I bought this 2013 ES 350 two months ago in Canada with 195,000 km (121,000 miles) on it. I changed the oil and am about to replace the spark plugs (PCV valve and some gaskets there, too) since it is recommended maintenance, and I don't think they have ever been changed.
However, I've been noticing this noise coming from the engine bay, close to where the water pump / serpentine belt is. It happens 9 out of 10 times I start/drive the car. I am taking the car to the mechanic next week but I would like an opinion from you guys first since, honestly, I trust this forum more than my local mechanics (I live in a small town). Is this a bad water pump noise? Or something related? What should I do about it?

Any help is appreciated !!!
lexus es 350 noise.mpeg

 

That’s what mine sounded like before the serpentine belt was replaced. Noise gone after replacement. Given the lack of maintenance on yours the belt is probably original.

 

If you spray a little water on grooved side of the moving belt and the sound temporally goes away then its the belt making the noise or possibly a bad belt tensioner.. If the sound does not change then it is likely a bearing in the water pump, idler pullies or alternator.

 

Test the belt as above. Make darn sure it’s not the wp before you drive it anywhere, though. Early 2GR engines had defective pumps and some engines were destroyed because of this. 2013 should be safe, though as the parts revision was then or slightly earlier. ‘13 was when my ‘09 car’s water pump self-destructed and was replaced by Lexus because of the TSB and warranty issue on this. Again, your ‘13 should be safe on that point, but don’t risk driving this until you ID the source of the noise. A mechanic’s stethoscpe or just a very long screwdriver can be used to diagnose this very quickly - in minutes.