cxb1220

Hi,

I own a 2007 ES350 that has almost 130k miles. I'm the original owner and have maintained the car well. Going through the repair history, the following work was done to the car over the years.

@94k miles, CEL came on for two faulty oil control valves for the left hand bank. Both valves replaced at the local Toyota dealer ($1200 ouch!)

@102k miles, CEL came on for a faulty ignition coil for cylinder #6. Coil was replaced.

@126k miles, CEL came on for faulty ignition coils for cylinders #2 and #4. Coils were replaced.

@128k miles all three ignition coils for the rear 3 cylinders were replaced as a precautionary measure (no CEL present, cost $540)

@130k miles, top of radiator has started a small leak that is not able to be sealed. Will cost approximately $500 to replace radiator.

Water pump is original and has shown no signs of leaking but will probably be need to be replaced soon. Estimate of $700 given.

I'm trying to determine if the above repairs would be considered wear and tear items and expected for a car of this mileage, or if they're what you would consider excessive for this particular model.

oldgrump

I don't think your car has done too badly. I am wondering about the replacement of both VVT oil control valves.......highly unlikely that both would fail at the same time, so why were both changed? What was the per unit cost of the valves? The LH bank access for replacing them is also quick and easy......how much was the labor? The total repair cost does seem high. COP ignition coils have been hit or miss with not only Toyota/Lexus but with other companies as well and tend to get upgraded/improved in subsequent years. Plastic radiators like other plastic parts on vehicles can be somewhat be hit or miss as well. I would just replace the rad (and the coolant) but if there is no coolant weepage from the pump housing weep hole and there is no noise or excessive drive pulley looseness (axial or radial), I wouldn't replace the coolant pump.

ESh

2-4-6 coils tend to go because of the heat from the radiator.
They're super cheap at Amazon, 6 coils for $80-$100.
I don't believe that both solenoids went at the same time. That is not a wear and tear.
Also the radiator must go longer.

So, the water pump, I think 130k is the record on original WP.
I would replace it with OEM + coolant + thermostat.

chuyrobles

By 130K, I had replaced spark plugs, serpentine belt, radiator, radiator hoses, thermostat, coolant, an idler pulley, ATF filter, and was on my second transmission ATF flush. I would start monitoring the alternator. Gates recommends servicing the decoupler pulley at 100K; you don't see this on the maintenance schedule or owner's manual. If I had known about it, I would have replaced the pulley before it seized at 155K and fried the alternator.

Our radiator started seeping coolant before 100K. It seeped at the seam of the top tank. Replaced the radiator around 118K. Bought it on Amazon for about $130 and replaced it myself; it is not an easy job! Our ES350 has the original water pump; don't see any reason to replace it as it has no leaks and makes no bearing noise, but I am starting to think about replacing it as a preventive measure.

We've replaced one coil - got it at AutoZone and it came with a lifetime replacement. It does seem odd you've had to replace so many. Have you replaced the plugs? OEM are standard Iridiums and I think the 120K replacement period is too much; by that mileage the electrodes are worn out far from specs (I think .043 inches). With no proof, I suspect the extra energy needed to jump wide gaps strains the coils, leading to failure.