sanzen07

My LS400 has been running fine up until this year. I have had to replace the rack & pinion earlier this year (~$650) and more recently had to take it in to the shop to figure out an intermittent problem getting it to start. It turned out to be a week long job for them to figure out the problem - it was the ECM and ended up costing me $750 for the part and the week of labor to figure out the issue. The same shop that fixed the ECM also had some other recommendations for things that need fixing:

Timing belt needs replacement
Serpentine Belt needs replacement
Distributor caps need replacement (apparently they are worn)
Rotor replacement (severely worn down)
Rear brakes are low
Valve cover gaskets need replacement (they are leaking oil)

They estimated this additional work would cost me around $1000. I haven't had this work done yet but at this point I feel like I'm beginning to put a decent amount of money into a 19 year old car. Does $1000 sound reasonable for these repairs? Should I just get a new car? Who knows if something else is going to go out if I make these repairs and then it'll just be wasted money. My dilemma is whether to go ahead and make the repairs or just get a new car. Thing is I really like this car...

Nohawk Lex

iTrader: (5)

welcome to the money pit! j/k! All old car need a little attention. Most of those are fairly easy to do if you're mechanically inclined. I'm in San Diego too and can teach you a thing or two when I have the time.

curepunx

iTrader: (3)

Well, if thats all that is needed for the car, then its not much of a trouble. Its just the MAJOR maintenance time. (most expensive for these cars)

If you get a written estimate for around $1000, i hope it includes the water pump also, cuz its driven by the timing belt.

-Rear Brakes should be about $100 alone
-Timing Belt/Water Pump jobs range above $500 alone
-Valve Cover Gaskets are about another $300
-Distributor Rotors/Caps/Spark Plugs/Wires are about another $300+

These are pricing ranges in So-Cal - LA Area

I say...if you REALLY like the car, then invest in it. Its a long lasting car and most will agree with me. Maintenance is obviously needed due to its age.

Goodluck!

S30ZG

iTrader: (5)

1000 for all of that done with parts included doesn't sound that bad. If your took it to a Lexus Dealership then your credit card would be hurting after that billing. Like Nohawk and curepunx said its an old car that needs a bit of matience done to it. If your up for it you can follow this guide that has step by step pictures of how to do most of that work.

http://www.lexls.com/

trukn1

$1000 to get all of the work done; get it in writing. Just to give you an idea; timing belt and waterpump alone would cost well over $1k at a dealership. If you are mechanically inclined, you can do alot of the work yourself. Use the tutorials here to assist you.
www.lexls.com