2001 LX 470 with 129k Miles, Original Timing Belt

[skinnyhb]

I am looking at an 01 LX470 with 129k miles. By all accounts, it has the original timing belt on there. I called a Lexus dealer who performed a recent service, and they confirmed that it appeared to be original.

It's about 400 miles away, so I can't exactly take a look at the belt myself. I'd prefer to replace it myself or have a local mechanic do it.

Would I be crazy to fly out there and drive it back so I could do the work here? It's an interference engine, so it'd be catastrophic if it failed correct?

Would you be wary of a vehicle whose owner let the belt go that long without getting replaced?

 

[mcgaskins]

Short answer no - long answer please search it's been discussed ad nauseam.

 

[RND1]

These vehicles are very well engineered and built. But, that vehicle is now 13-14 years old and even high quality parts wear. I would have the Lexus dealer perform a thorough PPI and negotiate with the seller a new timing belt plus whatever else turns up in the PPI. This will give you peace of mind traveling so far to buy it and bring it home.

It is an interference engine, but I wouldn't get too caught up in the timing belt not being changed. Look at the entire vehicle and it's complete service history. The fact that they had it serviced at the Lexus dealer is a good sign.

 

[skinnyhb]

Sorry, I have read the topics I've searched. I was just curious for an opinion on driving a new to me vehicle that far before getting a chance to give it a once over and replace the belt.

 

[mcgaskins]

It has been recently proven on this board a few times that it is not an interference engine, and I personally just posted a thread a couple months ago of me not changing my timing belt until 120k+ miles on my 1998, and the belt and water pump looked great.

 

[SWUtah]

I bought a 99 LC that at the time was 8 years old but it only had 60k miles on it. Lived its life in Tuscan AZ (high temps dry desert climate hard on rubber, but no rust ) Toyota recommends change every 7 years or 90k miles. I had mine changed at 60k miles it was in bad shape and would not of made it to 90k miles, maybe not to 70k miles. Where did yours spend it's life? Is the water pump weeping? That will also take a toll on your timing belt.

 

[skinnyhb]

Oregon and Southern CA

 

[SmoothLC]

No you wouldn't be crazy. Due to a miscommunication between me and the mechanic, my LC went until 134k until the timing belt was replaced.

I also would not be wary. As others have written, look at the total service history and then make your decision.

You could use the timing belt work as part of the negotiation.

 

[SWUtah]

Oregon and Southern CA

Based on this I would not be worried, drive it home and do the timing belt water pump, etc. good luck

 

[Todrn55]

My 1998 had 169,000 on the original when I replaced it this spring. Scary, not too pretty when removed, but functioned.

That may easy your mind.

Todd H


...via IH8MUD app

 

[ranma21]

I will not sweat to drive 400 miles and get it done when I get home. It is a non interference engine, no worry =) Good bargaining chip with the seller though, as Lexus charge more than $1.3k to do the 90k service!

 

[skinnyhb]

Thanks guys. I pulled the trigger on it yesterday, and will pick it up next weekend. Thank you again for the help.

 

[ranma21]

Thanks guys. I pulled the trigger on it yesterday, and will pick it up next weekend. Thank you again for the help.

Great!! Enjoy and welcome to the addiction!!

 

[Slickspawn]

Congrats! My 100 series is my favorite vehicle in our fleet!

 

[SWUtah]

Congrats! My 100 series is my favorite vehicle in our fleet!

I agree I have a new Lexus sitting next to my Hundy in the garage, but 9 times out of 10 drive the Hundy. My wife never drives, I told her in 5 years when I turn 70, I'll have about 180-190k miles on the Hundy and be due for another T-belt/water pump change. Will sell both vehicles and get a used 200 series.

 

[RND1]

It has been recently proven on this board a few times that it is not an interference engine, and I personally just posted a thread a couple months ago of me not changing my timing belt until 120k+ miles on my 1998, and the belt and water pump looked great.

This is a pleasant surprise. FSM and Gates indicates interference motor. If the belt breaks and it is a non interference motor, does it only take the installation of a new timing belt to get it back up and running? The other MUD member said his head gaskets blew - if this is the case, it's a much more expensive fix simply waiting for the belt to break?

 

[SWUtah]

This is a pleasant surprise. FSM and Gates indicates interference motor. If the belt breaks and it is a non interference motor, does it only take the installation of a new timing belt to get it back up and running? The other MUD member said his head gaskets blew - if this is the case, it's a much more expensive fix simply waiting for the belt to break?

If non interference no broken parts, just install new belt. I would just follow the FSM and change the belt at recommended interval.