Supposedly the Pink Toyota coolant's acidity is what causes this over time. Basically, it eats away the seals.

If you switch to non-acidic, red Toyota coolant with a coolant system flush, it should, in theory help mitigate this issue.

You can do this yourself if halfway mechanical, but the drains on the base of the block are pretty hard to get to and you can really frick up if you over torque them on return since they're brass bolt plugs.

At a dealer, it would probably be a $500-$800 job.

Btw, if you want the big fluid maintenece items, here is a full change guide from Car Care Nut.

This post was edited on 12/28/25 at 9:36 pm

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Posted by Old0331

EBR

Member since Feb 2022

61 posts

Posted on 12/29/25 at 5:41 pm to Beaux Man

You'd think that but my '19 GX 460 gets about 2 MPG more than my '18 TRD Off Road 4Runner. Also, the GX is much more confidence inspiring, my son calls it "planted," in heavy rain.

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Posted by Squirrelmeister

Member since Nov 2021

3492 posts

Posted on 12/30/25 at 4:53 pm to KemoSabe65

quote:
How many miles is too many miles?

My mom has like 225k on hers and she never did anything but oil changes. It’s never been broke down or in the shop.

I’ll probably try to pick up an LX470 or LX570 (bigger than the GX which is 4Runner size) with 200k miles for my kids to drive and wreck. An older, cheap, reliable option to go 300k trouble free miles isn’t really available from the US manufacturers. Brand new Toyota and Lexus vehicles are pure unadulterated shite, so don’t get mixed up in that.

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Posted by Metalmuya

Texas

Member since Nov 2007

13 posts

Posted on 12/30/25 at 5:33 pm to KemoSabe65

Solid advice in this thread already.

We’ve got a 2014 GX460 with over 138k miles and had the coolant valley repair done. The transmission was replaced as well recently after a few codes came up, but a good friend works for Lexus and I was able to get 50% goodwill towards replacement. There is a known issue with the solenoid valve bodies that can be replaced at a reputable shop far cheaper than at a Lexus dealer.

The door lock actuators for Lexus vehicles are a weak point and we have had most replaced under warranty. The front passenger lock actuator seems to be the worst one. The door handle chromed plastic doesn’t hold up well either but replacement pieces can be purchased and installed if you are handy. YouTube has some good videos by GXBob and others for repairs and mods.

Other than that it has been a reliable vehicle. As of now it is a third vehicle for us and will be kept for my oldest son to drive.

Depending upon the year GX460 you are purchasing consider looking into an aftermarket Hamilton car play module radio replacement. The GX460 has older technology but finally got CarPlay in 2022.

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