Originally Posted by TXLS430

Hello everyone, I own a 2004 LS430 with 258,000+ miles. I can never find a reason to get rid of this car because it just won't die. I also own a 2013 LS460 (which I am decidedly iffy about (d*mn engine noise irritates the h*ll out of me) even though interior is generally nicer and seats more comfortable (no surprise) than its much older sibling). Back to the main point. I have never skimped on service for the LS430, which may be why it won't die. The question at hand...should I change the timing belt at 270K miles? I have previously changed the belt at 90K and 180K. I probably should have it changed, but wanted to get some advice / insight from others. I would take it to the local Lexus shop (Davenport) and have them do the work as I have zero mechanical inclination. Thoughts? The change or not to change? I plan on keeping the car until it quits or one my kids take me up on my offer to give the car. I don't drive the car much these...typically once a week and for not more than 30-50 miles. Appreciate thoughts / feedback. Happy motoring.

Originally Posted by TFBTRADE

I own a 2001 LS430. It is my fourth 430. I put a lot of miles on this one fairly quickly. At 180,000 miles I replaced the timing belt. Because of the high mileage, it wouldn't be worth much in a sale, so I kept driving it. I tried not to spend anymore than I had to because I assumed it would be DOA at any time. When I bought tires, I typically didn't get the best quality, again, because I figured it was on its last legs. Suffice to say, I have continued to buy new tires. It didn't drive like it was on its last legs, so I kept jamming on the miles. When I got to 300,000, I skipped the timing belt because of the miles and because I knew the last one had gone for 180,000 with no problem. Now the damn car is at 393,000 miles. I haven't even been changing the oil at regular intervals. I can't kill this car! Besides, at this point, I was on a mission to get to 400,000 miles. Unfortunately, when doing a recent brake job, my mechanic noticed that the the left rear portion of the unibody frame was badly rusted and about to fail. He told me the car was toast, but another mechanic said that portion of the rear frame was replaceable for about $1700. LIke the fool I guess I am, I decided to have it fixed, if for no other reason than to say I got it to 400,000 miles. Now my dilemma is the timing belt replacement, which is 213,000 miles from its last change. Got to think about this. Maybe I am just lucky or maybe the likelihood of timing belt failure, is, in fact, way overblown. On the other hand, I would hate to have spent the $1700 and then have it snap on me next week. Think I'll write a letter to Lexus complaining about why they can't make a car that can go 400,000 miles. Just kidding. If I get to 400,000, I will have no choice but to shoot for 500k. These are the finest of cars ... the finest, even if you abuse them.

Originally Posted by Peacebay

Ill throw this out — If anyone else needs a TB job done and you’re in the northeast, I will do it for $600 including parts. I’ve done so many of these by now it’s easy