Why the Lexus GX 460 is Impossible to Buy | 2013 Lexus GX 460 Full Tour & Review

Nile's back with a classic vehicle review, and the first time behind the wheel of an older Lexus SUV. This week we're in the 2013 Lexus GX 460 SUV to see how this luxury off-roader has held up over the past 10 years.
Here on TestDrive we've had the pleasure of driving many older Lexus models, but none as new as this 2013 Lexus GX 460 SUV. While not an Ultimate Luxury trim, this 'entry' level model has a lot going for it. We go over the exterior information, 4.6L V8 engine specs, and chassis info on this vehicle including the estimated MSRP when new, and the average list price for them in 2023. Ours is finished in black on black and looks sharp since it's been well taken care of over the past decade. Original everything aside from a tow hitch, this is how the GX 460 would have looked in a showroom back in 2013.
We discuss the interior design and features including the keyless entry, push start, navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, power third row, dual-function lift-gate, sunroof, and much more. This 2013 Lexus GX 460 is a great example of what Lexus reliability looks like, with approximately 178,000 original KMs on this, this car has clearly been extremely well taken care of and shows.
We then take this 2013 Lexus GX 460 SUV on the road to see how it drives, rides, and performs in today's world. The fuel economy on the full-time 4WD system wasn't great, averaging about 13.5L/100km on our 150+ km road trip after filming. We talk about the ride and comfort, along with overall noise levels inside. This model didn't come with the air rear suspension or adaptive components, making it easier to maintain. Other options not found on this could have included a remote starter, and other 4WD/off-road control modes found on the larger LX SUV.
We then wrap up this episode of TestDrive by going over the common problems and issues associated with the second generation Lexus GX SUV, including air bags, ABS and brakes, electrical systems, and rust issues. Overall these SUVs are extremely reliable without any major issues to be worried about. Typically service has been regular for these vehicles, and few come up for sale as owners absolutely love them.
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[@insanelysane86]

If you are looking at one of these absolutely make sure to look out for two issues, the valley plate coolant leak, and the timing cover oil leak. Both will set you back over $2500 and are a major PITA if you decide to do them yourself to save money. Another common failure to be aware of is premature failure on the upper radiator hose nipple/surrounding plastic. And if you buy one make sure to change out the filter on the secondary air pump to a uni-filter, otherwise the filter can disintegrate and destroy the 500+ dollar part. Otherwise rock solid trucks.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks for sharing, great advice for anyone looking at these! Hard to find though, that's one downside. There's like 3 for sale right now in Canada.

[@devanrogers3133]

The 2014+ models don't seem to have as many of the specific issues you named. However, I would like to add that unless you purchase a low mileage one expect to pay big money on OEM Lexus replacement parts. These trucks are just like the regular Land Cruisers and LX models in that they really don't like to be replaced with anything other than oem parts. They will let you know by driving/riding like shit. I bought my 2014 GX 460 base model about 2 years ago at 97k miles. I bought it in St. Louis, MO at Plaza Motors which is a luxury car dealership. Me and my buddy test drove and meticulously inspected the vehicle before I purchased it. Upon inspection I did notice the water pump was just slighlty leaking, the front tires were worn out, the front pads were worn out and the drivers side brake caliper was slighlty sticking. They replaced all that with oem parts on the house including a new oem caliper on the passenger just to keep things in equilibrium with the braking up front. I then scheduled in it's big 100k service early at the actual Lexus Dealership just a few days later. I had the dealership change the transmission fluid as well as the transmission filter with the drain and fill method "not a flush". This is because it was close to 100k miles and even though the transmission shifted fine I knew it's now or never as it's usually not wise to change tranny fluids on anything over 100k miles if there is no proof that the transmission fluid was ever previously changed. This also included replacing the spark plugs, 2 new front rotors to go along with the new calipers and pads on both sides of the front, and all the fluids on the entire vehicle. This was all the entire cooling system, the engine oil, brake fliud both different, the transfer case and the driveshaft greased. If you don't grease the driveshaft at it's specific intervals when it needs it.......You will prematurely wear out the driveshaft because you will basically nub off the sharp splines on the end of driveshaft. This will cause lots of issues with how your driveshaft engages. This will cause clunks when driving and you may think its your transmission. Also, You cannot service either the front or rear upper KDSS Bushings "which I had to do" without the expensive special KDSS tool. Their are quite a few specialty Toyota/Lexus shops that actually don't have this tool. Most Lexus Dealerships have this tool but it was on backorder for the longest time and was about $1,800. It is to de-pressurize and then pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the KDSS Sway Bar System which every GX has.......... Then to further explain what I've had to do to my GX........ About 6-7 months ago I replaced both front shocks, both lower control arms, both rear shocks, new oem red tail lights, lots of other new miscellaneous oem parts, new Inno roof rack system and the car ceramic coated.......That all cost me about 10k over the course of 2 years. About 7k of that was for oem parts and maintenance. OEM Lexus parts are expensive but worth it because once you start using non-oem parts you quickly realize your car doesn't drive or ride like a Lexus Anymore. All those OEM Lexus parts is what makes the GX such a nice vehicle. Moral of the story is if you buy one of these with some miles on it make sure it doesn't have lots of parts that need replacing unless you plan on just slowly letting it fall apart as it ages. That would be ashame though because these trucks can easily see 400k-500k if maintained properly.

[@greatstuffs]

Welcome to the gx family. It's not off a 4runnr It's off a land crusier Prado.

[@damilolaakanni]

True, however, it shares a lot of offroad tech with the 4runner.

[@klausschmidt2774]

Literally what I was thinking when he said that

[@SpartanG6]

They are all the same platform for this generation. GX, lc Prado, 4runner.

[@fixitfelix718]

Any far left black LEZBIANSSSS here that can help me into a gx I'm a Betaaaa right now..I want 1 but can't find 1

[@reddevil6585]

@@SpartanG6but gx has the v8 & is more refined than 4 runner

[@alexeymoujeer3498]

I love these older car reviews

[@PRNTestDrive]

I love doing them! Hoping to get some more lined up this month.

[@ImYoutubing247]

Welcome back Nile! You’re not kidding these things are impossible to find, and when you do find them, the resale is so incredibly high, even with super high miles. I was looking for one a couple years ago, but gave up because I couldn’t convince myself to spend that kind of money on a 8 year old car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I hear that! I can't say I was surprised when I saw the average list price for these things when we got it in, and how our appraisal system had no recent sale data to go by since few of them ultimately come up for sale. I'm really glad I had the chance to do this video, any older Lexus is a unicorn to film.

[@TheVoiceofTheProphetElizer]

I love it - I have a 2013 coming tomorrow afternoon with 82,000 miles (131966 km) - I was over the moon when I found out it had all time 4WD as well as the V8 I wish they still put in the 4Runner. I've got a medium length commute and I can tell you, after being in a CT200h barely hovering above the ground while everyone's headlights shined in my eyes, this is going to be a welcome change. I cannot wait. Great video! Thanks for the review.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Enjoy it! Hope everything works out.

[@johnmike7809]

Any problems with it in the past year?

[@TheVoiceofTheProphetElizer]

@@johnmike7809 Zero. Thing looks brand new on the inside - ONLY thing I've noticed and this is so minor as to be stupid, when I go over a patch of road that's not even or uniform or has a significant bump in it, there's a tiny click that sounds like it comes out of the steering column.

[@johnmike7809]

Thank you for the response

[@Kekuakahilikelii]

These things things are tanks and will last well over 300k miles without any problems!! My past three cars were German, bought new and around 60k miles things start to break. The heart and racer in me is sad to say bye but I’m excited to own my new 23 GX460 when it arrives here in two months!

[@jdesmo1]

Congrats. Just picked up my new 23 Blackline in Nori Green 3 weeks ago. What a gem. This is the first car in many years that makes me feel like keeping it forever. Can't explain why.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Nice! Really can't go wrong with these vehicles. I always wanted to drive some of the newer Lexus models but only had the chance once.

[@mercboy111]

Nice to see you reviews this beautiful suv. More accurately this is based on the Land Cruiser Prado J150 built in the Tahara Factory, Japan.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I was excited to get the chance to drive it, even if it was really just for a couple hours.

[@onlyfoolriding8223]

Got a 2014 with 77k on it for about 28.5. At 83k now. Favorite vehicle I ever owned. Just feels so goddamn solid. Threw a BeatSonic Apple Car Play unit in it, so now it's absolutely perfect. Plan to drive it to 300k, at least.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it, enjoy it!

[@ditiprel4]

How much was the carplay kit? I heard they are very expensive. Enjoy your GX460!

[@onlyfoolriding8223]

@@ditiprel4 750

[@natacan]

Just bought one in Edmonton and so happy! Been hunting for it forever LOL

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it, enjoy! These are pretty tough to find.

[@uzomaonyejekwe9266]

Am getting one after this review. This car is an absolute beast. I drove my used 2002 sequoia for 13years with almost 500k miles and am definitely replacing it with this beauty and beast in one car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hope you can find a nice one!

[@uzomaonyejekwe8922]

Sure we have lots of it in Lagos Nigeria but for the price

[@ccroy2001]

Nice to see you back! I have a friend who has an even older GX but it's like new. It's her car as she has the short commute. Other than mpg there's really no reason for them to sell or trade it.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I was watching the fuel gauge drop as I was on my voyage on the highway with this one, definitely not a fuel efficient vehicle. These are spectacular SUVs, I figured out pretty quickly why people who own them won't get rid of them, they're just awesome to have.

[@RossEnzo]

Back in the day we cross shopped a beautiful GX460 against our ML350. It is and was then a great car, more of a truck. They’re great!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Absolutely! I'd love to get behind the wheel of a similarly aged ML as I've done the GL 350 Bluetec already. Always liked the size and design of the M-Class, but Lexus reliability wins over every time no matter what vehicle.

[@RossEnzo]

@@PRNTestDrive Our ML has 200k miles (US car), and has never had anything major go wrong (knock on wood). We chose it for the car like ride and dynamics over the GX. The MLs hold up well if you keep up with them.

[@Cleaning_Hero]

The highest trim of the GX does have air suspension in the rear at least, which should soften things a bit despite it being intended for leveling trailer weight.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very true! That's what I assume the blank buttons would have been for on near the gear shifter. LX-level features on the GX with the Ultra Luxury.

[@andrewmcelvein6149]

Love mine with the Marc Levinson sound , and yes the 2 blank spots are for suspension/ transmission mode and to lower and lift the rear suspension

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

The Return of the Nile

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hoping to line up some more older car content this season. We had a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 that had come in on trade on a deal I did, but it was sight unseen. I literally dreamt about that car... until it showed up and turned out to be a nightmare. No amount of cleaning would have been able to get that car ready for filming. Drove beautifully though. I'll be sticking with my little C-Class for a while longer.

[@Cleaning_Hero]

You do such a great job conveying what it’s like to drive a vehicle! Just wanted to say that

[@PRNTestDrive]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@Mc88Flyy]

I’m looking to trade in my 24 civic Si for a GX with 160k miles. The harsh ride crept up and started aggravating me. I’ve always wanted a GX. 😊

[@PRNTestDrive]

It'll definitely feel like a different experience, but these are awesome vehicles. We've had a lot of interest in this one, it's an SUV we had high on our list to feature.

[@JohnLee-pv7vz]

Just bought a 2013 GX with 112k miles. Clean. Old man tan. 😊

[@PRNTestDrive]

Can't go wrong with that! Hows the colour holding up, any staining?

[@JohnLee-pv7vz]

@@PRNTestDrive color is holding up well no issues.

[@ravin747]

I have a 2012 Lexus GX 460 absolutely love it 150,000 miles and you would not know it. ha 5 land rover products and this one far exceeds them by far

[@PRNTestDrive]

Hold onto it if you can!

[@ravin747]

@@PRNTestDrive Yes Im hoping to put another 150.000 miles on it

[@rolandgerard6064]

Thanks for sharing 👍😎

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks for the visit!

[@imprezaSOHC]

my father in law has a 2012 es350 650kkm and a 13 gx460 with 300kkm great cars, super comfy on the highway (bought new)

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like he's getting a lot out of those, just reinforces how awesome these vehicles truly are!

[@stevenswan3642]

I have a 2017 I bought new. Never been in the shop after 70k miles. I do like it, drives well and has been very reliable. Gas mileage is 15mpg in city if you’re lucky and 20 highway. Unfortunately gas tank isn’t very big so range isn’t great. Brakes do wear quickly because it’s heavy and I would like a turn signal when you touch it blinks three times. Minor complaints. I plan on keeping it along time. Had a Mercedes GLE before. It drove great, smoother, lighter, but too expensive to maintain.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I had the same complaints on my little road trip after filming this, I was surprised it didn't do a triple flash with the turn signal, and my navigation system was stuck in Miles while the rest of the car was in metric. I was watching the fuel gauge plummet on the highway haha.

[@TC-en7vi]

Thank you so much! Great review!!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Savethemanuals94]

It is not based on the 4runner. It is based on the Prada which is not sold in NA

[@PRNTestDrive]

true

[@zellerized]

Just stole a black 2013 from a big dealer in OK.. got it with 114k miles for $22.5. i claybared it, polished twice, then waxed twice.. it looks like a mirror!.... it looks new. I'm doing the unvisible mask wraps in key areas right now after doing touchup. Not as comfy as my 02 Lexus LS by a mile, but this thing is unstoppable I feel.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Sounds like an awesome buy, enjoy it!

[@mdogzino]

This vehicle is not based on a 4Runner. It's based on the world market Land Cruiser Prado

[@NomenClature-o8s]

It’s not based on the Prado, it is the Prado.

[@damilolaakanni]

Land Cruiser Prado with different styling and interior, and the V8 (the biggest engine you can get in the J150 Prado is the 1GR-FE V6 from the 4Runner, Hilux etc).

[@PRNTestDrive]

Look, after spending some time with the new global Land Cruiser, and some 70 series land cruisers, I still can't make sense of it all.

[@fsm12385]

Picking up a 2019 460 gx today oh yea !

[@PRNTestDrive]

Enjoy it!

[@paulm6481]

These are great vehicles as certified from Lexus. They can be low of $40,000 US to high $50,000. Not cheap but if you get that with 30,000 miles it will easy last another 200,000 miles.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'm sure one of these with low mileage would be pretty pricey but definitely worth it. I keep thinking about all the viewers who've bought older Lexus models over the years, no ones been disappointed!

[@mt00a]

It lasts 300k easily and with proper maintenance it can last 400k miles.

[@altkoin]

mint condition!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Overall it was pretty solid, not perfect but now bad for 10 years of daily use.

[@endritprelvukaj647]

Crazy how these go for similar prices as 4Runners used, but are way more luxurious. No brainer to choose the GX

[@PRNTestDrive]

That does surprise me, either the 4Runners are more expensive than they should be, or these are being sold for less than they should. We don't see many of them show up on the market here.

[@joskjj3625]

These lexus gx460s/gx470s are tanks,super reliable suvs.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Can't go wrong with them! Had a nice 175km drive with this after filming it, I really enjoyed it.

[@bradcrenshaw1005]

I saw that the GX 460 had a trailer hitch. I would like to know more about towing with it.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I believe this one was rated for 6,500 lbs, but the hitch itself was aftermarket. Outside of that I don't have much info on trailering with this unfortunately, I believe Lexus had a tow package available on these.

[@David-li4uw]

These things are extremely capable off road. Close to a Wrangler and way more reliable and comfortable. Lots of aftermarket parts for them.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Definitely are! Not sure how much these actually see off-road though.

[@alwayne5932]

😂…bro I can tell u like this one…its funny I used to have the 2012 model year & oh man I luv that one loaded with the Marklev sound system man didn’t wanna give it up..but ever since its str88t Lexus’s for me 😁

[@PRNTestDrive]

This was a fun one to feature, and one we were excited to do since we always enjoy driving these older Lexus models. We've done a handful of them over the years and they always do well!

[@alwayne5932]

@@PRNTestDrive yep I know..right now I have the 22 RX350 my wife have the NX300 2020..but am still thinking about getting back my GX460 😁

[@damilolaakanni]

Why are the power numbers different between US and Canada? US numbers are 301hp and 329 lb-ft torque. BTW, the GX (both generations) is more closely related to the Land Cruiser Prado than the 4Runner, however, some offroad tech from this are available on the 4runner.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Those were the numbers we had, its possible it was tuned differently for the markets, it does happen from time to time.

[@katskillz]

Just landed a 2013, about 131k miles on it. Now the big question is: does it reeeeeeeally need the premium octane gas to prevent long term engine damage or knocking? Or is the premium really more for fuel economy and performance? Just trying to budget out the gas costs moving forward ; )

[@PRNTestDrive]

If premium is recommended then you should use it. I have a high-mileage 2013 Mercedes-Benz C 300 that I've put premium in since I bought it, as I want the car to last as long as possible. I wouldn't put regular in either of my cars personally.

[@ShinobiTekken]

4runner is based on the GX and not the other way around

[@PRNTestDrive]

🧐🧐

[@drwisdom1]

There are tons of GX460s for sale around Denver. They are super popular here but people are selling them because they use so much gas.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Interesting! We don’t see these pop up much here.

[@NomenClature-o8s]

@@PRNTestDriveIt’s not based on the 4Runner. It’s a Prado.

[@drwisdom1]

@@PRNTestDrive We bought a used 2013 GX a month ago. I was leaning toward a 3rd generation AWD RX but my wife wanted a GX because we live in the Colorado mountains and got 4 feet of snow 3 weeks ago, so it makes sense. Being a truck the GX doesn't drive as nice as the RX, but the GX we got only had 21,500 miles and still drives like it was new. We are going to have to get a stock Lexus trailer hitch for it and my wife wants me to add Android auto.

[@klein2252]

Just sold mine… for an LX 😂 only Lexus beats Lexus

[@PRNTestDrive]

Great vehicle to upgrade to!

[@Victorsanchez-zk9mq]

That RUst hurts my heart 😢😢😢😢

[@PRNTestDrive]

The frame wasn't bad overall for a Canadian vehicle, no structural damage. I'd certainly remove the enormous tow bar on the back though.

[@DrPepperCooled4090]

ive been searching for MONTHS. I prefer the pre facelift (10-13), a few offroad mods here and there, and they look amazing. I'm just not desperate enough to spend over $20k on one with over 100k miles.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's crazy how expensive these are 10+ years on. I was impressed when we first got this one, I had a rough idea on what they were worth and was surprised to see so few on the market. People really don't want to sell them. Reminds me a lot of the 2003 Lexus LS 430 we did, those are impossible to find since owners keep them forever.

[@acf894]

There's 1 for sale near me with 66k miles for 25 grand.

[@DrPepperCooled4090]

@@acf894 I've started to look into the some 2014-2016 years. finding that a lot of them seem to be priced the same as the pre face lift models. Saw a new 2023 in person, couldn't stop looking at it lol

[@devanrogers3133]

Does anyone know excatly what model these Michelin Tires these look to be and or are? I can't tell if they are the old Defenders or not. The new Defenders are nothing like the old ones as they are much more noisey. The "Older Michelin Defender Tires" were basically the best tire you could get for the GX 460. The best meaning for those who drive their GX on dry paved roads mostly. Also, only mild snow conditions and off-roading driving.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Couldn't tell you the exact model, LTX maybe? I have a few photos from that car but the tires aren't really legible.

[@kpz1234]

That rust looks brutal.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It was mostly superficial, and the tow hook at the back didn't help.

[@kenantyson4166]

I’m 6’4” will I have enough head room and leg room as a daily driver? Thanks

[@PRNTestDrive]

I think you should be ok, I'd definitely want to sit in one first before making any decisions as you might find it isn't as accommodating since everyone's different.

[@kenantyson4166]

@@PRNTestDrive I appreciate the feedback. I test drove a GX two weeks ago and I loved it.

[@beefruitful1056]

Hi looking at a 2013 for $19k with 133k miles is is worth it?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Sounds like a pretty good deal! Just have it checked out first in case there's any major mechanical issues with it.

[@rewantasubba5180]

Wait when gx460 2024 comes out with 4 cylinders 🤣, used v8 will sky rocket. I own 2021, cant say anything bad except fuel economy.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I think that'll happen regardless, but will certainly help increase resale value on these older ones.

[@guzzy92fs]

That's a lot of rust under that GX mates.

[@PRNTestDrive]

No issues with the frame, it was inspected twice before being sold off to a happy new owner. Unfortunately the climate here in Canada doesn't make it easy to hold onto vehicles that get daily driven like this.

[@peterparsons7141]

So I’m looking at acquiring one one these, what’s the difference between; Base,Premium,Ultra ? They all have the same engines. All models are AWD. Not all models have crawl mode, lane change, ACSS ? Whatever that is. The dealers don’t make it easy, and I don’t know how the VIN codes work. There are a couple of major differences in the Premium and Premium ULTRA or ULTRA,, again I don’t understand how they’re named and how to identify between them. Can you help ?

[@PRNTestDrive]

One of the major technical/mechanical options you get going with the Ultra will be the air suspension, along with those additional off-road modes and enhanced safety tech. I believe this one was a 'Premium', but I know what you mean about it being hard to tell the difference. It's one of the issues I face when putting the details together on a vehicle like this, since the original info from the OEM isn't on their websites anymore I have to find secondhand info elsewhere.

[@scottw7141]

You can buy a new one for the same price!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Maybe in the US if this were in US dollars, starting price for a 2023 is $79,932 CAD, but it still shows how well these vehicles hold onto their value.

[@dgdave2673]

Too much hype, ofcourse with no bloody innovations for 20 years, this dinosaur has no reliability issues. Got one Al ost fully loaded for around 60K 2020 model, gas prices were still low. But the absolutely outdated infotainment ( 8” low res washed out screen) with no airplay or anything was going back into the 90s! When gas prices shot through the roof thanks to Brandon , this vehicle with 13mpg or lower was an unmitigated disaster. Got rid of it within a year!

[@PRNTestDrive]

To be fair the infotainment on my 2013 S-Class isn't a whole lot better, but it's functional for what I need out of it.

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I have one, and the old tech is my favorite part, i hate all that new gimmick crap, especially the new lexus stuff, it took me 30min to figure out how to change a radio station, and it requires too much attention to use it.. Personally, i prefer the old tech.. Though, i do agree, it is thirsty, but then, i have owned hybrids, and the reliability to me anyway is more important than the fuel economy, the not being stranded, also the lexus dealer experience, where you get treated well..