Originally Posted by danmm7

I recently bought a 2005 Lexus GX470. Truck has 107k miles and it's in excellent shape.
Previous owner was very regular when it came to maintenance and he gave me records of everything that was done. Truck was serviced at very reputable and $$$ Japanese car shop, not dealer.

Here is a short list of what was done:

New radiator and thermostat @ 67k miles
New Timing Belt, Water Pump and number of tensioners @ 93k miles and twice before that.
AT fluid flushed @ 68k miles
Differential fluids and transfer case fluid replaced @ 93k miles, and twice before that.
PS and Brake fluid replaced @ 80k miles
Rear shocks replaced @ 39k miles due to leak
Front shocks replaced @ 62k miles
New Michelin M/S2 Tires @ 96k miles

Based on all the paperwork i have, i can conclude that my truck still has the following, never replaced:
- Original starter
- Original alternator
- Original serpentine belt
- Original radiator hoses
- Original Fuel filter & fuel pump
- Original spark plugs & coils
- Most of the original coolant

In addition, on the repair receipts, under the transfer case service, i see that the repair shop was using "ATF" and no other details are given about the fluid. Should i be concerned? Is "ATF" good for the transfer case?


Like i said, the truck currently drives fine and does not appear to have any issues, except one torn inner CV boot. I am replacing the boots this weekend.

I am planning to drive this SUV mostly on long trips to our mountain cabin. It's a ~4 hour drive, half of it is in the hills/mountains. During the winter, it gets cold, slippery, and traffic can get slow and brutal. You do not want to have a major car breakdown there, especially when you have your family and gear in the car.

So, based on the list i provided above, what would you suggest i replace/inspect soon, before i start driving the car to the mountains? I am perfectly OK with spending some $$$ on preventive stuff, but if these cars are rock solid and most of the stock components usually last 150k+ miles, maybe i am OK for another year or two. On the other hand, if there are well known "Weak" components that can leave me stranded on the road - i don't want to risk it. I am especially concerned about items such as - starter, alternator, fuel system, as they can leave me stuck.

What is your take on this?


Thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by stiles_s

FWIW, it's very unlikely you have the original serpentine belt and coolant if the timing belt and the radiator have been changed...

Seems like a well maintained rig. You might think about replacing the rear shocks so they "match" the fronts, but they are $$. See sewell parts online for a great deal on them. Super easy DIY.

Originally Posted by danmm7

Good point on the coolant and new radiator. what was i thinking? It can't be the original coolant of course.

Any concerns around the starter and alternator on these trucks? Reliable? Long lasting?

Originally Posted by ALAN553

Timing belt and water pump at 93K and TWICE before that?? Am I reading that right, three timing belts already??

Originally Posted by mann777

ATF is fine, that is the standard Lexus went into for Lexus Cars and Trucks , the standard was called as WS-ATF. the purpose was to reduce maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled Maintenance checks. The pupose was that 100,000 Maintenance Interval only for inspection and topping up and the Lexus ATF-WS does not require flushing or changing the fluid during the life of the vehicle.