drobbins

Hi all. I am about to inherit my mother in-law's 2003 SC430. I've loved driving it on vacation for years and am really excited to be taking ownership in the next few months. It has spent most of it's life in Florida, has about 38,500 miles on it and is completely stock.

I know it needs a bit of work right out of the gate:

• front and rear brakes
• motor mounts
• transmission mounts

I am quite sure it has always been serviced by Lexus dealers so I also need to ascertain if the timing belt has ever been done.

I've been reading the forum since I got this news and have some questions...

• Do people upgrade their brakes or is it better to just go with OEM brakes?
• Beat-sonic beat sonic mva-12l. Any suggestions on how to find out what current radios on the market would interface easily with it? Is there a way to maintain the OEM look but add Bluetooth?
• Other low cost things to consider, do, etc?
• Anyone in Boston's western suburbs or metrowest with suggestions for mechanics who really know these cars?

Thanks in advance!

OBP

On brakes, tried a number of different things over the years with different levels of success. Like what I have now. R1 concepts premium rotors drilled and slotted and Akebono ceramic pads. Using ceramic pads with OEM rotors can lead to premature rotor vibration.

kevin3344

Usually there is a sticker with the date and mileage of the TB change (on ours it was placed on the air intake as you can see below). However, you can get the service history for work done at the dealer by registering the vehicle at LexusDrivers.com and if the TB was changed it will show up.

drobbins

Update:

I took the car into Lexus of Palm Beach this past weekend and had them give it a good once-over. They replaced the brakes and fixed the broken radio antenna but they told me the engine and transmission mounts didn't need to be done at this time. I was also was told the timing belt had been replaced in 2010 and upon inspection, the belt and water pump looked like they were good to go for while.

The car is now waiting to be transported up to Boston (will probably late until late February or even March)! Still trying to find a good bluetooth solution and the 3M clear bra looks brutal so I will need to remove it. I've looking through this forum for info but info seems thin so I'm still hoping for recommendations.

I'm so excited, I can't wait for spring to get here!!!

VVTiBob

drobbins

Thanks @VVTiBob, that's helpful!

AeroTect

There is another thread discussing clear bra removal if you're going the DIY route:

You could also try Protection Plus in Shrewsbury

-Jason

drobbins

i spoke with Protection Plus this week. Very nice guy but he won't touch it. They basically only work on what they've applied but he also said that with the age and condition, it's going to be brutal to remove as it will likely splinter as opposed to peel off. He gave me some tips (steamer, not heat gun) and wished me luck!

Not sure what my next move is. I may try and see how it comes off one of the rear view mirrors.