MERKEDLS

So were ricers cause we lower our cars? at least we know what were driving.

So Philly1

^^Guys guys....relax. Dude you stole that car...period. Now just like the others said put your own lil touch on it and post pics!!!!

AlexusAnja

A STEAL at $24K. The police might be coming after you for grand theft larson... ha ha.

20" are the "best" size for the LS and your wheels I'm digging.

As for maintenance, the LS430 doesn't need timing belts done until 100K earliest. Other's have sworn going longer, but I wouldn't risk it. 60K is too soon.

junjdm

that guy is in the wrong forum....hahaha.....his knowledge on cars was too obvious...

his username is....one OF one.....haha

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

See, exactly.

VQT

$24K for an 04 UL! Damn! Who did you kill to get that price

Toyota/Lexus use timing belt and it does not need to be replace until over 90K miles. Used to be 90K miles, but I think it is more than 90K miles for LS 430. I need to check the shop manual before confirm the correct miledge for timing belt replacement.

junjdm

^^^^ anyone looking to buy an 04 LS430 UL Silver w/ blk interior for a better deal?

VQT

He even got the Pre-Collision System (PCS)

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

VQT, how is your car running now?? good??

Anyway, you can go over 120K without changing the timing belt on the UZ motor, but just do it at 100K... to be safe

It's cheap, I can do it myself in 4 hours with $300.00

sojah

iTrader: (1)

i mean technically you could put a timing chain on it as to replace the timing belt right?? i was always led to believe that the chain would last longer, but was more expensive than the belt.

did you get that car from a dealer or private party for that price??

AlexusAnja

I don't think so. A belt is "standalone" and is on the "exterior" of the engine system. A chain is "enclosed" within the engine and actually sits in the oil pan and gets oil for lubrication of the chain. To convert from a belt to a chain would take major mod and also adds weight to vehicle.

As for length, I think most manufacturers list them as "life-time" and never needing replacing. I would think they're more non-intrusive engines and if the chain happens to snap, then it's not an issue and just replace.

sojah

iTrader: (1)

hmm,, maybe i am thinking about something different, but on my old honda integra i was driving to work one morning and the car just died. i took it in to a shop and they said the timing belt had snapped and that i was lucky the engine stopped so suddenly or it could have done some damage. so the mechanic told me that i could have the timing belt replaced with a normal rubber belt for like $200 or this fancy metal one that he was referring to as a chain (he was okinawan and spoke a little english) for like 275$ that he claimed was stronger and would last 3 times longer.

this is what i always thought the timing chain was since that day, is there any truth to this theory??

jman-LS430

Congrats on your purchase. Looks like an excellent buy. For that price, I do wonder what overall condition is. Nonetheless, if it is relatively easy cosmetics, you got a steal.

AlexusAnja

It's so "strange" as to why one manufacturer uses a belt for one, and another uses a timing chain. My brother-in-law's Sentra (2001 I believe) uses a chain and it's only a Civic equivalent. Again, it comes down to weight. A metal chain is going to be much heavier than a rubber band basically. I would imagine the metal belt that the mechanic recommended was a thin metal chain reinforcing inside a rubber belt still. A real, totally metal belt would require lubrication, otherwise I can imagine it withstanding the heat and grind of say 4000 rpm constantly.

BlackUltra

Great find, Great car, you are gonna love the gadgets ... lotsa luck with it and ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!