SO my car is now at 57,000 miles and I just had another oil change done... now Im thinking, do I want to have my 60,000 mile service done right on time? The major issue is the timing belt, but Ive heard they are good for way beyond 60. Lexus charges 1,200 for this service, but I go to a local high-end import mechanic in town that says he would charge between 5-600 for this. Shoudl I just go ahead and have this done in a few months when the time comes? My idle and engine smoothness seems perfectly fine, acceleration is quick and powerful, ride quality is pretty damned good, so Im wondering if its even worth it. Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated.

I also replaced my spark plugs with denso irridium about 5,000 miles ago, so thats one less thing to have done at this point. He wanted 150 to have them installed so I can safely assume the service will be less that amount. (I ended up having another auto place put the plugs in for much less though.)

 

I would say that there's probably not much to worry about except changing out some fluids.

I had my "60k' service done at 53k not long after I got my car, mostly for peace of mind since I didn't have a full history of my car. Went to an independant shop that only works on Toyota and Lexus, is very friendly and competent and charges significantly less than a Lexus dealer. They looked the car over very thoroughly and made notes of things to keep an eye on. Only did work that needed to be done and only after calling me and discussing what they found. Main things that were done were to change out the plugs and some fluids. My power steering fluid was pretty bad apparently.

I'm taking my girlfriends RX300 there next week for her 90k service.

Jon

 

You could easily skip the 60k service, but I wouldn't. It gives you piece of mind to know your car's timing belt won`t break for a long time. plus all of the things they do are preventative maintenance which in my opinion shouldn`t be skipped (I'm real big on fix it before it breaks, not wait till it breaks).

 

I would do the fuel filter if you didn't do that yet....

You shouldn't change the timing belt @ 60k, its just too soon...The timing belt is good til 105K...

 

Here's a dumb question but.... here it goes. I also have an 92' Acura Legend and I KNOW what will happen if the timing belt goes. What will happen if the timing goes in a SC400? What major damage if any? Not that i'm trying to put it off but I just purchased a house and this car (93' with 140k) so ya know money is tight I am also one for doing prev. maint. on my cars because u never know what the previous owner did or didn't do maint. wise.

 

jewelerz -

SC400 V8s (1UZ-FEs) are non-interference engines. Meaning that no internal damage will occur if the timing belt goes out on you. Have you looked under the hood to see if there's a sticker stating when the timing belt was last replaced? I too own a 93 SC4 w/ 149k. Mine was replaced at 120k, maybe yours was too! My guess is that, because of the mileage you're at right now, even if your belt was replaced at 60k, you've still got another 20-30k to go. Good luck man.

Matt

 

Just had my original timing belt changed at 119k...

 

Thats very good to hear. Thanks for the info.

 

you guys are some procrastinators good thing toyota's are practically designed so well that NASA would take them into space

 

I had my 60k service done @ 57k. They do check the timing belt, but should not change it unless it shows signs of wear. I took mine to a local Toyota dealership and they were significantly less than the local Lexus dealer. The 60k service is mainly a time to have a tech check the car over real well and make recommendations accordingly & change any fluids that need changing. ( I dont think transmission fluid change is on the checklist for 60k). After my service, they made a few recommendations for service, which I promptly did myself the next weekend (change PCV, change drive belt, change brake pads)

 

i don't believe the previous owner of my car did the 60k service. what does it consist of?

 

Don't know off the top of my head...check your owners manual. It lists all the service intervals and points that are checked.

 

wish i had one =x

 

mr shabo either your car manual or a dealer can help you...with what is done for a 60K service

CEO

 

I have my service manaul from Ira Lexus In Mass. 60K service:
oil change
rotate tires
inspect brakes, steering linkage, drive shaft boots, exhaust system, fuel lines
replace air filter, trans fluid, differential oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, spark plugs, engine fule filter, wiper inserts
And of course a nice car wash!!

They don't reccomend a timing belt replacement until 90K, I'll be having that sevice shortly