96 LS400 - New owner
 

Hello everyone,

Picked up this 96 a couple of months ago. 1st owner kept it super well maintained for 10 years. He was a doctor or something and based on the maintenance history I was able to pull off the Lexus website, he didn't play around when it came to maintenance. The first 100k were put on there in 10 years. Then in 06, 2nd owner, a realtor put on another 100k, but in 5-6 years. He did basic maintenance (oil change, tires and such...) I got the car for $2800 about $2200 below KBB. The car runs fine, but I knew it would need a tune up at some point. I took it in this morning and as expected Timing Belt needs replacement. The mechanic also recommended fixing a leak on rear main seal. He quoted me $1800.

Could you tell me if the quote is fair?

Also, is there anything else I should have him look at?

Thank guys!

That's is a pretty fair quote imo

I appreciate the quick response. I did some research and found out that I should have the mechanic change the "input shaft seal on the transmission" while the transmission is dropped. Any other suggestions?

EGR Tube since the trans will be out.

I agree with this, the lower EGR tube is probably broken as we speak, as is likely the transmission mount (rear motor mount) - I would have him do ALL 3 motor mounts for sure!

also, very likely issues you will encounter next will be power steering leaks which with ruin the alternator, and failure of the ECU capacitors- I know, I drive a 96 as well!

its is fair, unless u can do it yourself

welcome and i agree with what is said here as well. $1800 b/c it is a labor intensive process to remove the trans to replace the seal. then you might as well replace the rest of parts mentioned here while the trans is out.

welcome and show us some pics pls!

Okay, just came back from the shop. The engine and tranny have been removed. Here is an updated list of all the things that are getting fixed:
- Transmission pan gasket is leaking and needs replacement
- Rear main oil seal is leaking and needs replacement
- Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket are leaking and need replacement
- Power steering pump & pressure switch are leaking
- EGR pipe is broken and needs replacement
- Timing belt needs replacement
- Water pump needs replacement
- Serpentine belt needs replacement
- Engine mounts need replacement
- Spark plugs need replacement
Engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid all included.
Costs went up to $2100!

Not exactly thrilled, but my mechanic brought me in and showed me the affected areas. Can't argue with what you can see. The work is warrantied for 24 months. Also, he provided me with a loaner car for the 3 days needed to get the job done.

thats like u basically paid 4900 for a car..

That's very inexpensive for that much work. If they are good at what they do and dont use inferior replacement parts. Did you mis speak and said the engine was removed?

for a (now) perfectly serviced '96 that's not a bad deal since mileage resets on the drivetrain pretty much.

OP make sure you have all the motor mounts and the trans mount replaced while everything's out too. Check the high pressure hose for the steering rack too, and the rack bushings.

have them go ahead and do the two caps & rotors as well as plug wires while they are right there doing the timing belt, and I can't think of much of anything on this whole job that I wouldn't insist on real Toyota parts - have not been impressed with aftermarket, except perhaps an alternator or battery is OK

PS - a proper timing belt job includes new Koyo Idler Bearing, NSK Tensioner Bearing, etc. and the water pump should be the original Aisin type.

$2100 for all of that is a pretty damn good deal, labour included.

unless you mean it was $1800 plus an additional $2100...

i just paid $3500cnd for my 96 and have to do all of that stuff as well as brakes and a few other things too. parts alone are going to cost me ~$2000 for what i want to do... but when done the car wont need anything but oil changes and gas for the next 5-10years! :D

Yes sir. The engine and the transmission were both taken out. The $2100 is parts and labor included. I'm starting to feel better about this whole thing. The car will be ready in 2 days. I'll swing back out there tomorrow morning to check on progress.

I paid $7000 for my 96 last Christmas, this may sound a bit high, but keep in mind this car looked like it rolled off the showroom floor when I picked it up!

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