My question is when is the best time (mileage) to change the timing belt for the RX and what is the estimate cost? Thx,

 

Well I do mine every 90K, and cost varies depending on where you take it and your geographical location. Mine cost 600.00 to have timing belt, oil seals behind timing belt, drive belts, water pump, thermostat, coolant flush, and oil change done. I did it at a local shop called Japanese Auto Specialist, not a toyota or lexus dealer though. Have not had one problem, and couldn't beat the price.

 

you will perfectly safe to 100k. I know people that have gone 120k with no problems. I think age is the killer, I know at 100k my belt looked fantastic.

 

90K is the suggested changeout point according to Lexus, but as mentioned it can go further and I know a few who have let it run out to 150K, but then again they didn't drive it like a madman like I do

 

Mine was done at 96K by a non-Lexus dealer for $500 and Lexus had to re-do it because it was out of timing and that killed one knock sensor out. Now, this is what Lexus told us and we let them do it over. $1200.00 for the rear knock sensor and new timing belt with 2 years/unlimited mileage warranty. It must have been out of timing because I felt the difference after. Really felt the VVT working well on acceleration.

 

$600...wow does anyone know how much will the same thing be on a GS 400 in New York...

 

Probably $1200.00 up their. I`m just kidding rich.I know my quote from lexus of chester springs was very reasonable for my Rx. $561.00 w/labor.That`s just the belt replacement.$811.00 with water pump.

 

My local Toyota dealer gets $399. With a coupon I paid $325. I figured they know the engine better than anyone.

 

Yeah,I tried my local toyota dealer,and they said they cant work on it (something to do with customers seeing a lexus in a toyota shop or something.) I think it is as mentioned on here before,Lexus corporate comes down on them because technically they loose money that way.The service manager mentioned that too.

 

DAMN CONSPIRACY I TELL YA!!! lol....

 

That's too bad. The Toyota dealer is a great way to save $ and still get quality work from someone familiar with the car. I had my timing belt done at Towne Toyota in Ledgewood, NJ and recently had some work done at James Toyota in Flemington, NJ. Both had no problem with working on a Lexus and even keep sending me coupons trying to get more work.
I would do some checking and see if you local Toyota dealer is owned by some group that also owns a Lexus dealership. Why is it that only certain Toyota dealers use the excuse that Lexus corporate comes down on them?

 

Did you say James Toyota in Flemington?,That is only 30 miles away from me.I think I will give them a call.Thanx

 

I too continue to get coupons from Maita Toyota in Sacramento. they did right by me and in the future they will get the next timing belt service...

 

$600 x 10 (the NY premium)

 

That's them. You are actually a little closer than I am. Towne Toyota in Ledgewood is closest for me and my preferred one. But Towne Toyota does not believe in transmission flushes only drain and fills. James Toyota was the closest Toyota dealer I could find with a flush machine. They do good work and I was pleased with them although the trans flush was a bad idea.