I’m buying an 09 ES350 from a Lexus dealer and taking delivery tomorrow. They have had the car a few days while they detail it and do a few other things. One of those things is to replace two tires and mount two “Brand New” Michelin MXV4’s on the front. I’ve seen the tires an they look new (the little spikes are still present) but they are dated from a year ago 3/2021. Should I insist they be just manufactured or is this good enough?

I’m inclined to just go with it but I know wouldn’t get any consideration if the shoe was on the other foot.

Also, I can not verify whether the dash was ever replaced under the melting dash replacement program. The dash doesn’t show any symptoms of deterioration yet but what about the future?

 

Test drive to make sure the tires don’t have any vibrations from being in storage for a year. If they drive well at high speed, then keep them.

The dash program is over so make sure it’s in great condition before you sign off on it, otherwise be prepared to shell out thousands for a new replacement. Best thing you can do is protect it with something like Aerospace Protectant 303 and a sunshade cover. If you a covered parking space, that’s even better.

Good luck and congratulations on your new purchase. Did you do your research on common issues and perform a pre purchase inspection?

 

I didn’t have a mechanic inspect it but I did drive it and did run a scan. It only has 70k miles and was bought and serviced at the same dealership. It’s pretty clean and runs well. Which common problems were you referring to?

 

For 2009 I would check:

• VVTi Oil line replacement - located on the back passenger side of the engine. Early models had a rubber section that was known to leak or burst catastrophically, should be replaced with an all metal line.
• CV Axles - check boots for leaking and feel for vibration
• Front Window regulators - the mounting tabs on the glass were known to break off
• Steering wheel buttons rubberized finish - check for wear
• Dashboard condiiton - check for stickiness/deterioration
• Transmission flaring - check after a cold start, usually between lower gears (1-2, 2-3, 3-4)
• Water pump - check for pulley noise/vibration, there is a revised version
• Engine timing cover - known to leak with age and miles, 10hr-12hr flat rate job to reseal the engine.
• VVTi Actuator rattle - engine makes a rattling noise on cold starts due to wear and tear
• Piston slap - engine makes a knocking noise until it warms up, design issue

Those are probably the most common besides regular wear items for that mileage.

 

Thanks Hayk

I don’t see any recalls that haven’t been done. Wasn’t the oil line a recall? The CV boots are good and no oil leaks that I have seen or smell. As for the transmission. I’m pretty impressed with the smooth shifting no flare noted yet. I have noticed a solid clunk when shifting back into drive after backing out of my driveway in the morning though.

The driver window does sound a little louder when raised and lowered and I think I see some movement forward and back in the tracks. Is that the tab problem you mentioned? The steering wheel rubber is fine.

The dash seems fine. No stickiness or cracking. This car was always a Pacific Northwest car and not driven much. I suspect it was kept in a garage mostly. I will keep it treated with 303 spray.

I suspect the first thing I’ll have to do is renew the parking brake pads. It’s quite a few clicks to engage the parking brake and very noisy if I apply it while moving. The dealer said they replaced the rear brake pads and resurfaced the rotors. They should have done the parking brake at the same time.

 

The VVTi Line was a Limited Service Campaign, not a Safety Recall according to Lexus. So it may not show up unless you check for history.

https://pressroom.lexus.com/limited-...vt-i-oil-line/

Do you know about the Lexus Drivers website and how to check for Lexus service records on there? If you don’t, go to drivers.Lexus.com to register for an account and add your car’s VIN.



Does the clunk occur only after you move the car back or while stationary and shifting between drive and reverse as well? That will depend on what it is.

The clunk MAY be your top engine mount aka the dog bone mount. You should observe the engine while an assistant shifts from drive to reverse and vice versa. If you don’t hear a clunk from the mount nor see excessive engine movement, it’s something else.

Sometimes the calipers can clunk when they disengage your brake pads, so it could be brake related.

 

I can’t seem to create an account on the Lexus drivers page. It says account creation unsuccessful. I’ll call Monday.

the clunk is transmission related I’m pretty sure. It’s just a solid clunk into gear. Nothing too dramatic. Just different from my other cars.