Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys,

This is my second thread and I just wanted to share the exciting news that I finally finalized my deal for a 99 LS400 with HID, moon-roof, and that upgraded stereo (never can remember the name). I believe I got a hell of a deal. It has 67,108 miles with full service records and I paid $8,000.00 even.

The leather is in very good condition but their is some slight body damage. No major dents just a couple of little dings and some areas that need some paint touch-up.

The only disappointing news is I was wrong about the major service being done. The service records are in Spanglish and I was looking at the price and it made logical sense that a service for $2,400.00+ was the major one but it turns out after studying the document very closely it was not. I guess it only makes sense in that the car has only 67,000 miles but there has been a lot of suspension work done over the cars lifetime. The roads here in Puerto Rico are much rougher then the states.

It looks like the suspension has taken a hell of beating over this cars life. So my questions is what should I be looking at now that I am 67K? Am I good to hold off on the timing belt service till 90k? Honestly, it is insane what this company who owned the vehicle was paying Lexus of San Juan to work on the car ($8,054.99). Below you will see a general description of what has been done.

2004 - 30,000 miles for $2,004.40

30,000 mile service plus a couple of minor repairs.

2005 36,683 miles for $1,155.00

Oil
Brake quiet
Tire Balance
Alignment
Bush, Stabilizer
Joint Assy, Lwr B


2006 for $2,447.83

Both Joint Assy, lwr ball
Both Bush, Stabilizer
Replaced both Valve cover Gaskets
Both Strut Bar Assy
Support Assy, Hood

2009 55,790 miles for $2,447.76

Transmission Flush
Bumper, FR Spring
Bar, Assy Strut
Bar, Assy Strut
Oil Change
Insulter Engine (X2)
Gasket Kit, Power

Service records end.

Shiryo

LX? This is the LS Forum haha

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

OOOPS, make that LS... What about the timing service? Am I fine to wait till 90k or is it time dependent as well?

j three

I would get it done due to the age of the car and the rubber belt has aged.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I would wait until 90k. the only known busted timing belt (that I can find) was on the 94LS that I bought with 235k miles on it..... it had never been changed. that was in 2006.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

So I called Lexus of San Juan to check to make sure the service was not done and I was correct that it was not. Funny thing is they recommend doing the service at 60,000 miles because they say the climate in Puerto Rico deteriorates the belts faster than United States. Dealer quoted me $1450 for timing belt service with waterpump, serpentine, and full tune up. Is that about the right price for a dealer? I really need to find a good independent Lexus mechanic.

The only other little surprise that came on today was a check engine light and I went by pep boys to check it and it turns out the code is P0420 the notorious exhaust leak code. I'm going to go to an exhaust shop to get that verified I just hope it's not the catalytic converters. I'm sure the previous owner turned the code off to sell it. But hey, there is always something...

McPierson

iTrader: (3)

Congrats!

BTW: Pictures or it didn't happen

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I wil post up sime pics when I get home.

Another question. They could not find an exhaust leak and said the O2 sensors look like they have been replaced. They want $400.00 for both cats. Is that a decent price?

veritek

That is a good average price for the timing belt service. Congrats on a low mileage LS and welcome to CL!!

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Autoparts Anything has Eastern cats for $82.00 think I am going to buy these and have them installed.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

welcome! i would wait as well on the timing belt service. i've heard of belts lasting to 150k and not breaking (though why would you risk that). at your mileage there shouldn't be an issue. welcome, and glad to hear someone out of country who shares a passion for the LS!

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I think I am going to wait for at least a little while, purchase all the parts separately as I want to get everything else ironed out and I am thinking about doing the job myself. I totally rebuilt an Oldsmobile 4.3L 260 V8 some years ago and can handle the technical aspect. It's just time consuming.


Thanks for the welcome by the way!

BobN54

Congratulations. I would drive it for a year and see where you are with it. If it's behaving itself, go ahead and do the expensive long-term maintenance like timing belt etc.

akitomk3

iTrader: (2)

hmmm pics or ban

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Here are a few pics guys. They are not the greatest but I did not get home till late. Yesterday I washed the carpet and attempted to clean the inside up as much as I could. It actually still has original floor mats that are in good shape till I can order some new ones... lol. Washed the hell out of those as well.