Roody’s 2018 Lexus GX460 Build, Adventure, and Hooniverse Podcast

That’s super cool, I’m sure that was quite the adventure logistically.

 

@Roody

They have a vehicle OCD center console for the 460?! Thank you for the heads up sir!

 

There was almost no actual material or information on the process so I ended up doing the legwork myself. Had to get a certificate from Toyota stating the 4Runner was "substantially similar" (or something like that) to the version sold in the US, along with a bunch of other stuff. Was a hell of an adventure!

$22 Vehicle OCD - Center Console Organizer for Lexus GX 460 (2010-2023) - Made in USA - SLX174

Yup! I've had one in basically every vehicle I've owned. Organization is a fascination of mine, it can be the difference between finding something you're looking for or not when time is of the essence (ex a fire extinguisher, emergency window breaker, knife, tool, etc). The OCD organizer took a little finagling to work with the Midland mounted in the center console, but it does the job.

 

Already bought it earlier today once I realized they had one. I’m on the same page as you; need to be organized well!

 

Random pictures of the GX

Newport, RI - 12/2021. One of my favorite stretches of road, and obligatory poser pics with the stock setup.




Staging for a day in the woods, photo interrupted by an Infiniti








Mod day


More wheeling

 

I spy dirt on the truck. It’s a Lexus. Why is it not strictly a mall crawler?!

 

I've seen this thing wheel....it's a beast.....definitely in on this!!!!

 

Using it the way it's meant to be used

Thanks Jared, looong way from beast status in my mind (more armor, lockers, etc to get there) but it sure is fun wheeling something with a badge that most would never expect to see on a trail. Speaking of, let's plan a run sometime... I'm itching to get out into the woods. Gather up the crew!

 

Intro post has gone live on Hooniverse

2018 Lexus GX460: Project Introduction

 

Working on some preliminary projects before @JDUB-Fabrication and I embark on third-row removal projects

 

I love how this went from for sale to all in build.

 

Go big or go home... or something like that

Figured if it's staying, might as well tailor it to suit my needs/wants better

 

Unbelievable how much nicer the center console is with the OCD organizer. Also unbelievable how dirty and unorganized it was before haha.

Curious if you’re running any sort of phone mount?

 

Yup. I didn't like any of the available setups and the stick-on ones always melt off in the summer (at least in my experience), so went the DIY route. Followed what was done in post #4 of this thread but used some slightly different hardware and mount equipment, same idea though. It works well enough and cost maybe $30 all-in (plus a new set of Dremel cut-off wheels since my old ones were toast). Phone stays reasonably steady over bumps, and the extended Ram mount comes off for when I don't need it so it obstructs the forward view less. I've read of some people running power cords up through the dash for a cleaner look, but hoping to end up with a CarPlay solution down the road so wasn't worth the time.

Here's how it looks

 

Remote start kit has arrived thanks to Accessorides, now just for a day with decent weather to do the install (truck doesn't fit in garage...)

 

I have a question for you sir. I hope you don’t mind me asking in your build thread.

Largely in part to your build, my interest has been sparked in the GX 460 and it’s become a front runner for my wife’s next vehicle. I saw a list of pros and cons saying that a con of the GX is the “high cost of maintenance”. Is there any truth to that?

I always assumed it would be as reliable and easy to maintain as the other vehicles in the Lexus/Toyota family.

 

Fellow 460 owner here as well. Mine was purchased as a CPO 2015 so I’m still sliding under warranty (also spent the money for the extended warranty) but I think high cost of maintenance would be in the case of using the dealership for all maintenance. The 5k mile service is 300-400 minimum every time I drive in and so if you continue that after the complimentary services are done, then yes it’s a high cost to maintain. Otherwise I feel like it’s not different than most cars for recommended maintenance. If you need a repair and want Lexus to do it then we are back to the high cost. For example I had my transfer case seal leaking. Had Lexus do it since it’s covered at it was 2800 bucks if I drove in and wanted it done out of pocket.

Curious to know the other pros and cons listed. Biggest con for me is just gas mileage but I didn’t buy the vehicle to save fuel. Mines a bit outdated too so the console interface and usability is lacking as well I suppose. Would absolutely buy one again though.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info. That’s all really helpful. It was just a pros and cons list from one of those major car websites like cars.com, but I was browsing so many I can’t remember exactly which site it was.

That definitely makes sense about the dealership costs. I think we would probably get a used one and be more likely to use our independent mechanic shop that we have been using for years and trust. Unfortunately the Toyota dealership that I used to service my Tacoma only lasted until the third service interval when I caught them lying about something they didn’t do that they said they did and even put on my ticket as completed.

That plus a few other things left a really bad taste in my mouth as far as dealerships.

As for the other pros and cons, ironically I think the only other cons listed were the ones you mentioned (lack of tech and gas mileage). The pros were things you would expect like reliability, off road capablity, comfort etc.

 

I generally hold the Lexus “experience” at a higher regard than Toyota, or really non luxury brands. Not to knock Toyota (ok, maybe), but Lexus tends to be more professional and inspires more confidence in their work. But you pay heavily for that experience.

If not for premium gas and lack of Apple CarPlay/android auto, I very well might have went GX460 over Tacoma.

 

Yeah I’m only using the dealership currently because it’s all covered under the initial purchase agreement. That will change soon I’m sure.

I haven’t looked at the car market in a bit but I initially looked for a higher trim 4Runner and couldn’t find anything fitting the bill and within reason. Opened up the search to include the GX which comes standard with the comforts (leather, heated and vented seats, heated 2nd row, flip up third row, etc) and has more available for less money. I was shocked.