Black 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail+ for sale
The 2024 Lexus Gx550 was one of the most anticipated SUVs of the year. Like many, I was immediately drawn to the hype and put myself on the waitlist as soon as I could. The promise of a redesigned Lexus GX, known for its off-road prowess and luxury, was incredibly appealing. I envisioned an epic upgrade from my trusty 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO. When I got the call that my GX550 Overtrail+ had arrived, I was thrilled, but little did I know, my excitement would be short-lived. After just a short period of ownership, I made the decision to sell my brand new Lexus GX550. Here’s why this highly anticipated SUV ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me.
Initial Excitement and the Purchase of the GX550 Overtrail+
Being a long-time fan of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the new GX550 was naturally on my radar. The VIP waitlist at Lexus of Lakeway seemed like a golden ticket to get one of the first models. To my surprise, the call came much sooner than expected. Suddenly, I was faced with a decision: jump into the new GX550 or stick with my beloved 4Runner TRD PRO, a vehicle I genuinely adored. The dilemma was real. I even considered waiting for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, also generating significant buzz.
Seeking advice from Toyota and Lexus enthusiasts, the consensus leaned towards seizing the opportunity to own a GX550, especially since it was early in production. The logic was sound – experience the new model and if it didn’t work out, the resale value of Lexus vehicles is typically strong. The reputation of Toyota and Lexus for quality and longevity further solidified my decision. However, a nagging concern lingered: would these new twin-turbo engines live up to the legendary reliability of their predecessors?
Before committing fully, I had the chance to test drive a GX550 Overtrail prototype for a week. This hands-on experience allowed me to explore the new features, the updated technology (a significant upgrade from my older 4Runner), and, importantly, its off-road capabilities. My initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The GX550 felt significantly more refined and luxurious than my 4Runner. The interior was modern, spacious, and packed with features like a massive touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, and even massaging seats – a far cry from the more basic amenities of my 2019 4Runner.
Off-roading with the prototype at Hidden Falls Adventure Park was also impressive. While I didn’t push it to its absolute limits, it performed admirably, feeling comparable to my 4Runner in light off-road scenarios. This test drive solidified my interest. Despite my deep affection for my 4Runner, the allure of the new GX550, combined with a favorable trade-in offer, led me to drive home in a brand new 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail+.
Reasons for Selling the GX550 – Reliability and Practicality Concerns
Despite the initial excitement, doubts began to creep in almost immediately. The first night, I felt a pang of regret, missing the simplicity and familiarity of my 4Runner. While everyone around me raved about the new Lexus, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had made the wrong decision. My concerns weren’t just sentimental; they were rooted in emerging issues and a growing sense that the GX550, while impressive on paper, had some significant drawbacks.
Twin Turbo Engine Reliability
My primary concern revolved around the new twin-turbo V6 engine. While twin turbos can deliver impressive power, their long-term reliability, especially in a first-year model, is questionable. Having owned twin-turbo sports cars in the past, I knew firsthand that turbos could be a point of failure. The automotive industry’s shift towards turbocharging and hybrid powertrains for emissions is understandable, but these complex systems often come with a trade-off in reliability, particularly in their initial iterations. The naturally aspirated engines of older Toyota and Lexus models were renowned for their longevity, often exceeding 300,000 miles with routine maintenance. The long-term durability of these new twin-turbo engines remains to be seen.
To mitigate potential issues, I initially purchased a substantial extended warranty. However, the more I considered the potential for problems and the short-term ownership I was anticipating, I decided to cancel it and get a refund. Jay Leno’s quote resonated with me: “The last generation of old technology is usually better than the first generation of new technology.” History is full of examples where new technologies, while eventually superior, face initial teething problems. Fuel injection, for instance, wasn’t initially as reliable as carburetion. This uncertainty surrounding the new engine technology contributed significantly to my unease.
Technology Overload and Potential Failures
The GX550 is packed with cutting-edge technology, from the massive infotainment screen to digital controls. While these features are initially appealing, they also introduce potential points of failure. A large, complex touchscreen, like the one in the GX550, can be incredibly expensive to replace if it malfunctions out of warranty – reportedly around $14,000. The reliance on screens for almost all vehicle functions, with minimal physical buttons, also raised concerns about usability and potential electronic gremlins. Technology is fantastic until it fails, and in a vehicle as complex as the GX550, the potential for electronic issues seemed higher than in more traditional, less technologically advanced vehicles.
My concerns were quickly validated when the massage seats in my Overtrail+ failed within the first month of ownership. For a vehicle in this price range (over $85,000), such a failure in a brand-new car is unacceptable. It wasn’t just the inconvenience of losing a feature; it was the principle. It signaled potential quality control issues and raised questions about the long-term reliability of other electronic components. The fact that a simple massage seat malfunction required a service appointment and potential downtime was frustrating.
Parts Availability and Repair Delays
Further compounding my reliability concerns was the issue of parts availability. The massage seat problem, as minor as it seemed, was apparently a known issue, and the necessary parts were backordered for two months. Similarly, a widespread issue with loud brake squealing in reverse had no immediate fix due to parts shortages. My own GX550 began exhibiting this brake noise. Stories in GX550 owner groups on social media about accident-related repairs taking 6-9 months or longer due to parts delays were alarming. The thought of driving a vehicle where even minor repairs could be significantly delayed due to parts shortages created a constant sense of anxiety. I felt like I was constantly worrying about something going wrong and being stuck waiting for extended periods for repairs. The simplicity and known reliability of my 4Runner, where parts are readily available, became even more appealing in comparison.
Subjective Disappointments: Value, Quality, and Practicality
Beyond the reliability concerns, several subjective aspects of the GX550 Overtrail+ contributed to my dissatisfaction and ultimately fueled my decision to sell.
Value Proposition Compared to the 4Runner
While the Lexus GX550 is undeniably more luxurious than a Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO, the significant price difference (over $35,000 in my case) didn’t translate to a proportional increase in enjoyment or capability, at least for me. I didn’t find myself loving the GX550 “double as much” as my 4Runner, which I felt should be the case given the price premium. The 4Runner, despite its age and relative lack of luxury features, felt more robust and capable in certain ways. The GX550, while luxurious, didn’t deliver the overwhelming sense of value that I expected for the price.
Perceived Quality and “Dainty” Feel
The 4Runner felt like a tank – solid, sturdy, and built to withstand abuse. The GX550, in comparison, felt “dainty” and less substantial. This is a subjective impression, but it was echoed by other GX550 owners online. The extensive use of plastic, both inside and out, contributed to this perception. The interior trim seemed prone to scratches, and the exterior plastic, particularly around the wheel arches and bumpers, scratched incredibly easily. Even minor encounters with branches or bushes resulted in noticeable scratches. The overall impression was that the materials and build quality, while luxurious in some aspects, didn’t fully justify the price tag, especially compared to the more rugged and durable feel of the 4Runner.
“Melting” Concerns
Adding to the quality concerns were reports of Lexus GX550s “melting” in the sun. While seemingly exaggerated, numerous owners reported issues with exterior trim warping or deforming in hot weather. An article highlighting these issues further fueled my concerns about the long-term durability of certain materials, particularly in harsh climates. While I didn’t personally experience this “melting” issue, the reports were unsettling and contributed to a general sense of unease about the GX550’s overall quality and resilience.
Storage and Practicality Shortcomings
Compared to the 4Runner, the GX550 Overtrail+ felt less practical in terms of storage. The cupholders were smaller, and the center console, while featuring a “cool box” (a refrigerated compartment), offered less overall storage space than the 4Runner’s traditional center console. The cool box, while a unique feature, was ultimately less useful for everyday storage needs. For families or anyone needing ample storage, the GX550’s interior layout felt less accommodating than the 4Runner. The Overtrail models also lack a third-row seat option, further limiting practicality for larger families.
Fuel Economy and Fuel Tank Size
The GX550’s fuel economy was disappointing, particularly considering its premium fuel requirement. The smaller fuel tank, compared to the 4Runner, further exacerbated this issue. I found myself filling up more frequently, and the cost of premium fuel made each fill-up significantly more expensive. Highway fuel economy of around 15 mpg was far from impressive for a modern SUV, and the combination of poor mileage and a smaller tank range was a notable drawback for longer trips.
Hood Vibration
A minor but noticeable annoyance was the thin aluminum hood, which vibrated and rattled at highway speeds, particularly at 75 mph or higher. This seemingly small detail detracted from the overall feeling of refinement and quality expected from a Lexus vehicle in this price range.
Off-Roading Limitations
While I found the GX550 prototype to be capable off-road, the Overtrail+ model’s low ground clearance was a concern. The GX550 sits lower than the 4Runner, increasing the risk of scraping the undercarriage during off-road excursions. The plastic running boards on the Overtrail+ model, marketed as an off-road variant, were particularly disappointing. Plastic running boards are far less durable and protective than the metal rock sliders typically found on dedicated off-road vehicles. Replacing these with aftermarket metal running boards would be an additional expense and further highlighted the compromises made in the Overtrail+ trim’s off-road design.
Conclusion: Back to Simplicity and Reliability
Ultimately, the Lexus GX550 Overtrail+, while initially exciting and luxurious, failed to live up to my expectations in terms of reliability, value, and overall practicality. The combination of potential long-term reliability concerns with the new twin-turbo engine and complex technology, coupled with subjective disappointments in perceived quality and practicality, led me to the decision to sell. The simplicity, proven reliability, and ruggedness of my 4Runner TRD PRO, and even older models like the GX460 and GX470, became much more appealing in comparison.
Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO off-roading
While I acknowledge that Toyota and Lexus will likely address the initial issues with the GX550 in future iterations, for my needs and preferences, it wasn’t the right vehicle at this time. I have since sold my GX550 Overtrail+ and have no regrets. My future plans likely involve returning to a 4Runner TRD PRO or perhaps exploring an older, more proven Lexus GX model like the GX460. For now, I value the peace of mind and dependability that comes with a simpler, more established platform. If the GX550 significantly improves in reliability and addresses some of its current shortcomings in the coming years, I might reconsider it in the future. But for now, I’m content with prioritizing proven reliability and off-road capability over the latest technology and initial hype.
