least some wood trims around the interior and other color options like caramel or ivory for their refresh model years. The interior RX somehow looks better than the TX.

[@Jontellis]

Great video! Thanks for doing this 🙏

[@joshjamescars]

Thank YOU for watching and supporting as always!

[@hwleitner2009]

I think many would be interested to know more about you and your profession

[@joshjamescars]

Anything in particular you’d like to know? I tend to keep details of my day job vague but I’m in IT management for a Fortune 500 company.

[@Segu88]

Omg 1 hr video. Let me get my tea ready 💃🏾🎉

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! Hope you enjoyed!!!

[@chesterkuo3646]

Good to know you would buy Maverick and QX60. What do you think about Genesis GV70?

[@joshjamescars]

Hyundai/Genesis haven’t proven to me that they have the long term dependability and quality that I’m looking for, so definitely lease with Genesis. Their depreciation is worse than the Germans, too, so that’s a downside if you plan to only keep for a short period.

[@chesterkuo3646]

@@joshjamescars thank you, I appreciate your opinion.

[@mercboy111]

Hey Josh downed your video start to finish. Hope you’re well and keep up the good work.

[@joshjamescars]

Hello!! Hope you enjoyed and thanks as always for watching!! :)

[@mercboy111]

@@joshjamescars always do brother, keep it up! Hope you can review an LC300 soon :))

[@joshjamescars]

@mercboy111 Wouldn’t that be the dream!? If my travels take me someplace where I might be able to, I’d definitely try to get my hands on one!! I will be bringing y’all along on a trip we’re taking later this summer, on which we’ve made a specific stopover in Salt Lake City to visit the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum! Over 100 different models on display. Including many actual 150 Prados! They don’t have a 300 series yet, sadly, but nevertheless I’m sure there will be a ton of cool things to see!

[@mercboy111]

@@joshjamescars pls make a video of that! I will watch it! If your travels bring you to our neck of the woods let me know; would love for you to review my 150 V6 :)

[@PWCDN]

Glad to hear a long time Toyota/Lexus confirming everything I've researched about the two brands (Toyota/Lexus) the last two years regarding value. I'm in the market for a new car and I just don't see or feel the value with Toyota/Lexus. I ended up now eyeing a car that you've recommended as an alternative, Acura MDX. Let me now consider if I should indulged on the Type-S :) As someone who is most likely only interested in Toyota, Honda and Subaru products, you definitely got my subscribe with your honest takes.

[@joshjamescars]

Oh the value (or lack thereof) is outrageous. lol the fact all the new trucks make my GX seem “cheap” at $65K is beyond ridiculous.

[@mysteroussillymoment]

My mdx recommends premium but you can put regular gas in which what I do I put 87 just if you live in a high elevation don’t put 85 you must the midgrade in if you live in a high elevation state

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! Great callout there. We always have to be careful of that as we’re so close to Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and the high plains!

[@hondajacka2]

The 2025 Camry has the 5th generation hybrid system that is suppose to be more refined than the 4th gen hybrid. Can you do a comparison between that and the Honda Accord Hybrid?

[@joshjamescars]

I can definitely see if I can get my hands on them. Honda’s system being a mostly-serial hybrid will always make it more refined than Toyotas which is an always-parallel hybrid.

[@braddarden8549]

What hybrids would you buy today?

[@joshjamescars]

I would buy most of Toyota’s hybrids (except for the trucks). I’d also buy Honda’s hybrids (Civic, Accord, and CR-V).

[@braddarden8549]

@@joshjamescars does Toyota Highlander hybrid have good acceleration versus Toyota RAV4 hybrid?

[@joshjamescars]

It depends what you consider “good” and how loaded the car will be on an average day for you. I’d definitely recommend test driving! They’re both fine, but they’re hybrids that are meant for maximum efficiency so that’s going to limit what they can do from a dynamic point of view.

[@garywilson1688]

I'm a sucker for advertising hype. But I did get lucky a couple times in my life. I bought an 08 Tundra because of that deep voiced commercial of the thing towing a 10,000 lb trailer up the pyramids (or something like that). It has 229,500 miles on it and runs great and couldn't see replacing it for a new Tundra as why would I sell this to someone else who would get a great truck? As I have my own business so I can write off a vehicle over 6,000 GVW and didn't want a new Tundra we bought a 23 GX460. I wasn't fond of it's front end look and it doesn't have great ground clearance or approach angle and the gas mileage is, well..., but you know what? I LOVE that car! It's the smoothest driving vehicle I've ever ridden in. I've grown to love it's looks too. And the wood on the stearing wheel was almost a No Go for me but now I think it's genius. I love it's feel and it is very easy to clean.

[@megharper5077]

I did exactly the same thing! Still have my older, reliable Tundras and bought a 23 GX460 even though I hated the spindle grille. The drive and V8 make up fit it! I used to not look at the front end but it's now grown on me. Great car.

[@joshjamescars]

@garywilson1688 YES! Also, great buy on the Tundra too. I think that’s the big difference between Toyota of yesteryear and Toyota of today-you were able to impulse buy a car (at a reasonable price) and know it would run wonderfully for hundreds of thousands of miles. That’s all changed today. And glad you got a GX460 when you could!!

[@joshjamescars]

@megharper5077 I remember!! You had three tundras for your company and you’d bought a 22 Sequoia as well if I remember right then traded for the GX!

[@megharper5077]

@joshjamescars Thank you for remembering. I still have my three Tundras, going strong, including the 2002. Thank you for the awesome video.

[@ollyyung2859]

one of the best most honest reviewers out there. Good job Josh, I really enjoying hearing your talk ad your opinions!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying and thank you as always for watching and supporting!

[@1956jude]

Just discovered your channel. I like it! Gonna look for a Crown Signia review from you.

[@joshjamescars]

I definitely want to get some time with it!

[@rebeccatrainor734]

Those were great questions and answers!! Thanks Josh!!!

[@joshjamescars]

Thanks as always for watching and supporting the channel, Rebecca!

[@immanuelingari4336]

Looking at a 2019 lexus nx.Not hybrid tho.Can I still run it on 87 octane tho it's a different year from yours which u previously owned

[@joshjamescars]

You can find the manual for any vehicle on the Lexus website so definitely give that a look. My gut tells me no because it’s a turbo engine and most of their turbos do actually require premium.

[@immanuelingari4336]

@joshjamescars thanku and what a godsend q&a.I can't believe I've watched the whole video

[@obsidian711]

Josh u da man! Love your GX460 insight

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! And thanks as always for watching! Much more on the GX coming in the next few weeks! ;)

[@franklonyai4278]

Hi Josh: thanks for the great Q&A session! Honestly, I'd like you to make it a monthly habit since it is so great to listen to your opinions about cars and this time about financial advice also! (Not for everyone but pretty wise from a younger generation.) The clincher for me was the closing comment about what you would buy. In your videos your love for Toyota and Lexus permeates through, although the tone has lately changed dramatically. It is that you would buy an Audi. I am an Audi fan and I replaced my Rubicon for a 2023 GX460 partiallly on your videos' input. What an improvement compared to my beloved Rubicon. Thanks again for the entertaining one hour Q&A.

[@joshjamescars]

I’ve thought about doing them more often! If I get enough questions, I definitely will consider it! Maybe I’ll do shorter but more frequent ones. As for Toyota, I’m still a huge fan of the brand, hugely loyal to their products, and really want them to have a bright future. It’s just over the last 8 months or so, they’ve really started to make decisions that I feel aren’t in keeping with the values they once considered non-negotiable. TX, Grand Highlander, and Prius are all on stop sale for serious safety issues. Their pricing on the trucks is the opposite of value. And then there’s Lexus producing products that just five years ago would have been unthinkable. I think a big part of the problem is that up until now Toyota had really focused on making one really solid vehicle per segment. Just two years ago, they had two midsize SUVs: Highlander and 4Runner. Today, we have Crown Signia, Highlander, Grand Highlander, 4Runner and Land Cruiser. Do we really need five midsize SUVs from one manufacturer? Or eight if you count RX, TX, and GX. So… I don’t know… the values of the brand have shifted dramatically and we’re in a period where what they’re doing doesn’t align with my interests. I hope we come back around. As for Audi, I’ve always been a huge fan of them. They have the same kind of plastic fantastic interiors as Lexus does these days but they at least give you a boat load of tech to make up for it.

[@franklonyai4278]

I may differ about the "plastic fantactic" comment. I have both cars next to each other and the design and interior quality materials are much better in the Audi than my GX 460. The surprising thing for me on the GX460 was how well it drives. As you said a "vault on wheels." The Audi, being lighter, is nimbler and great suspension, but the overall quality it seems to me it's more appelaing on the GX despite being a body on chassis construction. Lexus engineers worked their butts off with suspension bushings...

[@joshjamescars]

What year is your Audi? They used to be fantastic (and I’m sure some of them still are), but my boss’ RS eTron GT doesn’t feel like a $150K car inside to me. Also, yes! Could not agree more with the GX!

[@franklonyai4278]

@@joshjamescars The GT is not my price range. I have had Q5's and TT. The design details and true aluminum pieces, not fake plastic silver, are way better than Lexus. I just pay subscription for Google Earth on my map display. I really love it. The tactile feel of the cabin is superior to other German brands. Talking about GT's, the MB GT is also full of blocks of silver plastic what I hate...the reality is Lexus newer interior design language is not much better than regular Toyotas or barely above Honda interiors.

[@joshjamescars]

@franklonyai4278 oh yeah, those were great. I loved the TT. The newer Audi products are starting to lack those real details too, unfortunately. Tons of gloss black plastic where there used to be aluminum (much like Lexus). Same with Porsche. If you don’t upgrade to the bespoke interior options, it’s a lot of plastic. And I totally agree at Lexus’ new interiors, it’s a big reason why my opinion of the brand has soured considerably over the last 12 months.