If it were my car, I'd probably wait until 90k miles was reached. If something like the water pump starts leaking, then I would go ahead and replace it.

I would wager 90% of the time when the timing belt breaks, it has absolutely nothing to do with the belt itself and more to do with a bearing that's seized. That's usually not a result of age but actual use.

 

Man, I paid 165 dollars for the AISIN kit from Rockauto. My mechanic charged me 250 labor. Unfortunate thing for me or not is my thermostat stop operating on the way there and ruined my radiator.

There are plenty of good independent toyota shops around your area that will do a good job. The timing belt job on our ls430s are apparently not very complex to do, just very time consuming.

 

I live in West Palm Beach

 

I live in Boynton. Here are places that I've used for stuff I can't/won't do myself:

JM Lexus - I feel their prices are better then PB Lexus. Timing belt (according to their price sheet) is $500 but I'm not sure what that includes. Plus they give you a loaner car. And their site sometimes has 15% off service coupon for older cars.

Mobile Auto Service - This is a one-man mobile mechanic where he drives to you and repairs your car on the spot. He is very reasonable and trustworthy. Ex. he quoted me 3 hours over the phone to replace both front struts. After he completed the job, he only charged me for 2.
http://www.mobileautoservice.com

The Jap Shop in Boca Raton - These guys have been around for a long time. I went here a few times before I discovered Mobile Auto Service.
http://www.japshopinc.com

 

for whatever it might be worth, my Ls430 2001 has 158000miles since last change at 150000 plan to do it before summer every thing is working,its a fine car. .

 

Just purchased my 06 with just over 40k and was considering doing the TB and WP due to the cars age, but after reading this thread I think I will hold off. I spoke with the dealership and the Service advisor there was not "pushing" the TB job when I asked him his opinion. He basically said it would probably not be an issue at all to wait until 90k, but based on the service recommendations it was due by age.

I live in a fairly temperate area with no wild swings in humidity or temp and the vehicle was meticulously maintained by Lexus to this point as well as being a Garage queen so *crosses fingers I hope this is the right call.

 

Thought I would add a take that I have not seen in all the posts on this subject. The shop I use is run by former Lexus mechanics. They recommend waiting because many of these engines develop valve gasket leaks and cam seal leaks at around 120k miles.If you do the belt at 90k you will likely be back and they will be doing major surgery again to change the cam seals.In fact my 01 Ls did develop a valve gasket leak at 125k. Also at around 120k its time for new plugs,so you can save some money by doing everything at one time.

 

Hello. May I ask how did the original belt look when it was taken out?

 

Hello Tom. May I ask how the original belt looked when it was taken out?