js1022

Hi everyone,

Hoping some of the more experienced Lexus owners can offer some advice. I have been looking at used cars and I really fell in love with a 1998 ES300 with 176,000 miles on it. The owner has it up for $2500 which is also pretty far below the Blue Book quote.

He said that the timing belt hasn't been changed yet because the mechanic said it's fine. That struck me as kind of odd. He said he gets it checked every 15,000 miles and each time they have said not to replace the belt just yet. He said it hasn't been to the dealership since a few years ago but he takes it to trusted mechanics.

The question on my mind: is it normal for a 98 ES300 to have gone this far without a timing belt change?

Also - anyone know the price of the change as I assume it will be needing one soon.

Any advice is appreciated

QuachmanES

iTrader: (4)

Generally, it's good to have the timing belt changed at around 90K-100K miles. At 176K, it should be nearing its second timing belt change.

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

Usually it's done every 90k miles or so. I've done it 3 times on this gen ES and the belts still look like they are brand new. However, you should check to see if the water pump/gasket and other things have been changed (idle bearing, camshaft/crankshaft seals, front/rear main seals). I think you know where I'm going with this. And I know 176,000 miles isn't a lot, but you could definitely find something with lower mileage for a little bit more. You get something with that high mileage and you're probably going to have to replace a lot of the suspension parts just because of wear and tear. Good luck with your search.

LeX2K

The timing belts int he 1MZ engines are very very durable. But 176K miles is way past due, the belt is on borrowed time if it's never been done. Like PlatES says, when the timing belt is replaced, it's the perfect time to replace the water pump, tensioner, tensioner bearing, and idle bearing. The cam and crank seals should also be inspected for leaks and replaced if needed.

js1022

Thanks guys. Since it's way past due and I'm assuming I'm going to have to get it done ASAP... does anyone know the average cost of that maintenance?

LeX2K

Rather than reply only to your PM I'll post here.

I've seen prices anywhere from $500 to $1200. It depends on how many parts are replaced. I would shop around, but make 100% certain you use Toyota parts, or parts of equal quality. HERE is a great kit with quality parts, I used this exact kit on my ES300 and was very happy with it.

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

what Lexus2000 said. I actually bought a kit the first time around and everything was ok except for the water pump and water pump gasket. The aftermarket water pump gasket is a flimsy cloth material and the water pump did not line up correctly. I ended up getting a kit that included the bearings (2), timing belt, and tensioner. I bought an OEM water pump from the dealer because the water pump gasket is made of thick metal. I think parts cost me around 350 altogether. Labor is usually around 500 or so depending on where you go.