Traded 2013 GX460 for a Nebula Gray GX550 Premium+

[MrPenky]

After years of problems with our 2013 GX460 (lemon), finally traded it in for a new 2024 GX550 Premium+
I have not seen any on the road here in NJ, so I was initially intending to just test drive the Nebula Gray, as we were holding out for a white pearl Premium+ or Luxury+ Ultimately decided to pull the trigger after we saw it in person.

1 month and 1200 miles into ownership, the overall impression is pretty good. Here are the Pro's and Con's

• Pro's
  • Overall interior comfort is improved (less road noise, seat comfort, etc)
  • Throttle response is 100x better than the GX460. I no longer have to stomp the pedal to merge onto highways. I would have preferred a modern NA V8 but we all now know that is a thing of the past.
  • Brake system finally meets the needs of a modern vehicle as opposed to the GX460 where I never felt comfortable descending down steep grades or slamming the brakes when a deer jumps out.
  • Finally Lexus has put out a modern infotainment system. I know not everyone loves it, but I think its decent enough and gets the job done.
  • Ascetically, very sexy exterior styling.
  • LED headlights work very well. I was concerned about this but was pleasantly surprised the first night drive I took.
  • Finally can remote start with a few clicks from the key fob unlike the 2nd gen GX .... took them long enough.
• Con's
  • Widely reported hood flutter at highway speeds. Doesn't particularly bother me, but it is noticeable.
  • 20-inch wheels on the Premium+ are hideous and need to go.
  • The front bumper/grill and windshield are near vertical and gets coated with bug splatter nearly every day. I think that design gives it that sleek look, but I'm worried about rock chips over time. I am considering PPF on the front end to protect it but am not sure on how it will look on a gray vehicle.

My future plans are limited, as we won't really push it to the limits in our neck of the woods. Furthest we'll get from the pavement is driving on the beach (surf fishing) and some mild logging roads when camping. Priority list is wheels/tires, mild lift to accommodate the larger tires, and possibly roof rack if I can find a good black friday deal.

My mission right now is to find DEFINITIVE answers as to how large of a tire I can fit without cutting up this beautiful new truck.

-pete

 

[Cajun Heat]

After years of problems with our 2013 GX460 (lemon), finally traded it in for a new 2024 GX550 Premium+
I have not seen any on the road here in NJ, so I was initially intending to just test drive the Nebula Gray, as we were holding out for a white pearl Premium+ or Luxury+ Ultimately decided to pull the trigger after we saw it in person.

1 month and 1200 miles into ownership, the overall impression is pretty good. Here are the Pro's and Con's

• Pro's
  • Overall interior comfort is improved (less road noise, seat comfort, etc)
  • Throttle response is 100x better than the GX460. I no longer have to stomp the pedal to merge onto highways. I would have preferred a modern NA V8 but we all now know that is a thing of the past.
  • Brake system finally meets the needs of a modern vehicle as opposed to the GX460 where I never felt comfortable descending down steep grades or slamming the brakes when a deer jumps out.
  • Finally Lexus has put out a modern infotainment system. I know not everyone loves it, but I think its decent enough and gets the job done.
  • Ascetically, very sexy exterior styling.
  • LED headlights work very well. I was concerned about this but was pleasantly surprised the first night drive I took.
  • Finally can remote start with a few clicks from the key fob unlike the 2nd gen GX .... took them long enough.
• Con's
  • Widely reported hood flutter at highway speeds. Doesn't particularly bother me, but it is noticeable.
  • 20-inch wheels on the Premium+ are hideous and need to go.
  • The front bumper/grill and windshield are near vertical and gets coated with bug splatter nearly every day. I think that design gives it that sleek look, but I'm worried about rock chips over time. I am considering PPF on the front end to protect it but am not sure on how it will look on a gray vehicle.

My future plans are limited, as we won't really push it to the limits in our neck of the woods. Furthest we'll get from the pavement is driving on the beach (surf fishing) and some mild logging roads when camping. Priority list is wheels/tires, mild lift to accommodate the larger tires, and possibly roof rack if I can find a good black friday deal.

My mission right now is to find DEFINITIVE answers as to how large of a tire I can fit without cutting up this beautiful new truck.

-pete

Congrats Pete and welcome to the forum.

 

[BackRdRnr]

Hello and congrats you made a good choice.........I wrote to reassure you that PPF does its job well.........it needs to be installed correctly. Any color of vehicle will still look the same with quality PPF. The devil is in the edges of the film make sure they are well adhered to keep debris and wax from getting under the edge. I have it on 3 vehicles and many chips have been prevented. Good luck and be ready for compliments on your new GX!

 

[Todgrubbs]

Welcome! Thanks for sharing you experience so far. I too upgraded from a 2013 GX to the overtrail in white. I am scheduled to have the Westcott engineering's leveling lift install in a week or so and will keep the current 18" rims and AT tires for now. There are companies producing spacer lifts for less if you just plan on street use.

I just got it back from the tint shop with full PPF on the front and tinted windows all around with a ceramic coating from XPEL and it looks great.

 

[rcroller]

Congrats on the new GX! Just got mine ceramic coated last weekend bc of bugs on piano black…thought about ppf but for now not so worried about stone chips except the windshield…gotta say that piano black on mirrors, etc is going to be a PIA. Hoping the ceramic will help prevent the etching and scratching from bug removal…it is really soft stuff!

 

[Damen0530]

I have the same model and color, how do you remote start with the FOB?...Ive been using the app on my cell.

 

[bruesjoh04]

I have the same model and color, how do you remote start with the FOB?...Ive been using the app on my cell.

You press the lock button three times. On the third press, keep holding for several seconds.

 

[Damen0530]

You press the lock button three times. On the third press, keep holding for several seconds.

Awesome, it worked, thanks!

 

[UTHORNS76]

Those 20" wheels are hideous. 20" wheels are one reason I do NOT want Premium or Premium+. Any replacement options at this time?