New 4Runner vs Used Lexus GX 460

Hi everyone, long time lurker, first time poster.

I find myself in a fairly unique situation where I am in the process of starting a position with the State Department, and my family and I will be packing up and moving overseas later this year. There's some ambiguity as to where, but there is near certainty it will be in the developing world with Sub-Saharan Africa being high up the list. The government will pay to ship 1 car to our overseas destination.

My wife and I have been EV owners for over 5 years now. I currently drive a Porsche Taycan CT and my wife drives a Tesla Model 3, and because of different charging standards around the world and access issues, we have no desire to even attempt to take an EV with us. Also, given the less than stellar road quality that exists in 90% of the world, we want something that is comfortable on rough roads that our current cars wouldn't do well with.

As soon as I got the job, my mind went immediately to a 4Runner. My first car was a 1997 4Runner Limited my parents handed down in 2001, and it's still in the family with a cousin 275k miles later. Toyota exists in just about every corner of the world so repairs/service won't be an issue, the vehicles have parallels just about everywhere in the Hilux Surf or LC Prado, and it's really hard to mess them up.

The only real "must have" is the 3rd row seat. We are a family of 4 but expect family and friends to visit periodically, and the extra seating when only having one car is essential.

At first, I was dead set on getting a new SR5 premium and just changing out the wheels and upgrading the tires to all-terrain. I drove a friends premium SR5 and it was fine, but you definitely feel the age of that 5 speed transmission, even more noticeable coming from an EV that doesn't shift at all.

Then I test drove a 2019 GX 460 at my local Lexus dealership, and found the V8 and ride quality to be just so much better, especially on the really shitty West Texas roads I am located. It was a buttery feeling. It also was just much nicer overall inside, although it didn't have a lot of niceties like Apple CarPlay.

In the end though I'm torn. 4Runners hold their value better and I feel like I'll have less headaches starting off with a fresh vehicle vs buying a car with 30-40k miles on it. I also like that it doesn't need premium fuel. Warranty won't matter since Toyota Care isn't valid outside the US. I like the 4Runner aesthetic much more too.

Price wise, a 2018 or 2019 GX 460 with 30k miles is about $45k, pretty much right where a new SR5 Premium with 3 rows lands. The issue is actually finding a new 4Runner and a dealer that won't mark it up. Of the all the dealers in a 300 mile radius from me, there are maybe five 4Runners physically on the lot, and dozens "in transit". Many are Limited trims which are more expensive than I'm willing to spend since it will be a cash purchase.

I know a few folks here have both cars or have had both cars in their garage, and am curious what you would do, or what you think. I don't plan on doing any heavy off-roading, but do expect to find myself on less than stellar unpaved roads frequently, and from what I can tell, both cars would be up to the task.

Sorry for the obnoxiously long post and thanks for your help!

 

2019 isn't old.

I'd get the GX.

 

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And if you take it overseas, Land Cruiser Prado owners will be mad jelly lol

 

Well that said you did say Sub-Sahara Africa. If kidnapping is a thing, take the Runner. if safety no issue, GX all the way

 

Well my question for you is… do they have premium fuel where you are going to be located? Is Lexus common in that area? Will a higher end vehicle leave you to be a higher target for vandalism?

i would go with the car that works best for your family. Not gonna lie I wish I knew about the GX460 before I bought the 4Runner as they are nice but at the same time I really like my 4Runner and the aftermarket support.

Good luck. I am sure whatever decision you make you will be happy as both of these cars are great cars.

Oh and btw if the roads suck you won’t be going fast enough to feel the side effects from the 5 gears.

 

I’m just curious what your job title is

 

"developing world" This is a key word. In that case GX460 would be the worst choice between the 2 in my opinion. Fuel range is very important in some countries / areas. Small fuel tank with petrol v8 is asking for trouble. Something like 4Runner SR5 with 7 seats would be my choice between the 2 but still I won't pick either of those.

For most developing world diesel and simple tech is best. Out side of city the mechanics don't know how to fix complex vehicles. We love diesels back in our countries. I saw KDSS for the first time here in USA. For rough terrain those won't survive, why all the prado and land cruiser 200 ive seen are non kdss. Depending on the country and city dust can be the big problem too. Not only for air intake even the brakes need replacement soon. This is why basic vehicles like Land cruise 70 series are top choice for rural long driving. There are so many after market suspension and seats to make the ride better. There are long distance drivers who even prefer manual transmission. My classmate who both Mr & Mrs working as traveling doctors use basic Land cruiser Prado. If you take 4Runner / GX you may not find parts or even accessories like bull bars for them. Don't assume GX is same as Prado. If you go to a right hand drive country with a GX / 4R you are in such a big trouble especially with big rigs or worst in traffic. I've seen few left had drive vehicles around town but not sure what restrictions they have.


If possible maybe take the money to hand and use that money to buy a good diesel suv if you have to work in a developing country. However the vehicle prices could be high depending on the country. Also remember in some countries petrol(gasoline) is very expensive and since diesel is mostly commercial use its cheap.


With my experience #1 diesel + #2 simple tech might be your best choice.

In my opinion nothing is better than going where you plan to work before you move your family and see what is it like and then decide what vehicle to buy.

 

I'm a healthcare provider and the State Department staffs embassies with physicians and nurse practitioners to care for our diplomats abroad in embassy medical units.

 

Thanks for the solid input.

I didn't want to make my OP even longer but my plan is to make my decision in a couple of months, once I learn my destination.

Different countries have different restrictions and security concerns which will play a role, but overall the Foreign Service community tends to lean heavily on Toyota vehicles. Many embassies have a motor pool and skilled mechanic on staff that can service the vehicles.

If I find myself in a country with right hand drive, I will almost certainly buy on the local economy or from a departing diplomat since we shuffle posts every couple of years and often sell vehicles when departing. Nothing would make me happier than scoring a diesel land cruiser variant.

Fuel consideration was something i had not thought of but it makes a lot of sense. If its impossible to get premium fuel, the GX will be a no go.

 

I am lucky enough to own both and I can say your are in a win win situation. However, I drive a 2020 GX and came from my 2018 4runner and I would never look back. It's no disrepsect to the 4runner (I still love driving my wife's) but the combo of Luxuary on the inside and still feeling robust on the road and capable to mod it in ways I would with the 4runner took it over the top. Plus the steering wheel is unmatched in the GX. Hahaha.

But either way you are going to pick a great car!

Good luck in your search!

 

I was about type a big detail comment but I'm sure you are educate enough to find out and adapt to the new environment.

Minor things though;

• it may not be about "getting premium fuel", it might be is the fuel clean? Can US vehicles handle not so clean fuel?
  
• "Many embassies have a motor pool and skilled mechanic on staff that can service the vehicles" - Yes they are good at servicing and doing repairs for local vehicles. For major items vehicles are taken to dealer.
• "departing diplomat since we shuffle posts every couple of years and often sell vehicles" - Remember they might have kids like..... "i'm not saying me" that could abuse / drive the vehicles with no sympathy. Things like broke mirrors, ripped tires, broken axles are no big thing to document. Of cause will never be reported as kid driven.. Its a fun feeling though having different vehicles often. As far as I remember haven't seen same vehicle more than 1 year..

 

Once your destination is revealed I’m sure you’ll get briefed about the local situation, customs, and the safety aspects of being Americans there. And how much you will be interacting with the local population. Maybe you will get noticed more in a new expensive vehicle and that might not be good. Just throwing out some worst case ideas here. Your security dept will know all about it and maybe you could contact and get some advice from folks already stationed there to get some car advice. If you get a newer Toyota it will probably never be in the shop other than for routine maintenance. Good luck with your new adventure.

PS: If all is good, I’d go with the GX.

 

Get the GX, lift it, and remove the grill and bumper to improve its approach and departure angle. I saw such a beast few months ago.

 

BTW, be glad you will not be sent to Afghanistan, that's for sure.

 

Out of the 2, GX. I'd also research whether or not they really *need* premium fuel. I suspect 87 will work just fine.

Really though, I'd look into seeing what you can get locally. Toyota offers some cool things elsewhere that we don't go get in the US, there may be e an option better suited to local conditions.

I'm thinking diesel Prado. I know from watching the Aussie guys they're super capable and have a large (150 liters, almost 40gal) fuel tank. I would looooove one of those.

Btw, I 100% agree on the choice of a Toyota.

 

I think you just ended the conversation. LC Prado's in the Philippines can run on Flux Capacitors and banana peels.

Outside of Japan and the EU, its hard to find good quality fuel.

Now let me play devils advocate........ You can do what my dad did and many others do when they take vehicles overseas:

2.4L Turbo Diesel conversion

Let me introduce you to the engine powering the wealthy and terrorists the world over: The Toyota 2L-TE

https://www.engine-specs.net/toyota/2l-te.html

EDIT: Apparantly the 2021 has a 2.8 liter!!

https://www.engine-specs.net/toyota/2l-te.html



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Boy if buy a Diesel Prado or Diesel Hilux instead and post pics here, you will have many mouths water, that I can tell you

 

Lol man I fell out my chair reading that

 

OMG my 2013 must be from the stone age! that hurt!!



lol

 

@K-Paul yep Diesel conversion is a thing in some countries. Has your dad seen petrol engines converted to Liquefied petroleum gas? (The same gas people use for cooking in some countries). Some conversion even use the same gas cylinder that is designed to use in home stationary are used in cargo area Little expensive petrol - cooking gas conversions have little safe to use in vehicle gas can

Some diesel conversion go south with some ecus and some components and some times have seen never ending diagnosis. (Have experienced with a Nissan Cefiro which is much like Infinity Q60). Needless to say the importance of second level of diesel filter with all the crap in fuel. I've seen dirty petrol also but sadly I haven't seen second filters for petrol cars. I have few stories with bad fuel..


I'm sure there should be many who has worked outside of USA and some came to USA from developing countries. Even big petrol engines are not ideal for some develop countries outside of US right?

 

Im not sure he has, his swap was when he sent a 1994 Pathfinder SE to the DR when he retired. He had a TD27T put into it and it ran like a monster for years.

The conversion you are referencing I am sure is not beyond the ingenuity of a Cuban Mechanic

 

Developing country. Consider fueling issues and most important, parts availability and COST for those parts.

In Guatemala, I have a friend who owns a eco-tourism/safety and security company operated out of the Antigua area. Guatemala City is 45 mins away. While sorting what vehicles worked for their situation, Toyota was their first choice. He wound up buying 6 Land Cruisers. It served all of his purposes, but parts availability and price were far better with the Land Cruiser than 4Runner or the GX. Its worked for him since 2002 and he keeps adding more every few years.

 

This is a huge concern. There are a lot of horror stories of folks buying cars from departing diplomats and getting absolute lemons. This is why my initial intention for my first tour is to buy something I know the history of versus a car that might have traded hands half a dozen times and been imported and exported all over the world. Still a lot of variables in play, but the unofficial cars of the Foreign Service seem to be either a 4Runner, RAV4, or CRV.

 

I find drivers of diplomat cars very reckless. From my experience.

 

I had a neighbor years ago stationed in Germany he was a high tech IT guy and helped study various infrastructure at risk for terrorist attacks.

Anyway, the government paid for shipping 1 vehicle like yourself, in his case he bought classic American muscle cars shipped them from Detroit (his home) to Baltimore to Germany and made a fortune. I think he was allowed one vehicle every year or tour (I forget how regularly). I remember one night he had a beautiful 67 Mustang in his driveway and I said whats up with that and he had a ton of car parts in the trunk for other classics and he laughed and said its my money maker.

For him it was cheaper to rent a car at the time and just flip one over there.

 

That's pretty cool. There are some pretty strict government regulations in terms of reselling vehicles, especially with the intent to turn a profit. I believe the max you can receive for a vehicle you imported (which is tax free as a diplomat), is your original purchase price. Depending on country, some cars like Mustangs and Wranglers will sell for a pretty penny but you're capped on how much you can sell it for. Some local restrictions also restrict the sale of vehicles if the car isn't originally for sale in that country. Likewise, if I buy a diesel LC Prado, I wouldn't be able to take it back to the US unless it was over 25 years old due to various regulations and emission standards.

 

If you have the Lexus at your local dealership and you like the ride, that sounds like a pretty easy choice unless you are really committed to jumping through hoops to try to find a brand new SR5 that isn't marked up. If you really, really want the SR5, would you consider used? There appear to be quite a few on Carvana.

 

I've got a couple of months before I make a decision. Im waiting to learn my first post destination before I pull the trigger since some countries have restrictions on colors, age, and where the wheel is located. Don't wanna buy something now to learn I can't bring it with me.

I'm fine buying used in either case. These engines are fairly bullet proof and if going used gets me what I want I'll be a happy boy.