LScowboyLS

it only takes about 20 minutes or so if you are competent with tools to pull a cam pulley cover off and thoroughly inspect the timing belt condition - make sure negative battery cable is disconnected and remove the spark plugs and you can rotate crank (clockwise only!) and inspect every inch of it with a bright light - timing belts do not tend to go from looking great to breaking for no reason, unless an idler or tensioner pulley were to seize - were they previously replaced during last timing belt change?

mickeyt

When one does the belt, isn't it a good idea to do water pump, and pulleys while in there to avoid costs down the road? I think that is what I was told by my mechanic.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

If you are going to sell it sell it as is. Unless you do it yourself you will never recover the money. Just discount it and sell it

LScowboyLS

yes, but I would say if you are pressed for cash and doing it yourself you could change these items at every other timing belt change, water pumps and idler pulleys will go 180K, not just 90K

j e f f

I've driven the LS a few more times in recent weeks.
It is a smooth ride.
My local Toyo dealer will do the 90k/timing belt and starter job for $2225.

I'm now inclined to do that and hang on to it for a while.
Get some new Michelins on it in the spring.

I need to search for an iPhone/ipod adapter thread...


Thanks for the input.

mickeyt

Find a really good mechanic and you can probably shave a few scheckles off that bill. Good news your staying with her.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

$2225 is pretty high. TB with cam seals, WP, basics is about $800 on a good day, starter ~$750 by itself. With that much of the engine accessible, do any other maintenance like valve cover gaskets if leaking...

mickeyt

http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&A=112238

mickeyt

You can probably find a good mechanic capable of doing that job for quite a bit less.

LScowboyLS

not at any Toyota or Lexus dealer in the U.S. - you would be lucky to find one to do it for $1200

Aron9000

I know my local Toyota dealer advertises specials for $600-700 for a timing belt change. Those guys will do it FOR A LOT LESS than a Lexus shop.

Honestly your car sounds like it needs about $1000-1500 worth of work. I'd just put the $$$$ in it and drive it. These cars, even with a bunch of miles on them are pretty darn reliable.

As for something my kid to drive around in for his first car, this would be a very good option. Good, heavy, safe, and reliable car.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Correct, I omitted that part, an independent shop. The best TB service I was quoted from a Lexus dealer with the water pump, cam seals, idler, coolant anda few misc parts was $1,100. Dealer replaced starter sub $800. a bit less than quoted though within range.

j e f f

My Toyo dealer quoted $1250 for the 90K service.

The starter job was $900= $325 parts/gaskets + $600 labor


I miiiight shop around but those quotes didn't seem too far out of line!

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Sell your car for 3200, then the add the 2225 to that money. With 5425 you can get a nicer ls400 with all the work done. Unless you prefer to deal with the animal you know than the one you don't know. Just seems not smart to do work to a car that costs 3/4 of its value. Or get someone to do it cheap. You can find old retired guys who will do all that for 1000 or less and if you get the right guy he can do a good job. Just get a guy who has done it many times before and has a good reputation.

LScowboyLS

this is a bait & switch, for that price all they do it just the belt, then they explain that you really have to to the bearings, tensioner, water pump, etc. if you want a guarantee

agreed