Jace_91

iTrader: (1)

I have an 02 SC430, and it has 65000 miles on it. Thinking about getting the belts done, they say 6 years 90k miles so I am a little over due time wise, but not there on miles so I don't really have a sense of urgency. Is it best to do everything at once, timing water pump serpentine? Lexus of Orlando has a special right now. $500 for timing belt and water pump, front engine oil seals and coolant for another $400. Not sure what they will charge for serpentine on top of that. What is the general consensus on this?

I called some local mechanics and they were just about the same price, so it seems crazy not to go to Lexus since your passing up on the loaner car.

PHXSC

Check your local toyota dealer. Here they have a special for just the timing belt for $450. I'd say at 65k miles, I'd do water pump, front seal, and idler while in there. Toyota quoted me $800 for that. Serpentine belt should be just the cost of the part - they'd have to either put the old one back on or your new one.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

I'd do all of the above. Especially coolant. What about rear diff and tranny flushes/fills? When's the last time you bled your brakes and flushed/filled your p/s fluid?

+1 if you do $500-$600 worth of work and they have to get through the serpentine, they should just charge you for the part. If not, screw them and buy your own Gatorback Goodyear at Autozone and DIY. It is really easy---seriously. I am not that great with mechanical stuff and I did it. Do a search, great DIY from Pearlpower.

My 2002 with 29k miles had all of the 60k mile service done on it plus spark plugs and it felt like a new car when it was all done. All in all, I think I spent about $800 and did some myself, went to Lexus for some things and went to friendly Valvoline Oil Change for a couple of the simple fluids like rear diff. I saved about 40-50% of the original quoted price. Coolant, rear diff, tranny flush and fill, p/s flush/fill, bled brakes, turned rotors, replaced pads, spark plugs, air and a/c cabin filter. Check toyota dealers and lexus dealers and take the lowest price to your favorite dealer and they should match. Some things I would DIY: air filter, a/c cabin, serpentine belt.

This has been discussed many many times. Check out the search on some of the great discussions-it might help you.

Good luck.