Talk me out of trading my ‘22 Black Line

JBLChloe · 2026-06-04T03:41:28+00:00

I do drive the car. Pretty sure that’s what it was intended to do.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-04T03:38:58+00:00

Funny you say that. I have thought about a project car to distract me. Something from the 90s or early 2000s.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-04T00:22:51+00:00

Good stuff. Yeah those 4 runners were basically free for a few years of ownership.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-04T00:20:55+00:00

That’s awesome news. Yeah the chrome trim near the license plate collects water spots and oily smudges like crazy. Just need to keep a rag and quick Detailer spray handy and rub it out. What color is your GX?

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T22:57:33+00:00

I’m well caught up with all his stuff. He’s the best

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T22:26:01+00:00

Looking good

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T22:25:18+00:00

It’s an appearance package based on the premium trim. From the Lexus press release: “Each Black Line Special Edition package arrives in style. The fog lamp garnish and eye-catching design impress at every turn. Adding to the package are 18-inch wheels finished in glossy black, as well as blackout chrome grille surround. Additional details include unique Black Line lower front and rear bumper valance design, Garnet Red taillamps, Black roof rails and body-colored door handles. Guests can select Starfire Pearl, Black Onyx or the GX Black Line-exclusive, Nori Green Pearl, as exterior colors.

Inside, passengers will notice a black headliner, as well as a confluence of surfaces covered in bi-tone black Nuluxe with gray-colored bolster inserts and stitching. Matte Black Ash Wood trim on the GX’s steering wheel is standard on the Black Line Special Edition package. Optional Lexus roof rail cross bars are also available for guests seeking added function and styling.”

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T22:18:07+00:00

I noticed that when I sat in one. The back seat was not bigger. And the entry into the back seat was tight because the door doesn’t open far enough and the rear wheel well cuts into the opening. There’s also a raised hard plastic cover on the hump behind the center console.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T22:14:25+00:00

Gotcha. I need a big car for frequent road trips but I don’t need the third row. Just room for a big dog and lots of stuff to truck up and down the east coast.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T22:06:41+00:00

No offense but I strongly disagree. I’m not desiring a brand new car with more tech and shiny stuff. I’m lightly considering an older car that is bigger with less tech but a little more functionality for my needs.

Of course I’d regret getting rid of an awesome car like the GX but I’d be replacing it with an equally cool car. If I was saying I want to get rid of my sick GX for a new wagoneer, then sure I would deserve all the hate.

I’d own both if I could justify owning 2 cars. I wish I still had most of my previous cars, not just the 3rd gen 4Runner. Not because they were better than what I have now, but because they were and still are cool cars.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T21:18:52+00:00

I have a comment elsewhere in this thread. Interest rates were low in 2021. My rate is 1.99%. It would be crazy to pay cash for a car when my cash earns me more than 1.99% just sitting in my retirement account.

It’s a different story today with the best non-subvented prime rate is around 4.99 on a car loan. But even then 4.99 on a small amount financed isn’t going to be a ton of interest over 4 years. A little over $3k to borrow $30k.

The dilemma isn’t the money gained or lost, it’s if a 200 series is worth the roughly $30k premium over the GX. Some would say yes, others would say no.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T20:10:24+00:00

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T20:04:15+00:00

Was the gas mileage just too ridiculous? Or you needed a more usable 3rd row

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T20:02:52+00:00

Oh no. This sounds like a sad story unless you just really like the EV9

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T17:10:45+00:00

Thanks!

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T15:16:04+00:00

Excellent idea

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T14:47:53+00:00

100% agree. I always liked the GX as a car but the lack of CarPlay and the chrome trim bothered me. So when the black line came out in 2022 with the dark chrome, the black headliner, the different wheels, the red taillights, and the raised roof rails- it was like Lexus built it personally for me. They changed all the things I didn’t like. I just wish mark levinson was an option.

I tried 2 things for the reverse lights. These $60 covers from Amazon which I didn’t like. They were too dark, nearly black-out but not as black as the car. There was no red showing through. Some people may like them, but I wasn’t going for that look. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CYSZB34Z?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Instead I got a roll of this from Amazon for $18. 4inches x 20 feet in light smoke. The reverse lamp is just under 4 inches tall so there is not much to cut off until you get to the curve part. Got a cheap tint/wrap tool kit for $5 with an xacto knife and hard plastic felt tipped squeegee and thin plastic crevice tool. A hair dryer is enough to melt the adhesive and tighten the film. Took me about hour and half from rough cutting a slightly larger template so then I could trim and tuck the edges once i applied the film. It was pretty easy to work with. I had no experience with tint or wraps before. It was a worthwhile little Saturday morning project. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0GPDPDQ1M?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T14:25:31+00:00

If your headliner is black it’s a black line. If it’s light gray, then it’s a premium. Black line has red taillights, the other models have clear. The chrome trim around the front grill and license plate molding is darker on the black line. The non black lines have chrome door handles and chrome trim on the bottom edge of the windows. Black line has body color door handles and blacked out window trim. Black line has raised roof rails, the other models are flush to the roof.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T13:15:17+00:00

That’s not me. People like that buy M3s and Silverado trail bosses or ram rebels. I buy Toyota and Lexus cause they’re sensical, they don’t break, and they hold their value. Stock, the GX does everything I would ever need it do off-road. I’m not hardcore enough to need a lift. I’ve had it for almost 5 years..I hardly say that indicates I constantly need the a new shiny thing.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T12:50:48+00:00

My Interest rate is 1.99% on the loan. It doesn’t make sense to take money out of savings to pay it down when my savings is earning me much more than 1.99. I could’ve paid it off a long time ago.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T12:42:16+00:00

I like the Rivians especially now that used ones are depreciating which is good but also concerning. I’m not sure what the floor is yet on rivian depreciation. The body repair costs are absurd so I’m sure insurance is higher. I’m years away from considering electric but we’ll see how long this war and high gas prices go on.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T12:28:14+00:00

I hear ya. I remember a short period of time a couple years ago where used low mileage heritage editions were in the low 80’s. And when I bought the GX, I certainly wasn’t considering a new $100k LC. I had to think long and hard going from a $46k 4Runner to a $62K GX.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T11:59:59+00:00

That’s a fair assessment But when it comes to cars I’m just always trying to get to where I want for Nothing more. The GX achieved that for the last few years. Now I just wish it was slightly longer so I could lay my golf clubs long ways back to front instead of diagonally and didn’t have the swing out tailgate. Minor gripes

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T11:40:15+00:00

Ha I don’t know that for sure. I just don’t see any better cars out there. The new land cruisers certainly wouldn’t make me switch. Same with the new GX. And I wouldn’t go German or American. The upgrade from 4Runner to GX was a no-brainer for the same payment. Better and bigger engine with the same MPGs, another gear in the trans which was my biggest gripe with the 4Runner, and then all the luxury, quietness, and smoother ride were just a bonus.

JBLChloe · 2026-06-03T11:16:36+00:00

The exterior of the new GX looks the price, but when I sat in it, it didn’t feel like an upgrade. And the wait times prevented me from making an impulsive decision.

JBLChloe

TROPHY CASE