sbrdd

Hey everyone,
I wanted to ask this and maybe get some help on this topic. My parents own a 150k mile 2005 ls430. It seems to run great but I know for a fact that the most maintenance they've done is tire rotations and oil changes. I believe the transmission was rebuilt or replaced as well. I'm wondering what service I should do and keep this thing running for another 100k miles if possible.
Any help is appreciated.

Also any tips for cleaning this super dirty leather. It's tan but really quite dirty. Leather seems to have stretched quite a bit as well. Is there a tutorial on how to remove the seats both front and rear so I can do some deep cleaning?

Thanks

Yohimbo

Timing belt and water pump would be the most urgent, I'd imagine. In addition, I'd look into changing transmission fluid as well as engine coolant. Check the condition of the hoses. Spark plugs. The forum for car care can give you more than you ever wanted to know about leather cleaning.

Legender

I'd go with replacing:
all fluids. coolant, brake, power steering, differential, transmission
Timing Belt with water pump and seals
spark plugs, possibly valve covers if leaking
filters...both engine and cabin (behind the glove box and seat filters if you have cooled seats)
Check brake pads/rotors for possible replacement.

I'd turn it into a shop and tell them you're thinking about buying it and have them do an inspection to see what it needs...might find more than what I've pointed out.
+1 on checking the car care forum here for leather care. Once neglected hard to bring it back to new but you can help it last a bit longer.

Review the FAQs in the form and familiarize yourself with the car and known issues...

Good luck.

sbrdd

Do you know roughly what that'd cost? I'm assuming transmission needs to be done at the dealer thanks to that sealed unit and what not.
Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Legender

I would think an inspection would run somewhere between $100 and $150... and then may apply that to any repairs you have them do so it might end up costing you nothing if you're with the right shop. I'm not recommending a dealer by any means, but a reputable shop and maybe an independent Lexus shop if you have one in your area. We have a couple of decent independent Lexus shops in the DFW area to choose from who do know their Lexus products. I've ventured away from the a bit and been burned and had to go back.

sbrdd

I just got off the phone with a lexus shop in Vegas. Guy said 600 for all fluids replaced. 800 for timing belt+water pump. 200 (parts) for idler bearings if those are worn. So roughly 1700 total.
Does that sound ok? He's seen the car before for a intermitten ac issue that is really hard to diagnose. But hes pretty sure the timing belt/water pump is probably the most important things to do.

tallcaguy

I just did had trans (drain and fill), PS and brake fluids replaced. Cost was 140. Indie shop w/ certified Lex mechanics. Red Sun Automotive (Rocklin) if you're in the Sacramento area. They're great.

Maybe the 600 includes a trans flush (not drain) which seems to be around 250.

Also if anyone owns an 04-06, getting the Lex tranny software upgrade does make the 1>2>3 shifts a little smoother.

sbrdd

I'm over in vegas. The indie shops seem expensive but dealer is still even more expensive. It is supposed to be a flush from what I understand on top of all the other fluids suggested by Legender.

tallcaguy

There's a million page thread on flush vs drain and fill. Check it out. One key question: was the trans rebuilt or replaced? When? Is it the original trans and never serviced? I'd be inclined to do several drain and fills.

sbrdd

I believe it was rebuilt or replaced around 100k. I have to get that information from my parents. Trying to see if I can get this done while they're out of town. You know surprise them and all.

warminwisc

Try Mr Clean dry erasers, not sure just try. 50 k on tranny save yur cash for now, pumpkin 75 bucks , brake Pwr steering fluid suck it out with turkey baster do it yourself.

1000 bucks to replace belt pump idlers tensioners real fair. Spark plugs easy dont pay too much but plugs R pricey. But if oil has been changed every 5-6 k very important. Does it use oil?

warminwisc

If leather is stretched a shop can take some leather out and or new seat cushion 200 bcuks or so.

tallcaguy

So have you and your parents agreed that the car is yours?

sbrdd

This aint mine. I own a silverado.