DJWLDW

Ok going to look at an 07 SC with 59,425 on the clock tomorrow. The best I can tell from the service history that the Timing Belt/Water Pump has never been changed. The drive home would be 150-160 miles. The service history is very good but the couple who owns it have not driven it much. The last service was 2/19/16 at 58,193 when it had it's 60K service done at the Lexus dealership and they have only drive it 1,232 miles since Feb 19th 2016. They are the 2nd owners and got it in late 2011 with 30K on the clock and they had it serviced at their Lexus dealership for the first time on 3 Mar 2016 with 35,915 on the clock. The original owner had taken it to his dealership and had it completely inspected and serviced which shows in the service history before shipping to the current owner. So would you feel safe driving it 150-160 miles home and then immediately having the TB/WP and all the other parts that BGW70 ordered for his 07 back in 18. Belts, hoses, thermostat etc installed?

Dennis

VVTiBob

No issue at all in my mind. In fact I’d push it a bit just to feel out the car. Our VVTi motors are solid performers.

DJWLDW

Bob

I am not sure about that. I would hate to be test driving the guys car and pushing it a little hard and the timing belt break and then walk back and tell the guy your car is up the road and I will take a pass? I believe what you are saying is that you would have no issues driving it 150-160 miles home playing nice with the new baby.

Dennis

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Timing belts rarely break even on cars neglected for 2 to 3 times longer than the recommended interval. Nothing to worry about as Bob said.

DJWLDW

Thanks Guys. Will let you know if I pull the trigger on number 3 SC 430 in the family. This would make a 05, 06, 07 in the stable but the 05 would need to go but more about that latter.

Dennis

VVTiBob

I replaced my 02 model year timing belt at just about the same mileage and the car 11 years old. The old belt was in pristine shape. I sincerely doubt you’ll have anything to worry about.

Prasha

whats the risk, engine replacement? @ what cost?..

GmanSC

Dennis, I bought mine at the same mileage 58,280 in 2015. I did not change the TB & WP til 2 years later. I’m with Bob, you have nothing to worry. You will love the refined of 06+ models. Good luck.

DJWLDW

GmanSC

I already have an 2006 this would be an upgrade for my son's 2005. There really is no difference between a 2006 and a 2007 is there?

Dennis

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

I do know that they changed the TPMS sensors to the newer type. These are not color coded like the 06. You enter the serial number into Techstream rather than letting air out to program.

Stereorob

i wouldn't worry about it. 07 with 58k is kinda low but not scary low. if it was a 97 with 58k miles i would be concerned but sounds like a solid car. if it wasn't driven much but still serviced, it probably means its in excellent shape and has been garaged throughout its life, which makes a huge difference. when i bought my 95 LS400 back in 13 it had about 120k on it with almost all original parts. 250 mile trip home which had my anxiety through the roof but after about 45 mins humming along the turnpike at 90 mph the fear passed and it made the trip just fine.

VVTiBob

I be more concerned about....

• speaker cones gone bad
• motor mounts broken
• accessory belt worn out
• O2 sensors
• power steering hose clamps leaking
• trunk lid struts / engine hood struts
• Windshield wipers & sprayers in working condition
• antenna works properly
• door weather strip #2 split
• seat leather condition
• trunk tools present & complete
• battery age/condition
• tire wear / alignment issues
• brakes components
• And most of all...smooth operation of sliding roof and ALL of its components

riknchar

Dennis, I agree with the others that the likelihood of a timing belt failure on your drive home is exceptionally low! If the price is right and the body and interior are as flawless as I'd guess they are, this is probably a terrific buy. The fact that the owner paid the big bucks for the 60k service would give me peace of mind that this car is probably a "cream-puff." Good luck with #3 SC430 in the Dennis stable! Rick

ivanj

I'd add suspension bushings and rubber in general drying out through age/mileage or the junk they put on the roads.

Mazor1

GREAT Post and helpful information for anyone considering a purchase of a wonderful used SC430. Not to mention, finally, a voice of reason. I might get flamed for saying this but anyone who thinks that a timing belt with as little as 30,000 miles on it needs to be replaced just because its 11 or 12 years old is just wasting money. Lexus recommends 90K for a reason and I just don't believe this specific highly engineered part will just wear out because its exposed to air for 12 years or more.

BTW - perhaps I missed it in reading thru hundreds of posts on this great forum for the past 3 years or so but I do not believe that I have ever read a thread saying that an owners engine blew up because their timing belt simply broke. Sure, I'm sure it happens but judging by what I've read I bet the ratio of perfectly good timing belts being replaced to actual timing belts that failed is probably 100 to 1. Just my 2 cents. I just had to laugh when the OP actually worried that he wouldn't be able to drive his newly purchased car home a whopping 150 miles without fearing that the timing belt was going to just fall apart because the car is an 07. A good laugh.