mroark

I recently bought a 2002 ES300 with only 52,800 miles (from lexus dealership that was traded in the day before I bought it). It is very clean and in great shape ,at least on the outside. the problem is that there is no service history since 30,000 mile service that the dealership still had on file. I know the dealership is supposed to look vehicles over before they let them sale, but I am wondering how soon and what to have done (other than an oil/filter change) in the next week or two. I have noticed that the rotors could possibly stand to be turned. that being said, would I get a discount on brake work if I hadn't had the vehicle but a week? Back to my question, what should I have serviced on a vehicle with no recent track record?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Drain and fill the transmission, flush the coolant and brake fluid, and have the brakes looked at. Besides that you should be ok. Some may say to replace the timing belt/wp due to age, but at 52k miles, I wouldn't change it for a while. Besides that, you should be all set.

mroark

I appreciate your advice on this matter. I spoke with service dept. and the guy said that I may want to go ahead and replace timing belt, due to it being 13 years old. he said that it is recommended every 6 years or 90,000 miles which ever comes first. Does that sound right?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

It sounds spot on, but I'll be honest, in my 2001 ES300, I had the belt changed at 105k, when i sold it at 240k, I hadn't changed it, and i still see it around with 260k and the belt as far as I know hasn't been changed. I have a 2000 4runnner with now 50k, and thats still on the original belt as well. Our 2004 ES330 is at 85K miles and still on its original belt. I do plan on changing it soon though. Basically you should, but you could probably wait. That being said if the belt does snap (very rare based on what I've read and seen) you are more than likely out an engine.

mroark

Great news,
I plan on having the other services that you recommended performed in a couple of days. I'm glad I can hold off a little while longer on replacing the belt. The service guy said that he also recommended the things that you did, but also recommended changing the plugs. What is your thoughts?

speedkar9

No need to change plugs so young. Those wear more with use than time. Its labor intensive on the 4ES because you have to remove the intake. I'd still keep the timing belt job in mind within the next few months for preventative maintenance.

mroark

Thanks for the info about the plugs, I kinda thought that it was too early to be changing them. I really appreciate it.