2003 with 5,000 miles - what now??
08-02-12, 09:23 PM
#16
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I purchased a 2002 in April with a little over 11k miles. The previous owner did the timeing belt in Jan of 2012. Although it was under the mileage, it was time. The previous owner also did all the maintence at Rallye Lexus in Long Island and all of the history was in the computer. They even listed when he changed the battery in the key remote.
I would just bring it in for service. Have the service Dept give it a once over. With 5k miles im sure the wear and tear is minimal. Good Luck
I would just bring it in for service. Have the service Dept give it a once over. With 5k miles im sure the wear and tear is minimal. Good Luck
Hi all, I just bought a 2003 SC430 that has a little over 5,6000 miles (NO, that is not a type - 5,600 miles) on it...... It apparently had oil change, etc., at 5,000 miles....... was wondering what other things I might want to take care of?? For example, although the fluids (transmission, rear end, etc) only have been "used" for 5,000 miles, they are also now 9 years old...... so is breakdown of the fluids an issue?? Any thoughts on what should be, or what I might want to, address given its age (and not its mileage)? Thanks, Ray in Pennsylvania............
08-03-12, 12:54 AM
#17
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Since the horn works with the key fob, sounds like a spiral cable issue, or as suggested some oxidation on the switch contact points preventing a circuit connection.What about the steering wheel controls for the stereo, volume up/down, mode and set buttons.
And, not to be Jonny rain cloud, but it could be an indicator for other issues. Cars are not meant to sit around and rust. In fact it's probably one of the worst things that can happen to them. The car should go in for a thorough inspection of all joints and seals. As others have suggested all fluids should be flushed and replaced, the leather probably needs a good moisturizer and conditioning. I'd do the same for all the weather seals and take a hard look at the rubber on the tires for signs of cracking or rot. I'd also be very aware and critical of any unusual vibration or odd idle. Finally run your fingers over body work .. If it's smooth as a baby's bottom your okay, but if you can feel grit or rough patches, especially on leading edges, there's debris and oxidations embedded into the clear coat. Get the car detailed and clay barred to remove all that build up that's going to ruin the finish.
Congrats on a great fine, but more importantly, enjoy the car once you get it back to OEM specs. It will provide you with years of pleasurable driving.
And, not to be Jonny rain cloud, but it could be an indicator for other issues. Cars are not meant to sit around and rust. In fact it's probably one of the worst things that can happen to them. The car should go in for a thorough inspection of all joints and seals. As others have suggested all fluids should be flushed and replaced, the leather probably needs a good moisturizer and conditioning. I'd do the same for all the weather seals and take a hard look at the rubber on the tires for signs of cracking or rot. I'd also be very aware and critical of any unusual vibration or odd idle. Finally run your fingers over body work .. If it's smooth as a baby's bottom your okay, but if you can feel grit or rough patches, especially on leading edges, there's debris and oxidations embedded into the clear coat. Get the car detailed and clay barred to remove all that build up that's going to ruin the finish.
Congrats on a great fine, but more importantly, enjoy the car once you get it back to OEM specs. It will provide you with years of pleasurable driving.
Last edited by VVTiBob; 08-03-12 at 12:57 AM.
08-03-12, 07:10 AM
#18
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That sounds like a great car.
Since you are going to drive it regularly, I would pay the closest Lexus dealer to go over the car and do everything that needs to be done. In ten years, many parts will fail from age. You should not drive on 10 year old tires, as the rubber ages. In your situation, you want to get rid of the runflats anyway, so make that move now. My guess is that all the fluids should be changed, and maybe some of the belts and hoses. I cannot believe the battery will last long if it is the original battery - have this looked at.
In my opinion, this will be money well spent, as you will establish a base-line for future services, you will be doing all you can to prevent the sudden disability of the car due to one of these parts failing, and you will be protecting the money you spent for this fine vehicle.
Consider this a part of the purchase price.
Since you are going to drive it regularly, I would pay the closest Lexus dealer to go over the car and do everything that needs to be done. In ten years, many parts will fail from age. You should not drive on 10 year old tires, as the rubber ages. In your situation, you want to get rid of the runflats anyway, so make that move now. My guess is that all the fluids should be changed, and maybe some of the belts and hoses. I cannot believe the battery will last long if it is the original battery - have this looked at.
In my opinion, this will be money well spent, as you will establish a base-line for future services, you will be doing all you can to prevent the sudden disability of the car due to one of these parts failing, and you will be protecting the money you spent for this fine vehicle.
Consider this a part of the purchase price.
08-03-12, 01:18 PM
#19
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Hi, I've basically decided to go with the Continental DWS tires,,,, checked on line and they seem remarkedly cheap!!!!!! But you say they are really good despite the price????? tks, ray
08-03-12, 01:21 PM
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hi, thanks for seconding the suggestion of the conti dws tires..... checked on line and they seem remarkedly cheap - yet you say they are a good tire?????????? tks, ray
08-03-12, 04:38 PM
#22
08-04-12, 07:13 PM
#23
I need tires pretty soon. Is this the one :
http://www.sears.com/continental-ext...4&blockType=G4
http://www.sears.com/continental-ext...4&blockType=G4
08-04-12, 07:47 PM
#24
I also think the tread is really really weird looking!
I'll probably get one set for my 1999 GS400 too.
04-10-15, 09:56 AM
#25
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OMG Ray I am from Scranton PA! I wish I knew about this deal. My brother in Scranton gave me the keys to his Silver/Saddle 2005 and I fell in love, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I shopped this car for a year and a half before I bought one. I live near Tampa now so I found one here. 2003 Black/Saddle w 63K and killer wheels, and I am thrilled! Knowing how much I love the car I would have paid more than I did, and wouldn't have tortured myself over debating whether or not to buy it. Have fun and watch for my brother on the road!
04-10-15, 02:36 PM
#26
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Congratulations Franden on your acquisition. Enjoy.
04-10-15, 08:01 PM
#27
I had Conti DWS tires on my wife's 2007 SC430. If the car was parked for anything over 24 hours they would fist spot. It would take anywhere from 2-8 miles before they would become round and stop the car from shaking. My 2008 SC430 gas Michelin Pilot Super Sports and that car is smooth no matter how long it is parked.
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