The Definitive 2003-2009 Lexus GX 470 Buyer's Guide!

[@jasonkupke6768]

Bought a 2004 GX470 after watching your video! Love it so far!

[@BernonCars]

Ohh nice!! I'm very glad!

[@brettweltz8135]

Don’t Forget to check the transmission fluid, the timing belt and the leaky rear differential seal. Other than that those are the only major issues you need to keep an eye on.

[@squirmlygoof]

Seeing the car made me feel extremely nostalgic. It's like seeing an old childhood friend again after a long period of time. The 2003 GX470 treated me and my whole family very well, even if we made the luxurious car a little dirty, but we didn't know any better cuz we were kids. It was an excellent car.

[@BernonCars]

Yeah right! I love this era of car. Cheers!

[@BernonCars]

Good morning my friends! Hope you guys are having a great Monday & a great Memorial Day for those around here! Hope you guys enjoy the video 😄

[@Dieselnm101]

I picked up a 03 GX with 210k miles in 2021. They wanted 8k. I was able to negotiate cause the suspension was shot and the tb and wp was due. Put on 2 inch lift with 32” tires. It certainly our car of choice for road trips. It’s so comfortable for a family of 4.

[@BernonCars]

Nice! Good deal. I wish you many years with it!

[@gmoney5947]

My 07 Buick Lucerne is about to explode and my boss offered me his 08 with 235k for $4k. I didn’t even hesitate. It’s got 5 brand new Michelins (full size spare 🤩). His parents recently gave him a 17 460 and he’s rich so he was being very generous. It’s got an exhaust leak and air suspension leak that I’ve got to get fixed. He hasn’t replaced the timing belt or water pump, but I can tell that the belt is in good condition. I plan on using it for commuting. My Honda pilot has an issue with the 4wd so I’m happy I got a guarenteed 4wd. Only 2 prior owners (his parents and him). The pilot has 177k and the Lexus has 235k and the Lexus is much smoother and makes less noises. I feel like a million bucks 🤩

[@OMNWeak]

Too bad it took me so long to find your channel. I really wish I had discovered you a year or two back as you have answered so many of my questions. ... Back before I bought my first GX, a GX460 that I'm giving my youngest daughter before she heads off to college. Now I am on the hunt for one or more GX470s. LOL. Absolutely love your content!!!!

[@BernonCars]

Ahhh right! Haha Im glad you found me now! Thanks for stopping by!!

[@KacklesKamel-Fase]

After 5 years of ownership my 04 GX470 is the best ride I've ever owned. Also; the 2uz might be the best engine ever.

[@BernonCars]

Hell yeah, that's great to hear. Keep on rolling!

[@peteengel7456]

Love my 2009. A keeper. Thanks for the good quality review.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you for watching! That 09 is certainly a keeper!!

[@acepilotson3331]

Purchased an 07’ with 113,000 mi and the Marc Levinson in January of 24’ for $9500. It hadn’t had the timing belt/water pump replaced yet and right after I bought it the “secondary air pump” failed. 2800 for both of those to get replaced. Besides that it’s been flawless. Rides like a cloud, solid as a rock and everything else works perfectly. No complaints besides 11-13 miles per gallon. I’ve never seen better than 18mpg on the highway. That was cruise at 70ish and tucked behind a truck for less resistance. 😂Edit: phenomenal video. Earned a subscriber.

[@BernonCars]

Sounds like you got a great deal! Especially with such low mileage Welcome!!! I appreciate it! 😆

[@crimesguy]

Thank you for talking about the head unit in depth at 17:48. Most reviewers gloss over it and move on, but the dashboard area is an area that varies wildly within GX 470s for sale. Considering how cheap it is to slap a touch screen apple carplay head unit in nowadays, the touch screen/Mark Levinson combo actually isn't something most people should look at as desirable considering the non-nav units include full physical HVAC controls and adding carplay capabilities to the older system is very expensive (~$700 through Grom's solution). Cracked dashboards also seem fairly common despite the Lexus recall and should be noted if you're shopping these. My thought here is if the first owner didn't do the free replacement, what else didn't they do?

[@BernonCars]

I'm glad you noticed! It's a worthwhile difference between the years. Yeah I like the no-nav because you can swap it out!

[@chuckc6515]

This is such a well done video. Perfect for someone like me who is shopping for an old GX. You make really good videos! You could definitely host a TV show. Great work, thanks for all the helpful info!

[@BernonCars]

I appreciate that a lot thank you sir!!

[@MattaKY5064]

My nerd hat is on! Thanks again for another great vid!! Only thing I would add to a buyers guide for the GX is watch out for frame rust.

[@BernonCars]

Woohooo nerd hat!! Thanks for stopping by! Yeah rust ohh yeahh

[@CancelledMcCree]

After nearly hydrolocking my GK5 Honda Fit the other day I’m definitely considering a GX! Thanks for the review!

[@BernonCars]

Oh man! Yeah you definitely will for the Fit's sake LOL. Thanks for stopping by!

[@GXKid06]

The sport to comfort suspension knob is not for the air bag suspension its for the digital shocks and all 4 have active shocks. The hight control is just for the rear.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

I have noticed that Bern misspoke there. Yes, the rear air suspension is just for leveling the rear end when towing or carrying heavy cargo. The sport/comfort settings are for the adjustable ride shocks in all 4 corners. I use Sport mode on highway to avoid getting car sick, and Comfort mode in town when negotiating bad roads.

[@BernonCars]

@MaximumDIYGarage That's neat good to know its on all four! Makes it seem more worthwhile. Thanks for the catch haha

[@GXKid06]

@@BernonCars also 2006 added the leather parking brake handle and there was a screen upgrade in the middle of the 03 and 07 update. My 06 has a better screen than a 03.

[@topgungear6822]

Used to have an 03’ until it was totaled in a roll over crash. Looking back it was one of the best vehicles I ever had.

[@BernonCars]

That's a shame!! RIP

[@Ramentheawsome]

Haha you hit the nail on the head with the common wear items. I had so far had to address a leaky head gasket, control arm bushings, and leaking steering rack. Apart from sheduled maintenance items, those have been the only items that needed to be replaced in the 5 years I have owned it. As you stated, those are very common maintenance items for any car so I was not surprised by any of them. I love my 04 and plan to keep it as long as I can!

[@BernonCars]

Haha yup!! As soon as you take care of em, they'll take care of you!

[@fozzir]

I have the O4, Love the GX. Thanks for doing an all encompassing video. I'm gonna get a 09 when I find a good one.

[@BernonCars]

Very nice! I appreciate you watching! Yeah man the 09's are some gold for sure

[@valeristoyanov750]

Great car and video! Last year I had a choice of buying a brand new car or a GX470, after some research and searching I got the 2009 GX470 and it's one of my best decisions!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you much! Nice that is a fantastic choice! Enjoy it!!

[@roberthaferd6386]

Love the channel Bern. Surprised you didn't discuss the Sport Package as it is the major trim level optional difference available in '05+.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Ohhh I thought I did! I might've edited it out on accident 😭

[@jeffdigiovanni2139]

where does your buddy Louis source his interior parts? ...seat upholstery, trim pieces, etc

[@ericrusch8258]

Unreal amount of information - thanks!

[@BernonCars]

I'm happy to help!! Thank you for tuning in!

[@abyz1467]

This is crazy because there’s an ‘05 that just was listed at the Lexus dealer nearest to me. 135k miles, one owner $11,500.

[@RajerThatYT]

knock it down to 10

[@BernonCars]

Damnnn that's a great deal!

[@abyz1467]

@@BernonCars I might just have to go and check her out

[@jackprick9797]

You should buy it if you can. If you can afford the gas bill, you will not regret it.

[@BernonCars]

You totally should take a looo! Especially at Lexus

[@focalscout1589]

My wife and I have one. They are great SUVs!

[@BernonCars]

Nice!! Enjoy!

[@mockingbird187]

I like the absence of that chrome piece below the rear window of the '03. Looks cleaner.

[@BernonCars]

I agree it is nice clean and simple!

[@MichaelDrivesOfficial]

Great camera work! That lady that cut across in front of you 😂 😠

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!! 😆 Ugh right?? The audacity 😭

[@dennynisevic7848]

❤❤❤❤ your videos , hugs from Serbian fan.

[@BernonCars]

Much love!!

[@ikedichukwuchesa413]

Nice review, Bern. Thanks for sharing.

[@BernonCars]

My pleasure!! Thank you for watching!

[@seanmcmanus4660]

Great review Bern!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@qjackson904]

Great video, bro!!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you much!!

[@tonymaciel7687]

I traded a CRC150RB Expert dirt bike for GX470 with 267k miles. Never rode the dirtbike & needed a vehicle. The miles scared me but the buddy i bought it from took very good care of it. Never missed a tune up. Runs like a champ. It's in immaculate condition besides some fading on the paint. Should I be worried about the milage? 😕

[@BernonCars]

Wow what a great trade. Keep driving the bitch!! It'll do another 267k with ease.

[@austriker]

Would love to see a breakdown of the LX vs the GX!!

[@BernonCars]

I'll absolutely try to do that!!

[@ebay_turbo]

yay for more LX content!!!!

[@BernonCars]

Yessir!!!

[@johnbassila8850]

Great video. Question for you, do all first gen GXs have AHC? My preference is to get one without AHC but am having trouble finding one

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Unfortunately it was standard!

[@chivse7064]

Hello brother ❤ Please 🙏 tell about gx460 2023 and gx550 which is the best cause. V8 and twins turbo . Thanks bro Best wishes Chivse

[@BernonCars]

Hey! Honestly GX 460 is the better choice, more reliable. I don't trust the V6 yet. Many problems in the Tundra and Sequoia

[@chivse7064]

@@BernonCars Thanks 🙏 bro see by your video more and more please

[@alwayne5932]

🤦🏾‍♂️…bro don’t know where you get these two dime pieces from..but they look stunning 🤩 😁

[@BernonCars]

They really are in such nice shape man, Louis always finds the clean ones!!

[@alwayne5932]

@@BernonCars oh ok..am a big Toyota & Lexus fan myself..I’ve had few of the GX’s RX’s ..right now RX..but am thinking of getting one of the GX back & thats it 😁

[@fastlanenigeria]

Need one of these!

[@BernonCars]

Yeah right! 😆

[@mulinzhan4167]

Great review.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you very much!

[@jakrispy3005]

This is nearly the exact same spec I’ve got, though I’ve got screens on both rear seats

[@BernonCars]

Oh wow fancy!

[@dermotwallace5533]

Great explanations and I live it. Thank you.❤❤❤

[@BernonCars]

And thank you for watching!

[@cricket_v8]

Great video, wish the GX470 was sold here in the UK!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! It's a shame it wasn't!

[@pipin447]

Nice review , hi from PR.

[@BernonCars]

Hello! Thank you for watching!

[@sambeh3026]

I recently bought a 2003 Lexus GX470 with 217000 miles. I have been putting some money into it to keep it running. I have done the alternator and the brakes. The AC is leaking, took it to a mechanic, but we cannot find the parts (tubes and hoses). Do know where I can get these parts? I live in Massachusetts.

[@BernonCars]

Rockauto is good. There are also several dealerships that sell online too

[@al1383]

Dont forget to replace your cabin air filter. Its behind the glove box. Easy to replace. Gotta 2006 and learned last month a cabin air filter is a thing. It was filthy

[@BernonCars]

Yeah always a good thing to replace!

[@mikeyc96]

I’m in the market for either a gx, lx, or v8 4Runner. Wife is pregnant and will be needing a safe and reliable tank for our child to be in. Any suggestions?

[@BernonCars]

Exciting times! Haha. All of them are great honestly! Just comes down to finding one in decent shape for a good price. They all have similar space inside. LX will have a bigger second row though

[@jackprick9797]

Excellent summary. Thank you.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Glad you watched!

[@A_guan]

Part of me wants an 09-09 470 but it's so hard to find one that's not upwards of 17k with 180k+ on the clock. Which is why I might just spring for a new 460. I generally don't have the best luck with older cars anyways so I might just go all out for a recent model year 460 for peace of mind. Or maybe I could get one from Lewis??

[@BernonCars]

They are really hard to come by 😭 Louis does have some nice GX's every now and then! He has a site just not sure if the link will work - pristine4x4.com

[@Dennis-ij7rm]

Another great review!

[@BernonCars]

Thanks for stopping by again!

[@michaelt7396]

Ok can I understand premium fuel is needed for this but why is the 4Runner v8 not require premium fuel? Same engine, right? What am I missing?

[@BernonCars]

It's the tuning that makes them slightly different, you can probably get away with regular but yeah it's some nonsense haha

[@richeyrich2203]

I’m looking at an 08 with 145kmi and they want 13,000$.. decent shape but hasn’t had its timing belt and water pump done ever, and the drivers seat is quite worn. Anyone things that’s a worthy price in today age?

[@BernonCars]

Yeahh for 13 that sounds a little pricey considering the work it needs! Better 11ish in my mind

[@bfk927]

any disadvantage for fueling regular instead of premium? do a comparison between lx and gx side by side.

[@BernonCars]

Not really! You may notice a slight difference in response but honestly not really

[@leotellez6941]

I've had my 04' GX for 4 years now it's been a great SUV. The gas milage is not the greatest, but my 03' Tacoma I feel gets around the same MPG.

[@BernonCars]

Nice that's great to hear! Yeah right, my 97 Tacoma seemed similar as well LOL

[@al1383]

Be sure to.change the cabin. Air filter

[@michellerobin1979]

I found an 08 with 178,000 miles. It’s at one of those small shady looking dealerships though. So I am feeling super hesitant about buying it. Can they roll the millage back on the odometers and what would be the most expensive fixes I might need to do at this 178,000 millage? Thanks so much! Your reviews are AWESOME!!!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you for tuning in!!! I would check for rust first! These have rust issues depending on the climate they live in! Otherwise, check for oil leaks, transmission hiccups/weirdness and the air suspension is known to be worn out on a lot of these, haha

[@OleBcy]

How is this? Looking at a 05 gx470 with 145k miles, roof rack 22” Escalade rep wheels, 13.1” double din touch screen, and a arkenson roof rack a good buy for $7500? Clean title.

[@BernonCars]

That's not a bad deal honestly haha

[@OleBcy]

@@BernonCars it was a pos tbh. I’m now looking at a 02 sequoia limited 4wd with 111k miles for $7k

[@BernonCars]

@@OleBcy ohh shit, I hope that one is better LOL

[@OleBcy]

@@BernonCars BRO… IT WASNT 😭😭😭 same thing like last one, the sunroof didn’t work, rear window didn’t work, URGENTLY needed tires, had a bunch of toggle switches that the seller knew nothing about, the window switch on the driver side door for the passenger side window was backwards so you’d press the button down like you’re rolling window down and the window would go up and then you pull up on the button to roll the window up and it would go down, the tabs or whatever that held the ac vents in place were broken so you could literally just pull the vents out, only 1 speaker in the whole truck worked, they had an alpine head unit up above the rear view mirror by the sunroof that didn’t do anything, the tint was HORRIBLE, and some of the trim on outside of vehicle by bumper was falling off, AND… I took a 5 hour round trip to go see the pos…. And she had it listed at $7k and that was over KBB value and when I ran the KBB on it I put that it was in “very good” shape. So 2nd best of the 4 options and it was still over the KBB estimated value so I told her that I couldn’t pay $7k and she said she wouldn’t budge at all on price so I wasted $60 in gas and 5 hours of my life for nothing 😂😂 at least the 1st one was only 30 min away 😂

[@SandeepSingh-qg6hw]

We have 05 Lx love it

[@BernonCars]

Very nice!

[@jasonwb6884]

Google fiber backed into my low mileage LS-430, totalled it. I bought a 2015 GX-460. I like it. But, I miss my LS-430...all the wood trim, the nice chrome trim on window molding, plush leather seats. The GX has a nice interior, but I can tell the build quality on my old LS was better quality.

[@BernonCars]

Ughhh that's unfortunate man.. Yeah there's nothing like an LS 430 for sure!! Top Notch..

[@drewland6140]

I own one and love it 😍

[@BernonCars]

That is excellent!

[@professoraregbesola3490]

I always considered myself a 3 generation 4 runner guy but after seeing your review I’m definitely interested in the gx470. I guess the only downside is they run on premium gas but that is a sacrifice I am willing to take.

[@BernonCars]

Oh nice! I still really like the 3rd Gen too! Yeah they're so nice the extra fuel is worth it

[@vinceyumul5658]

the 4th gen 4runner with the same 4.7 V8 only requires regular fuel.. I've got my 03 Limited trim and love it.

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

I use regular in my GX470, now, 6 years later, it runs great on regular.

[@zarbon8]

I'd be interested to know how to get in contact with your friend who refurbs them.

[@BernonCars]

Feel free to send me an email and I can shoot Louis' info to you! KZbin sadly doesn't let me send links

[@hwangmiyeon1001]

Are they the same size as 4runner? Or the 470 is more smaller?

[@BernonCars]

They are about the same size!

[@hwangmiyeon1001]

@@BernonCars thx for the info

[@James-ku2ey]

Previa third row also folds up to the sides

[@BernonCars]

Yeah!

[@Fortniteking65]

The Lexus gx470 they don't sell them anymore I seen the new models they don't sell them at the dealership anymore the one in Oakland

[@mydinosaurz5479]

I can’t wait to get one

[@BernonCars]

Yess I wish you luck!

[@hwangmiyeon1001]

The back of 470 reminds me of the toyota prado

[@BernonCars]

Same truck haha

[@fattuke]

Does your buddy Luis have a website lol?

[@BernonCars]

I'll have him respond to you 😂

[@jamesreifert1422]

7:52 two types of engine options? every gx generation has had 1 engine option. 1st through 3rd. lol

[@BernonCars]

VVTI and Non VVTI

[@2URLex]

Might trade my 03 Silverado for one lol I’d love to have both but buying gas for two V8s will hurt

[@BernonCars]

Yeahhh two thirsty trucks would drain you hahah

[@dmitryadamenko6518]

No it doesn't. You drive only one at the time

[@2URLex]

@@dmitryadamenko6518 I have 4 vehicles already, and I drive all of them. Another V8 will be the end of me lol

[@RandyLe4zero8]

Yoooooo did u buy one yourself ? And if u did how much it cost ? How u got 2 ????

[@BernonCars]

I didn't! 😂 my friend Louis sells them 😂

[@RandyLe4zero8]

@@BernonCars can u link us ?? To his ch ? KZbin ? Ig ??

[@brentcho1275]

I can definitely tell the difference between the old and the new GX470’s. I also like the look of a newer one better due to the clear signal lights but also has silver handles on it. Whereas the older one comes with an orange signal lights with just a standard handles. But what I also like about the newer one is that if you take a look at the interior, the wood color is burgundy which looks much nicer compared to the older one which has the orangish color wood inside.

[@BernonCars]

Yeah all the little differences add up overall! I like the 08's

[@cenewton3221]

Requiring premium fuel is a show stopper for me. If I'm gonna have to buy premium it'll have to be a sports car of some kind, not a flippin' SUV. Same engine as the 4Runner which DOESN'T require it? That's really stupid. Plus the 4.7 in this only makes 260-whatever HP? On premium fuel to boot? They're nice but for these reasons I'll never have one.

[@drewland6140]

It can run on premium or regular as per the manual…..premium is only for added performance

[@BernonCars]

Yeahh they do cost more money to run than a 4Runner! That's why I don't have one too haha

[@BernonCars]

But yeah they do also run on regular!

[@iheartgs400]

Its been proven and tested that regular runs fine on the GX’s same engine as the Tundra/4Runner

[@michellerobin1979]

Does it effect its lifespan if you use regular?

[@fabianrichburgh6517]

Bro, are you near belvoir? Lol

[@BernonCars]

In VA? Yeah my friend Louis lives down here!

[@yamawwad]

Timing belt + air suspension + hydraulic power steering - the worst things to exist together in one car - but it is definitely a great car no doubt except for the costly maintenance.

[@BernonCars]

Yeah but once those are sorted they're pretty sweet!

[@jeffdigiovanni2139]

7 years… had an ‘09 until a Tesla cut across my lane w/o warning… so sad

[@BernonCars]

Ugh that is heartbreaking

[@chrisdeguzman7795]

I love mine, but the gas mileage sucks ass😂. Used to be smile per gallon🤣

[@BernonCars]

Yuppp 😂

[@rapturoussex]

Your videos are very informative and fun to watch! I own an 07 GX470 without the Nav and never plan on getting rid of it!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! 🙏🏾 nice yeah don't let go!

[@christopherwilson9140]

Go ahead, put a GX470 next to a GMC envoy denali and be objective. What could go wrong lol. TBF my envoy had more comfy seats and the auto wipers and hvac had better logic.

[@BernonCars]

LOL I actually like the Envoy! 😂 A bucket list review haha

[@christopherwilson9140]

Mine was lifted 3in on bilstien shocks with 32in tire. Many of them came with the auto locking rear which mine had. It made people's head spin off road. If you do one the actual suck parts are lack of grab handles, lower rad tank is only protected by plastic, poor aftermarket, and poor reliability especially when compared to a GX. If you do one let me know I got a lot to say. The envoy Denali is what got me into the idea of a GX.

[@cwaddell3721]

I found a 2008 GX 470 for $10,500 194k miles but I'm trading the guy my 2009 bmw 335i coupe

[@BernonCars]

Oh shit. Not bad!

[@jayyoung1241]

Gm bern

[@BernonCars]

Morning!!

[@RosaBob-x5b]

Charlotte Cape

[@BrayCynthia-f8y]

Smith Estates

[@marcelrodriguez2067]

Love my 06 but holy cow does it drink fuel like a fat kid.

[@BernonCars]

Yeahhh a fat kid and cinnamon toast crunch 😂

[@MRPOSTMAN757]

that looks like Va Beach lol

[@BernonCars]

Woodbridge! 😂

[@midluck-b8l]

07, 08,09 nearly non existent

[@Piccolo_Re]

The ones I have found all have bad leather. Owners don’t take care of the leather for some reason.

[@Shark-Tacos]

03-04 takes regular gas

[@BernonCars]

Ohh good to know

[@anarsamedi7358]

12 mpg and premium gas.

[@BernonCars]

Killerrrrr

[@iheartgs400]

No need for premium gas its been hotly discussed especially for earlier 03-04 mode 05+ sure not mandatory but will perform the truck better.

[@Mr-pn2eh]

CHOO CHOOOOOOO

[@BernonCars]

WHOOPOOOO!

[@HilaryCornell-e8l]

Kihn Gardens

[@jayvee2792]

It’s ugly inside and tacky

[@BernonCars]

That's unfortunate 😕

[@igglybiggly6951]

Sorry you like your Escalade so much

[@DanielIvan707]

It’s sexy bro

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

Great video. Sadly, as amazing as these vehicles are father time is starting to really do a number on them. I looked a four different GX 470s to possibly buy, all in Texas, they were pretty beat. If you find a well taken care of one grab it they're becoming unicorns at this point.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you! Yeah that's the issue with a lot of these, lack of maintenance! Once they're all sorted it'll easily be one of the best SUV's to own

[@jamesreifert1422]

10:32 "coil and spring" what is the difference between a coil and a spring lmfao

[@BernonCars]

Yeah that was my bad LOL

[@Docudate]

I have a 2004 GX470 with 150000 miles. It is a one owner car always in Arizona. The chassis notification came on and now the back wheels spin independently from the front wheels and the car drives poorly. I can go forward or backward but turning is difficult. Does anyone know what is wrong and about how much it would cost to get it fixed? Before this happened, I could feel a vibration. Thanks for your thoughts

[@BernonCars]

Interesting. I feel like your transfer case is bad.

[@GXKid06]

The sport to comfort suspension knob is not for the air bag suspension its for the digital shocks and all 4 have active shocks. The hight control is just for the rear.

[@BernonCars]

Ohh good to know thanks bro