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Okay. Just want to thank everyone. I think I am going for an X5 on the price thing too. Weighing on comparable features and comparable priced vehicle, my heart have changed to the 2004 X5 4.4i ... panorama moonroof, 6 speed automatic w/steptronic, comparable towing power, 16/22 mpg, better handling, new xDrive, Soft Closing rear tailgate, etc. Going to the dealer tomorrow to begin negotiations. Will aim for about US$51,500 at today's exchange rate ...

On the door hinge issue, I noticed that most people who have the side swinging rear hatch swings the same side as the GX ... Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4, Chevrolet Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick. I suppose there is merit to a side swinging rear hatch.

Thanks again. :D :)

Sorry guys, may be buying a X5 ... the X5 solves my parking sensor AND rear hatch issues.

Appreciate any comments on shipping a X5 into Canada though? :P

I put duct  on the window and took a drive on the freeway. It sounded much quieter to me and one of my workers at my factory. We stopped off the freeway and took the duct tape off the window and went right back on the freeway. The noise was very loud at 75.

Called corporate and there answer was that was the way the cars are and if they come up with a fix, they will put it in the new card. They say this info will go to the engineer and be put in there suggestion box. I said, funny that my car will have duct tape on the window with a sine saying Lexus will not fix it. I drive through Beverly Hills every day and that  will stand out nicely to help in there sales.

The truth is I will will go for the black silicone fix here at my factory. I am in the plastics biz for 30 years and am very good at this and will let you know how my finished job comes out.

Bob

What a horror story! I am glad that I looked here before plunking down my money. Duct tape!

I was going to put down the money for a GX470 w/DVD option the minute I test drove it briefly as it is significantly better than the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 in the following respect:

1. Way more quieter engine.

2. Fit and finish.

3. Door slam test.

4. My wife loved it, etc.

I have been in the plastics business for 15+ years and know my own quality systems. Reading the issue here with wind noise here is clearly manufacturing defect - as oppose to a design defect - as per some of the other posts here with rear axle and smelly air conditioning.

What I can say? Thanks for the posts here and I thought I better take a longer test drive - including freeway speeds.

Hello everyone,

I am planning to upgrade my rx300 to a 7,8 seater. I had my heart set on the GX until I did some reading on these message boards. I don't see any competition worth looking at..ie volvo and mdx.. However, the thumping noise (mostly) and the wind noise is holding me back. Does this only affect some GXs or all of them? I was hoping to get lucky and buy one without problems. Is this possible? Most people on other boards rate this truck an 8+ and consumer reports has it as a recommended buy. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions? Should I buy or wait until 2005? Thanks!

Hello,

You know, I am looking to purchase one too. I am in Canada and the dealer is asking US$56,446 (including approx. US$1,000 freight and delivery) for the higher end version with the DVD & GPS Navigation. If it was not for the "wrong side swing shoulda on the other side swing" rear hatch and the lack of a parking sensor option in Canada, I would have put down a deposit right there and then after a test drive today. It is silky quiet, good handling (for an SUV), lots of power, etc. when compared to the BMW X5 3.0i, Volvo XC90 T6 ... comparably equipped / priced.

What is slowing my purchase is the door and the sensor ... and I thought I better go home and do a search on the internet. Sure enough, I found this web site to be very informative with both sides of comments on the same subject.

As a potential buyer, I tend to believe the the issue described here with the rear axle and the smell. Knowing a little bit about manufacturing and quality systems, the issue with the axle is no excuse. I expect small problems like the cup holder does not fit properly, the roof rack is too hard to adjust, the air vents does not stay in the up position when going on rough road, etc. However, the rear axle is a major component and they should have tested the design and sorted it out during development. For the smelly air conditioner, both of my current automobile (neither are Lexus) have the same problem. One of them actually have electronics to automatically run the fan at full blast for 5 minutes or so after a predetermined time the ignition is turned off. It is my '97 Volvo 850. Thus, it is mildew/fugus issue in ducts and it is a design issue - not how well it is made given a particular design. Thus, no excuse either.

I am going to have a lot of talk with the sales person on top of the price. Would I still buy it? May be - pending price, available options, and defects discussions. But it just went from a must buy down to a may be. :) Also, appreciate all the questions and answers here on prices too! :D