GXL or GX 150 ?

[alternative Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close alternative]

Im still in the deciding stage, i have settled on a D4D auto 150 prado over a 200 cruiser (luxury tax killed that dream) , now i am trying to iron out the reason why i need a GXL over a GX ? I have fleet discount so should be able to score the GXL under luxury tax hopefully .... but i dont need the extra seats . I already have a GX but would have liked all the running gear and driver aids of the GXL , now this is not an issue as they are the same. Personally i like the clearance/clean look of the GX without the GXL side steps , then the other differences are the reversing cam / inbuilt screen , then the black door handles/mirrors and roof rails.

Im thinking the price difference could go a long way if not cover the new wheels and tyres, bullbar, snorkle and suspension lift ?

Who here went through the same thought process ? yes i know the resale might be better, but that is offset by the price at the start and my idea is to keep this vehicle for a while anyway.

Is there anyone here planning to buy a 150GX over the GXL for other or similar reasons ?

[Cambo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cambo]

Re: GXL or GX 150 ?

I think you'll be up for LCT with the GXL Auto Diesel. When i purchased my white (cheapest of the paints) GXL the LCT calculation was done on the manufacturer price. The Manufacturer and Dealer discounts (effectively Fleet discounts) kicked in post that calculation. If you go manual GXL Diesel, you sneak in under LCT. If you're trying to avoid LCT and want some money leftover for extras, GX might be the way to go. You've said you like the look of it without the side steps and the other additions (except reverse camera) are largely cosmetic. Either way, i think you've made the biggest of your decisions, to go for the Prado over the LC200.

[andoland Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close andoland]

Re: GXL or GX 150 ?

Alternative,

I got my GX with tinted windows, Old Man Emu suspension, bull bar, towbar, snorkel, sandgrabba floor mats for the same price as a stock GXL. Like you I did not need the third row of seats and in fact discovered that the cargo area in the GXL is smaller than the GX because of the third row aircon system and the third row cupholders. This was the decider for us - we need maximum cargo space and can live without the other shiny bits. The only item on the GXL we really wanted was the reversing camera but I have bought a double din stereo/GPS with reverse camera (should be getting it this weekend) which will take care of this. I really didn't like the camera screen on the GXL anyway - it works well for the reverse camera but otherwise it takes up dash space, all the other info on it is displayed on the dashboard anyway and I think the stereo location in the GX is better, plus you get another little storage box.

I am currently trying to source some side steps for mine because it is so high with the suspension lift and bigger tyres. I have 5 and 6 year old kids and it is really tough for them to get into the back seat. There are aftermarket alloy sidesteps available but if I'm going to spend money on them I want to get steel ones.

Cheers
Ando.

PS, got your pm, will see what I can do this weekend.

[alternative Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close alternative]

Re: GXL or GX 150 ?

Cheers for that Ando 8)

LCT calculation was done on the manufacturer price. The Manufacturer and Dealer discounts (effectively Fleet discounts) kicked in post that calculation.

Interesting, another guy who is buying one soon spoke to a dealer and the sales guy assured him if he commited to the sale he would get him under LCT on a GXL auto diesel.

[Cambo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Cambo]

Re: GXL or GX 150 ?

Mine definitely had the LCT and i went bog standard, white, GXL, Auto, Diesel. See Cars Guide review of the Prado on the net "In fact, only two of 14 Prado models now hit below the Luxury Car Tax threshold and the top-line seven-seater Kakadu turbodiesel auto costs a whopping $88,990". Effective from 1 July 2010 the LCT stands at $57,466 including GST. If you look at the ATO website it states that price and what it terms purchase/acquisitions are determined "without any discount". Good luck if you can get it, but I did the research here in WA and just had to minimise the LCT...hence added no accessories at the time of purchase, as these effectively would have gotten slugged with a further 33c in every dollar spent! I already pay enough tax as it is.

[Snowmann Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Snowmann]

Re: GXL or GX 150 ?

Hi all
I went the GXL, diesel, auto route with a fleet discount and just scrapped in below the LCT threshold. A fleet manager friend of mine persuaded me to go the GXL route principally because of the proven resale benefits experience from the 120 series. He admitted that resale values can turn to jelly for any model and that the 150 series GX is much better optioned than the old 120 series twin door base model. However, is was sure that a big percentage of the second hand Prado market wanted a civilised city car with extra seats, auto, and airconditioning outlets for all passengers.

Aside from resale - the standard roof rails, standard side steps, standard GXL wheels/tyres, standard reversing camera & sensors and standard clearence are good enough for my purposes so I don't need to spend extra money taking the standard fittings off to replace with upgraded accessories. I spend about half my time driving in the Sydney Metro area and found the steering wheel mounted bluetooth phone controls for hands-free operation really good.

IMHO If you plan to fit heavy duty versions of bull bar, roof rack, side steps, cargo drawers etc then the extra cost of the GXL is not worth the money. If you are going to be happy with the standard GXL additional accessories then the package is worth the exrtra.

Mark

[DougB Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DougB]

Re: GXL or GX 150 ?

I have just ordered a 2011 compliance GX to replace my 2007 GXL. Here's why I didn't go for the GXL.
It's thousands cheaper for mechanically the same vehicle.
I definitely don't want to be carrying around those poxy third row seats with the associated extra weight and loss of storage space.
I remove the second row seats when we travel - much easier in the GX than GXL.
The plastic roof rails serve no useful purpose - you can bolt a more substantial rack to the GX roof mountings.
I'm getting $1500 back for the narrow wheels so will put after market rims and BFG's (much better) on for only $950 difference.
I'm putting on a Parkside Towbar which does not hang down restricting clearance (and no bumper cutting).
My experience with the plastic 120 series sidesteps is all bad so will go for solid after market steps anyway.
The computer screen and it's associated gimics mean little to me.
The upholstry is the same except for the steering wheel and gearstick knobs.
I won't get third row beverage holders - what the!
I'm getting Blue Storm colour so black door handles and mirrors won't be noticeable - I'm going black ARB bullbar and black rims anyway.
Sure the resale value is not as high - but nor is my purchase cost - you can't have it both ways.
Just my thoughts - everyone's needs are different so you need to weigh up what suits you best.
Doug

[scottsr8 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scottsr8]

Re: GXL or GX 150 ?

The main reason i went for the GXL is because of the second row air-cond! As we have a 6 month old son I believe the second row air-cond will make it much better for him and or anyone else in the second row in the 45+ degree heat.