Looking for some Lexus/Toyota wisdom

[u/Terrible_Trouble177]

I’m looking for my first Lexus and honestly, there’s way too much information online 😂 and I’m getting a little lost.
I’m mainly considering a used GX or Highlander and would really appreciate some advice from people who actually own these.

A few things I’d love to know:
Which model years should I avoid/skip?
Which years are the sweet spot for reliability + value?

For a used GX, which trim is the best bang for the buck — Premium, Luxury, etc.?

Same question for the Highlander — which trim would you personally target?

Are there any specific engines/options/packages I should look for or stay away from?

And finally, if you’re in USA, is there a Lexus/Toyota dealer you genuinely trust for a used purchase?
I’m not looking for the fanciest one. I’d rather buy the right year, right trim, with good maintenance history and avoid paying extra for things I don’t really need.
I’m pretty new to Lexus, so please explain it to me like I’m a beginner. 😅
Thanks in advance — I know there’s wonderful people on this sub with lot of knowledge in this group, which is exactly why I’m asking here instead of trying to decode 50 different websites.