The Lexus GX470 is the best used luxury SUV you can buy on a budget.

In 2003, Lexus released the GX470 based on the 4Runner platform but with a V8 and four wheel drive standard. This same model was built until 2009 when it was redesigned along with its corporate brother, the 4Runner. The first generation GX is a great looking car that has aged very well and depreciation has made these a fantastic bargain today. They are such good value that I decided to sell my E92 335i and buy a 2004 GX with 160,000 miles on it.

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Now, you would have to be a fool to buy an 04 Range Rover with any number of miles on it, but being 4Runner-based means the GX will last forever and it means that repairs will be much cheaper than comparable German or British SUV's. Once my BMW hit 100,000 miles, the warranty expired and I was terrified of high repair costs so I immediately started looking for a reliable, spacious, four wheel drive truck. But, trucks don't depreciate nearly as fast as luxury SUV's so I changed my focus to something a little more affordable. So, I found a 2004 GX in Franklin, TN in great condition and made arrangements to drive up there and buy it.

That was about three months ago and I have no regrets. It has no squeaks or rattles, it has adjustable air suspension that works like new and the drivetrain is in great condition. The interior has also held up incredibly well, Chrysler products from 5 years ago have faded and cracked leather but the 14-year old seats in my GX only show slight signs of wear. The car had an optional navigation/ infotainment system which I wanted because it includes the higher end sound system. This infotainment system is, of course, dated but it works well enough and the sound quality is great. This SUV is fantastic, its the perfect mix of modern Toyota reliability and old school off-road SUV goodness. Speaking of off-road, the GX is a great platform for building an offroader, there are plenty of aftermarket parts such as winch bumpers and lift kits and the GX costs significantly less than a fourth gen 4Runner. Plus, if you do get a fourth gen 4Runner, good luck finding one with a V8, four wheel drive, leather, a third row, and a navigation system.