I really like the previous generation LC's. The 2008+ or whatever are fugly. That said LC's are priced way to high if you ask me. WAY WAY WAY too high.
My friends mom has a GX470. Personally not a huge fan. They're ok but I think they're ugly and look like mitsubishis or something cheap. The interior isn't anything to drewl over either, typical lexus blahhhness. Don't get the tan leather because with it you get the really light colored carpet which just gets filthy. I also find the way the 3rd row seats fold up to be annoying- flipping to the sides of the car and blocking the rear side windows.
I would say get an LR3 instead. They're big but not too big, I love the simplistic interior, the panoramic roof, and the visibility. It'll be much cheaper than the lexus and you can use that saved money for repairs or an extended warranty. I've seen LR3's at my local dealer for under $20k with less than 50,000 miles and very low 20's with less than 40,000 miles.
Don't buy a VW. My mom, family members, and family friends have owned passats and have had nothing but issues with them. Yes, they're fun to drive and built very well, but everything is extremely expensive to fix and unlike a rover everything is built so tight its impossible to fix anything. For example, you have to remove the battery and air intake to change the passanger side headlight. Its just ridiculous. If you do get one get the V6 version, its easier to get at the oil filter (the old 1.8T has the oil filter in what looks like an inacessable spot, not sure if the new 2.0t is the same but I am guessing).
Subaru Legacy is a great car. I know a few people with them and they couldn't be happier.
4Runner- not a fan. Crappy interior, ugly exterior, buy an LR3. Reliable car though.
Grand Cherokee- you can get them dirt cheap since SUVs and chyrslers aren't selling. Not a fan of the 05+ -they seem cheaper than the 04 and earlier models and I've heard they have poor visibility, they also look like crap. We have an 03 and a 99 both of which have been good. That said the 99 has the typical chrysler AC and Tranny issues and the 03 has had the typical chrysler AC problems too. I have not driven the 05+ but the 04 and ealier have a super squishy ride that I don't like. The good option they do have are awesomely powerful V8's and quadradrive.
I say LR3
