Hi All,

I recently bought a 2005 LS 430 with 138k miles, dealer serviced most of it's life (entire life until 2020). I bought it with the intention of driving it for a year or so and then "flipping" it, but within a week I have succumbed to what they say about these cars (buy one and you'll never sell it). Nevertheless, I'm working on a ton of cosmetic items to make this car a cream puff cosmetically, but need some advice on some maintenance items. I have an excellent mechanic, but he is more of a Porsche/BMW guy, so need to give him a little guidance when I bring it in for a "once over".

*"Re-torque drive shaft flange bolts" - I see this phrase all over the dealer service records that came with the car. Is this "a thing" for these cars?
*Timing belt and water pump were done 8 years ago at around 94k miles. From reading these forums, sounds like I only have another year before doing again ? (Seems 9 years is the timeframe).
*Differential service was also last done in 2014 at 94k. Should I do it now, or is this overkill?
*"Transmission Gasket / O ring" was last done June 2017 121k, so I assume the transmission fluid was at least drained & refilled, should I do a transmission service now, or soon? Prior transmission service was done at the same time as the Tbelt/water pump at 94k in 2014.
*I plan on doing the serpentine/drive belt as I don't show it was ever done.

Any other recommendations? Anything I should note to advise my mechanic (i.e ABSOLUTELY use Lexus tranny fluid or the entire car will explode etc... )

Thanks all, really enjoying this forum so far !

Here's a pic of the car the day I bought it. Currently she is getting a full paint job, (paint was beyond what a rotary and Menzerna could save). New leather coming. New tires, center console leather, carpet extraction, headlight polishing, fog light polishing, new floor mats, rear sun shade fix, etc... already completed. The goal is for this to be the newest 17 year old car around

 

The transmission fluid is pretty cheap so I would just do a simple drain and fill. That way you know it's been done and properly.

8 years is quite a while for a timing belt. I've never heard of one breaking on any Toyota/Lexus but I wouldn't risk it, seeing as how these are interference engines. I would just get it done and over with. I recently picked up a 2002 version and had the belt and water pump done for about $950 OTD.

I wouldn't worry about the differential. Should be good for a while on that. Of course like with the tranny, the materials are cheap for this so if you wanted to get it done and you know it's done right, go ahead.

Beautiful car. Take great care of it as they don't make cars like ours anymore. I put 16 inch tires on mine and it rides ridiculously smooth and quiet.

 

Thank you @xjokerz , appreciate the advice greatly !

 

"Re-torque drive shaft flange bolts" - there are some posts on that if you do a search in this forum and in the SC430 forum. It is a good idea to check them for looseness/torque. Every 5K miles is probably overkill.
The timing belt could go another year - give it the full 9 years IMHO.
Change out your brake fluid.
Monitor your coolant overflow tank behind the top of the radiator until you confirm you have zero coolant loss. Radiators are a repair/replacement item around 130-150K miles. Check the valve cover bolts for snugness, they can work their way loose and lead to oil leaks. Do NOT overtighten them.
I would leave the transmission fluid alone unless you are having issues, Do a round of drain and fills 20-30K miles.

Edit: I would probably just replace the radiator as a preventative measure at the time of the second timing belt job. It has to come out anyway, and it is not that expensive for a Denso radiator.

 

Thank you @TominPT , that was my thought on the timing belt (one more year).

Luckily brake fluid was done a year ago and radiator was also already replaced, so that is great.

Great advice on the valve cover bolts, I will add that to my list.

Thanks again