geebee

iTrader: (2)

My 2004 GS430 is now at 98000 miles. (Bought at 80000 2 years ago). It's time to do the timing belt. Should I trust my local gas station mechanic to do it? Or should I take it to a Lexus dealer?

So far they have done new shocks, LBJ, and steering bushings for me with no problems. I'm just worried about the belt being more complicated.

Also at 100K miles, any other recommendations for service? New spark plugs?

ShunDoe

I personally wouldnt trust no gas station mechanic. I personally take my car to some Asians who specialize in Japanese made cars. At 100,00 Lexus recommends that you replace the timing belt and water pump. New spark plugs is normally the 120,000 mark. With the spark plugs being so simple to do is advise that you do those at your mechanic instead of Lexus because Lexus is going to charge you about
$200-300 just for spark plugs.

Aron9000

Talk to your Toyota dealer. I know they will service Lexus cars as well.

My folks have bought 3 or 4 cars from Beaman Toyota over the years, I know they send them "coupon books" through the mail for a "$600 timing belt service".

I'm sure they might charge you more for a Lexus, but its something to look into, especially if its a large shop and they have an experienced mechanic who used to work at the Lexus dealer, like my local Beaman Toyota guys.

ShunDoe

That coupon is better than paying a little over $900 at Lexus just to replace the timing belt

dreamcar88

iTrader: (1)

some things you shouldnt have done at a gas station even if they have done other work.. Find someone local who specializes in lexus or someone you can trust. Im blessed to have many tech friends from bmw,audi, chevy etc that do big sidework for 500 i just paid for timing belt and all the front end gaskets and vvti gear rebuild etc...

aliga

iTrader: (147)

i would drive it for another 50k miles without worrying about the timing belt. They dont break.

daddyduke

+2 these belts are made of Teflon and never let anyone but Toyota or lexus touch that baby.your better off saving money and doing it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QGfopdYxhxs