Some of you here may remember that i was looking for a larger car/SUV to replace my RL for winter family trips to the mountain cabin.
I was seriously considering keeping my RL for a long time, but i also kept looking at used luxury SUVs and at the end, we decided that SUV is just the way to go for us. The extra cargo room, the extra ground clearance, the convenience of better visibility over the road, ability to tow, and extra passenger/baby room ... made the decision much easier. We set a budget of $20k or less for RL replacement and I spent few weeks driving various options.
Test drove multiple used SUVs .... couple of MDX with 90k+ miles on, Lincoln Navigator, Infinity FX35, Lexus LX470, Lexus GX470, Hyundai VeraCruz Limited, Lexus RX350 and GMC Yukon Denali.

At the end of the day, it came down to MDX and GX470. The other options were either too big, or too unrefined, or too truck-ish, or too outdated. The 2007+ MDX's i found, with the options they had, were just too $$$ and not super clean in/out. The interior did not feel super roomy. Plus, the V6 made me wonder if i can ever tow a boat with this SUV.

So, Last week, we picked our "new" SUV - 2005 Lexus GX470, fully loaded with Navi and RES. The truck is in excellent condition in and out, one owner, FULL maintenance history up to date, a bit above 100k miles but visually it looks and drives like new. The previous owner did a great job with paint and leather protection. He did not skip any services or expenses for his Lexus.
We love the power of the V8, the smoothness of the transmission and how quiet and plush the interior is. Off-road and in snow, i am sure this thing will be untouchable given it's Land Cruiser heritage and robust 4WD drive train.
It sure does not ride like the RL, but it is not supposed to. The adjustable suspension works very well. Is has the same options (even if not as advanced) so i won't be missing my Navi, bluetooth or backup camera.

My RL is for sale and so far i've received a good number of calls for it. I have one very serious buyer lined up, so the car may be sold next week.
I'll have a set of almost new snow tires/wheels for sale and most likely i will post them on acurazine for those who may be interested.

The RL was a great car for us. With the exception of the drive-shaft replacement, the car was very reliable and comfortable. I don't think we had to ever use the AcuraCare extended warranty. I enjoyed driving it every single time. The only minor "issue" i see with it is the lack of low end torque that makes it feel underpowered at times. Aside from that, it's been the perfect AWD luxury car. I would highly recommend it.

I want to thank everyone on this forum who shared tips, advices and opinions over the last few years. This is an amazing community and i've learned a lot. I hope that i can find similar group of people on the Lexus side.
I will continue to visit and keep on eye on this forum for awhile. I have some friends here and as i mentioned, i will have some parts for sale.

Thanks!!

 

Congrats!

 

Congrats! Lexus is a whole other animal compared to Acura. I'm glad to see Acura still made the final cut

 

Congrats!! the gx470 is a great vehicle. we have one in our family also. Had to set the air suspension to HIGH to "lift" the car up in order to drive through a street that was flooded to the door.Also, I love how it lowers itself every time we get out of the car.
BTW the Lexus key fob sucks and broke on me a few times when turning on ignition, although it was always someone that borrowed the car and cranked it too hard.

 

Congrats on the Lexus. We considered the GX470 when shopping for our SUV but decided it was too much $$$ and the fuel consumption was a little scary. But I guess we're still paying up for gas with the MDX.

A friend has the GX470 and she loves it. It could be a 2004 but it drives perfect. Hope yours will give you years of great service.

Guess what, I have a 2005 Lexus V8 too but it's quite a bit smaller.

 

I love that V8. Talking about butter smooth....

 

Those GX things are mighty pricey.
I've got a 2006 RL and 2005 4Runner Limited V8.
Keeping 'em both since they really are not worth anywhere close to their real value to me.

 

So i sold my 06 RL yesterday. I was sad to see it go but at least i found a great buyer for the car who would take good care of it.
It was almost the perfect car and one of the best cars i've ever owned/driven.

Now i need to sell my almost new snow tires/wheels set and Yakima ski rack. Look for them on the marketplace forum or PM me if interested.


Thanks!

 

where are the pictures of the Lexus!??!?!

 

I love the new plates you got... is your wife "Ana"? LoL

 

What "new plates"?

 

Congrats on the new ride. Needs, families and tastes change.

But I smiled when I read: " i found a great buyer for the car who would take good care of it."

My new car itch is finally gaining on me....4 years behind schedule. But yet I still cannot imagine parting with my RL.

 

"My new car itch is finally gaining on me....4 years behind schedule. But yet I still cannot imagine parting with my RL"

I hear you Tampa, just nothing out there that excites me