Range Rovers Forum banner
Cancel

RANGE ROVER SPORT OR LEXUS GX 460

19681 Views 27 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  phil., 
A
New member, but have been reading posts (searching) for the last two weeks. My finance and I are in search of a new SUV. Of the ones that we are interested in the 2010 RRS is at the top of the list. I was almost set to pull the trigger on the 2010 GX 460 (fully loaded), but test drove the RRS and fell head over heals.

I've read here and on other boards about the "reliability" of Land Rover. Is it as bad as I have read or is it just a few people that have problems and the the vast majority is just enjoying the ride?

I'd like to share a post that I posted on the clublexus forum:

All having a hard time making up my mind; need advice.

When the GX 460 came out I test drove it (fully loaded), and did not like it. A few weeks later, I drove an 08 GX 470 and GX 460 (NAV/ML) back-to-back, and ended up favoring the GX 460. After discussing with my fiance we decided to place a Knight's Armor/Ecru fully loaded on hold with deposit.

For giggles I decided to check out Land Rover. The Range Rover and for that matter LX 570 are too much SUV for us. The LR4 is nice, but too boxy for my taste. The LR2...forgetaboutit! The Range Rover Sport; wow! It's not on the same plain as the Range Rover, but it's more than capable. It doesn't have as many electronics as the Range Rover and that is a good thing.

If you do not know, the interiors of the Range Rovers have been revamped. The interiors are 2nd to none.

I ended up taking a base Nara Bronze for a test drive. It was the best ride that I have ever experienced in an SUV. The exterior of the Range Rover Sport is a thing of beauty.

As I was touring the shop floor I happened to get into a conversation with a Land Rover mechanic. He did not have good things to say about the electrical system and the brakes. He mentioned that because of the high friction pads that sometimes the rotors would get this sort of glaze on them. I know what he was talking about, because when I was younger I had a 5 series BMW that had high performance brakes with drilled rotors. They were nightmarish to say the least.

The conversation with the Land Rover mechanic gave me pause, but I still proceeded to place a Stornoway Grey/Ebony/Lunar Alcantara Range Rover Sport HSE/w LUX extended leather/camera/rear differential on special order. I've been dreaming of that vehicle for weeks now. It will be shipped and ready for pick-up in April.

Now I get back from traveling and my Lexus salesman wants me to come in. If feel like I need to give the reliable Lexus one more look. I went in and had my current vehicle appraised; check. I went back and sat down with my salesman, who had by this time received back my appraisal. He told me how much the dealer wanted to give me for my trade-in and I almost slapped him (not really, because I expected a low-ball offer). The offer was rediculously low, but he said that he would talk to his GM to see if the could do me justice on the GX (fully loaded). He came back with a great deal on the GX.

Then without much promting, the GM gave me near private party cost on my trade-in and another $1000.00 off of the new fully loaded GX. ...well I showed him my order for the above Range Rover Sport with extended leather, etc. Now the problem:

The GX is cheap. Not cheap in price, but cheap in feel and use of materials. There is a load of tech, tv screens, laser guided cruise control, power lowering third row, etc., etc., but when I get inside of it, I cannot help to think how cheap it looks and feels. It looks like an upscale 4Runner.

The price that I can get a fully loaded GX 460 is now very tempting, but I don't think that it is worth the price that I am paying. The Range Rover Sport seems like an even better deal, because of the use of quality products all around and the functionality of the gear associated camera's dual view navigation 480 watts, handling for a 5400lb vehicle, etc.

The Lexus dealer wants to know what I want to do... Should I do the $$$ thing and buy the tech in the Lexus, even though I think the material is cheap or do I buy the panache of Land Rover and roll the dice on reliability later on down the road. No vehicle is totally reliable (meaning nothing ever breaks). My IS has not been an angel, but if something broke or I was bothered by something Lexus tried to remedy the issue.

Is there anyone that has a similar story? What are your thoughts Land Rover or Lexus SUV?

Need to know if there are any RRS 2006-2010 drivers that prefer Lexus GX 460 or Porsche or MB or etc.?
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
BWB RRS HSE
Your post is too long to read....but I get the flavor:
Its simple.....
Lexus SUV = ugly space ship with the lamest commercial in the world (high heeled soccer mom driving around blowing up man hole covers....c'mon now)
RRS = baddest SUV out there with a commercial that shows the SC model cruising a beautiful coastline.

Go with the vehicle that has the best commercial :lol: 8) `)
Reply
Save
Like
A
first off -- i always love the Freudian-slip young couples use in referring to their other as their Finance... ;)

back on topic --
the GX is just a reskinned Toyota 4Runner -- exact same mechanicals, and some of the same switchgear
thus the cheap feel it gives off
i, for one, don't understand the appeal of lexus. they're basically overpriced rebadged Toyotas

Land Rovers have character - you noticed it in your review.
if sewing machine dependability is what you are wanting get the lexus - if you want an engaging relationship with your suv, get the land rover
Reply
Save
Like
acole10000
Reliability – Dude have you not watched the news, 5.2 million Toyota and Lexus’s are being recalled…… :doh:

On the bright side - If you really want a Lexus, I would image the dealers are making incredible deals
Reply
Save
Like
J
I agree 100% with the comments in the above posts. To be honest I don’t even get the comparison between the two ... RRS better in every way except interior space.

I just ordered a RRS SC and the only other vehicle I considered was the Mercedes GL550.

Sometimes it’s not the car but your lifestyle and future plans. You have to look ahead …

How long to you keep your cars before trading them in?
Are you going to be a two car family or share the one between you?
Do you plans on having kids … when and how many?
Reply
Save
Like
U
easy and safe choice = Lexus
fun and passionate choice = RRS

Don't get hung up on Lexus' reliability. Unless you've been under a rock you know what's starting to unfold at Toyota.
Reply
Save
Like
D
Do you love your fiance?

Because if you do you wont put her in any Toyota product. They have a nasty habit of killing you due to faulty software. :shock:

And Toyota will not admit their mistakes. So now they live with that blood on their hands.


The GX460 is just a fluffed over Prada Land Cruiser. Only people who like them are terrorist, ask forum member rpage how many he blew up during the first gulf war. The driving position sucks, the interior can't touch the Sports, its slower, the radio can't tango with the HK Logic 7 system, and at 75,000 miles your cute little supension system with poop out and Lexus will tell you thats too bad and with $4,000 we will have it going again, oh, by the way, we don't give loaner cars.
Reply
Save
Like
U
Doctor Leo said:
Do you love your fiance?

Because if you do you wont put her in any Toyota product. They have a nasty habit of killing you due to faulty software. :shock:

And Toyota will not admit their mistakes. So now they live with that blood on their hands.


The GX460 is just a fluffed over Prada Land Cruiser. Only people who like them are terrorist, ask forum member rpage how many he blew up during the first gulf war. The driving position sucks, the interior can't touch the Sports, its slower, the radio can't tango with the HK Logic 7 system, and at 75,000 miles your cute little supension system with poop out and Lexus will tell you thats too bad and with $4,000 we will have it going again, oh, by the way, we don't give loaner cars.
Click to expand...
I'm not out to defend the Lexus to the death, but my wife has an '03 GX470 with 92k on it. It has been nearly bulletproof and she loves it. It's not for me, but she has different tastes. I think it has a very unique and attractive exterior design, with above average materials inside. It was built in Asahi, Japan which makes me feel better (stuff made in the USA is largely garbage). Union scum milking corporate for unfair wages and subpar products - been going on for about 30 years, and those union guys don't have the brains to admit they're part of the auto problem in the USA, but I digress. Anyway, the dealership has also been great, always having loaners and making things right when necessary. There's nothing wrong with getting a Lexus, its a safe choice when a Toyota is too plain for you.

And I presume you're kidding about the terrorist joke, because I could just as easily say that I'm suspicious of any middle eastern person I see, beard and towel or not.
Reply
Save
Like
S
like anything - get the one that makes you happy. for me, it's hands down the '10 rrs hse lux. love it for the way it drives and feels. distinct in every way. the lexus seems mundane, clunky, and i would never consider it. but that's me and my taste...
Reply
Save
Like
A
avus said:
first off -- i always love the Freudian-slip young couples use in referring to their other as their Finance... ;)

back on topic --
the GX is just a reskinned Toyota 4Runner -- exact same mechanicals, and some of the same switchgear
thus the cheap feel it gives off
i, for one, don't understand the appeal of lexus. they're basically overpriced rebadged Toyotas

Land Rovers have character - you noticed it in your review.
if sewing machine dependability is what you are wanting get the lexus - if you want an engaging relationship with your suv, get the land rover
Click to expand...
lol, finance...she will be reading this post later... :doh:

I do not know how to multi-quote, but thank you for all who have responded thusfar. Sorry for making posts so long...I have a lot on my mind when it comes to the purchase of the RRS. I will try and answer questions in this post. For those that I miss, unless I figure out how to multi-quote, I will go back and answer them individually.

I've been part of the Lexus family for the last 8 years and I currently own an 06 IS 350. I tend to buy cars and keep them for 3.5 to 4 years, unless something comes out and I feel that I absolutely have to have it (2010 RRS). The RRS meets all of our requirements: family(max (4)):check; price:check; looks (interior/exterior):check; functionality:check; quality:check, etc., etc. Besides that, it has its own presence/soul, unlike the Lexus GX 460, which tries to be many things, but ends up being uninspiring. The only things that I question was the reliability and gas mileage; however, at this point we are prepared to deal with both.

Speaking of reliability, Lexus/Toyota reliability is not all it is cracked up to being (IMO). I've had many problems (all fixed under warranty) all cars do (in my experience), it is a matter of what I am willing to deal with, and how the shop/dealer goes about fixing those problems. I spoke to the Land Rover tech and to me it sounded like the techs could not handle the technology that Land Rover puts in their SUVs. Also, the leadership and engine types have changed (BMW to Jaguar/Rover), this will affect the techs being able to keep up with what is going on? I don't know, just guessing. For piece of mind, I plan on buying an extended (Land Rover) warranty.

At this point my competitors: the MB GL (too expensive optioned out; no off-road) and Lexus GX 460 (expensive and not worth it), Audi Q7 (not worth it 4.2L, no off-road); Cayenne (to expensive) are not in the running. Am I over-justifying my purchase; yes. The RRS is equally as expensive and I will most likely not be taking it off-road or outrunning tankshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wKfpPrRVIo. My order for the RRS has been placed, but I was wondering about the RRS SC or base RR. My fiancé cannot stand exterior of the Range Rover; however, I love it and the interior (I like the exterior of the sport more). The RRS SC is overkill...I like overkill, but don't need it. Decisions, decisions... As it stands right now, I'm joining the Land Rover family (RRS HSE/LUX). Jury is still out on whether it's the RRS SC or Range Rover. Did anyone else have these types of obstacles; what helped you decide?
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
U
AppleChilli said:
avus said:
first off -- i always love the Freudian-slip young couples use in referring to their other as their Finance... ;)

back on topic --
the GX is just a reskinned Toyota 4Runner -- exact same mechanicals, and some of the same switchgear
thus the cheap feel it gives off
i, for one, don't understand the appeal of lexus. they're basically overpriced rebadged Toyotas

Land Rovers have character - you noticed it in your review.
if sewing machine dependability is what you are wanting get the lexus - if you want an engaging relationship with your suv, get the land rover
Click to expand...
lol, finance...she will be reading this post later... :doh:

I do not know how to multi-quote, but thank you for all who have responded thusfar. Sorry for making posts so long...I have a lot on my mind when it comes to the purchase of the RRS. I will try and answer questions in this post. For those that I miss, unless I figure out how to multi-quote, I will go back and answer them individually.

I've been part of the Lexus family for the last 8 years and I currently own an 06 IS 350. I tend to buy cars and keep them for 3.5 to 4 years, unless something comes out and I feel that I absolutely have to have it (2010 RRS). The RRS meets all of our requirements: family(max (4)):check; price:check; looks (interior/exterior):check; functionality:check; quality:check, etc., etc. Besides that, it has its own presence/soul, unlike the Lexus GX 460, which tries to be many things, but ends up being uninspiring. The only things that I question was the reliability and gas mileage; however, at this point we are prepared to deal with both.

Speaking of reliability, Lexus/Toyota reliability is not all it is cracked up to being (IMO). I've had many problems (all fixed under warranty) all cars do (in my experience), it is a matter of what I am willing to deal with, and how the shop/dealer goes about fixing those problems. I spoke to the Land Rover tech and to me it sounded like the techs could not handle the technology that Land Rover puts in their SUVs. Also, the leadership and engine types have changed (BMW to Jaguar/Rover), this will affect the techs being able to keep up with what is going on? I don't know, just guessing. For piece of mind, I plan on buying an extended (Land Rover) warranty.

At this point my competitors: the MB GL (too expensive optioned out; no off-road) and Lexus GX 460 (expensive and not worth it), Audi Q7 (not worth it 4.2L, no off-road); Cayenne (to expensive) are not in the running. Am I over-justifying my purchase; yes. The RRS is equally as expensive and I will most likely not be taking it off-road or outrunning tankshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wKfpPrRVIo. My order for the RRS has been placed, but I was wondering about the RRS SC or base RR. My fiancé cannot stand exterior of the Range Rover; however, I love it and the interior (I like the exterior of the sport more). The RRS SC is overkill...I like overkill, but don't need it. Decisions, decisions... As it stands right now, I'm joining the Land Rover family (RRS HSE/LUX). Jury is still out on whether it's the RRS SC or Range Rover. Did anyone else have these types of obstacles; what helped you decide?
Click to expand...
My decision was based primarily on the design of the RRS, I find it more appealing than the full size, but the full size has a bit better interior. It's also bigger, but not much.
Reply
Save
Like
phil.
Doctor Leo said:
And Toyota will not admit their mistakes. So now they live with that blood on their hands.
Click to expand...
i couldn't agree more. the story about toyota and their faulty electronics came to nationwide attention when a family crashed in san diego driving a rented lexus last year. i think the driver was an offduty police officer. one of the other passengers was a high school friend of mine so this is a real sensitive issue amongst my friends.
Reply
Save
Like
U
phil. said:
[quote="Doctor Leo":2hvddezf]And Toyota will not admit their mistakes. So now they live with that blood on their hands.
Click to expand...
i couldn't agree more. the story about toyota and their faulty electronics came to nationwide attention when a family crashed in san diego driving a rented lexus last year. i think the driver was an offduty police officer. one of the other passengers was a high school friend of mine so this is a real sensitive issue amongst my friends.[/quote:2hvddezf]

It's not right, but it's human nature - to only apologise once you get caught. Toyota is in a heap of trouble - corporate greed spans the globe. The heyday of Toyota is over, as it is for GM and Chrysler, they'll all never fully recover.
Reply
Save
Like
BWB RRS HSE
AppleChilli said:
avus said:
Jury is still out on whether it's the RRS SC or Range Rover. Did anyone else have these types of obstacles; what helped you decide?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I wanted a RRS and did not want to spend more for the SC and I did not want any more of a sporty/harsher ride than the HSE had so it was a simple decision for me. I am very happy with the acceleration of the HSE. I did not look at the RR; just LR4 as an option.
Reply
Save
Like
T
BWB RRS HSE said:
AppleChilli said:
avus said:
Jury is still out on whether it's the RRS SC or Range Rover. Did anyone else have these types of obstacles; what helped you decide?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I wanted a RRS and did not want to spend more for the SC. I am very happy with the acceleration of the HSE.
Click to expand...
Story of my decision. I must say thought I'm VERY happy with the 375hp in the 2010 HSE...
Reply
Save
Like
S
Speaking from experience (we just bought my wife the new GX460 last week), I'd take the RRS hands down! I agree with all posts about the Lexus feeling cheap...it does. When I get in my '08, which isn't nearly as nice inside as the new '10s, it still feels like I'm in a luxury car. The GX has more plastic and fake wood facades than a strip club on Friday night.

As for the drive, there is no comparison. My RRS drives much firmer and more powerful than the GX, which feels like you're driving a tug boat. Reliable? 50,000 miles and not a single issue for me.

IMHO, the GX doesn't even belong in the same garage as the RRS (although my pregnant wife might get pissed if I made her park on the curb).
Reply
Save
Like
gooseyloosey
Why I Don't Recommend Cars To People
-- a true short story by Gooseyloosey

A neighbor asks me at a Christmas party how I like my RRS. His Lexus, ahem 470, is coming off lease and he's thinking of getting something else.

I say something like, "I really like it a lot, its amazing off-road, and very nice on-road...just an all around nice car, no problems knock on wood. By the way have you seen the girl with the crab cake tray, I could go for another one of those."

He says " the girl or the crab cakes?" Me, faking a good laugh, "hah hah."

Fast forward to two weeks ago. I see a brand new RRS in the driveway one morning.

A few days later I run into the wife at the grocery store. She says, " Hey, Bill took your advice and bought the RRS, but we've had a few electrical problems that needed to get sorted out and we just got it back today, but its a nice vehicle. You said yours has been reliable right?"

Me, thinking I don't want to be in this aisle right now, "Um yeah, mines been good, and... um yeah I heard there were a few glitches on the '10's, but they're fixing them."

Fast forward again to two days ago, I notice an LR2 loaner car in the driveway Sat morning.

Came home tonight... and... the LR2 is still there
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
PJPR01
Oh Goose...what have you done!

First rule of thumb is to make sure your neighbor always drives something different...otherwise you'll be babysitting him for the next 3 years...and there goes the exclusivity of your own RRS! You'll have to have twice the # of spare parts, fuses etc...

Sounds to me like you have to upgrade to a FFRR just to have a little difference...

You could of course complement him on his new LR2 - and his good choice in loaner vehicles!

:)
Reply
Save
Like
phil.
ok that's totally hilarious because i experienced something similar. one of my good friend (best man from my wedding) decided a year+ ago to get an RRS and my wife tells me "watch out know. you know russ doesn't know a thing about cars. he'll be constantly calling you with questions" sure enough the very day he got it, i get a call "hey how do you use this LATCH thing with the car seats" ugh! 8-0=
Reply
Save
Like
gooseyloosey
Thanks guys, and I realized that I'm being entirely too negative about all this. I'm sure there's nothing wrong.

Like many of us here he probably loves his new RRS so much that he went crazy with the LR accessories and he's just getting the dealer to install them.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Range Rovers Forum
We’re a community forum to discuss and assist on issues with every Range Rover model. Sign up if you have a question, answer or to meet like minded individuals
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Range Rover Mark II / P38 Range Rover Mark III / L322 Range Rover Sport / L320 Range Rover Sport II / L494 Range Rover Classic
Top