Looking at a Lexus 460/470 or 4Runner

Looking to buy a 4runner or(please don't kill me)-->or Lexus 460-470. What is all your thought on the Lexus. I know it is the same pretty much as the Land Cruiser. Is the Lexus affected by the rust? Will it get as many miles as the 4runner?

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Couldn't tell ya about the Lexus, 1st time 4Runner owner, long time Toyota enthusiast. As far as rust goes, every vehicle is subject to rusting, especially in states where salt or chloride is put on road and bridge surfaces in the winter. The accumulated miles is something that is lots of the time dependent on the owner, normal maintenance, etc. Good luck on your decision.... You can do it!

 

Welcome!

 

Well the Lexus in all it's glory doesn't have a rear window that rolls down.

 

The Lexus 460/470 is based on the Prado, which is called the "Land Cruiser Prado" in non-US markets. It's basically a 4Runner, it doesn't have anything to do with the US market Land cruiser other than the 4.7L V8 in the 470 and 100 Series Land cruiser. If you look at the interior of a 460, it's pretty darn similar as to what you'd find in the same year 4Runner (2010-present). It's trimmed nicer, of course, but if you look at the dash and door panels, it's the same basic design as what you'd find in the 4Runner.

If you live out west or down south, and that's where the vehicle came from, rust won't be an issue. If you live where they use road salt, or the vehicle is from there, then yes, rust is a problem. They aren't like a Corolla that you just buy and drive for years without thinking about it, these need care and preventative maintenance of the chassis to ensure they live a long life. Any body on frame vehicle is going to need that, really.

The 4.7 in the 4Runner has gone over a million miles in a few Tundras, so yes, it'll go the distance. Just note that Toyota recommends a timing belt replacement every 90k miles. The 460 has a timing chain, so no belt replacements to worry about. I don't know much about the 4.6L other than that, but it's a Toyota; it's going to be reliable.

The 4.0 in the 4Runner is supposedly very reliable too, just not very powerful.

Generally, I think the 4Runner is the better looking vehicle.

I think the 470's look okay, they look better modded. The 10-13 460's look good, but the 14 to present is pretty horrid looking IMO unless you replace the front bumper.

The 460/470 has a side swing rear door. The 4R has a hatchback, and the rear window rolls fully down into the hatch. That was a big selling point for me. The hatch allows me to use my bike rack with no issues, and my dog loves the roll down rear window. It's also great for ventilation when driving.

On the other hand, I dislike the 4.0 V6 in the 4R, so the V8 in the Lex most likely drives better.

On certain models of the 4R you can get a rear locking diff and crawl control, which I do not believe were ever available in a US market 460/470.

I would drive both, and see which one you enjoy driving/being in more. You really can't go wrong with either.

 

470/460 have a V8 and full time 4WD.