Johnhav430

I've always heard it's not the belt, but something else "could" cause a failure, idler, tensioner, pulley, water pump....

If the job is $900 (rounded up) at an indie for all of the above with belt, what do we lose if we do it too soon? Divide $900 by 9, meaning each increment of 10,000 miles is worth $100. So you change the belt 30,000 sooner, that's worth $300, so maybe you didn't need to spend $300, but you did. Probably less than a family spends over a weekend eating out. Gained is peace of mind and starting with a level and maintained playing field...it's well documented that folks have cruised through 130k on the original timing belt and began to see a weep (how I do not know if the cover is closed)--how good does this feel knowing it was pushed 40k further? $400 windfall? Not really..

Bob04

Yeah, timing belt is a definite due to age.

Doublebase

Yeah good points, and I believe there is a small weep hole on the bottom of the timing cover (at least there is on most other cars, not sure about the 430). And what you said about a family spending $300 on a weekend going out to dinner...you're probably not that far off. I'm probably spending around $200, that really adds up.

Doublebase

Ok then yeah, if you're willing to do that maintenance item then I'd change all the fluids. I wouldn't even hesitate. You have yourself a super low mileage vehicle known for its reliability, I'd go all in on changing all the fluids. I find that when I buy a vehicle I'm excited about it...that's the time to do everything because as time goes by you tend to lose some of that excitement a little and you may lose a little interest in doing some of these things.

XJSFan

Your timing belt is fine and I would not be concerned unless you see some kind of coolant seepage out of the water pump. These belts will last way beyond the recommended mileage replacement. As stated the big issue is the water pump and maybe a pulley but those also are known to last till the second recommended timing belt change(180K miles, etc). You could do a coolant radiator drain and fill but most likely your coolant is fine. I know what you are going through because I have been there and did just about every thing you have mentioned here. After talking to friends, that work on these cars, I have found out that not everything needs to be done unless you have an issue(water pump seepage, etc). Good luck...

JffGRY706

if you are one of those that do the Shin-etsu thing, then the rubber seals on this car are of an age that they might benefit from that. might prevent them from deteriorating any more . I am soooo jealous

Bob04

Doing the Shin-Etsu today. Works well on my other car.

And don't be jealous. Just be patient. These cars are out there. You just have to keep looking and wait until one comes up. And when it does, move on it, because it won't last long.

Bob04

Dropped it off at the dealer this morning. The services reps were drooling over it, especially when they saw the mileage. Asked what I paid and said they could have it sold by lunch and make me some money if I were interested. Told them I wasn't interested.

In other news, the new LC500 is drop dead gorgeous. Got a chance to see it today, and it is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. $102K.

Bob04

Lexus screwed up the LS, but they got this right. Homerun.

Johnhav430

It's an interesting reaction, the first time I pulled in, the valet said, "Ah, the LS430, 'the' most desirable Lexus.'" Then he said, "Is it a CPO? Wait a sec, no, it's to old to be a CPO. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. These last forever."

edit p.s. the LC500 doesn't do much for me, it's subjective. To put it in perspective, I think the BMW i8 is unattractive. What's attractive to me? The 991 Carrera GTS I passed yesterday. The guy was smoking inside, I was curious, does that indicate he leases it, or owns it? Even if I did smoke, I would not in the car.

Bob04

Well, $1700 later, I have a new timing belt/water pump/coolant, differential fluid, trans drain and fill, and working steering wheel volume buttons. For some reason, when I pushed the up volume button on the steering wheel, it would sometimes either not work at all or even turn the volume down. Didn't happen every time, but was annoying, so I wanted it fixed. Everything else either looked good or had been done. Not cheap, but worth the peace of mind.

onthelo

Nice enjoy this one !! It sounds beautiful