Buying a 100-series, need some advice on maintenance

[nkbitsch]

Found what looks like a well-maintained 100 Series.

It’s a 2003 model that did only 110k verified miles in its first 20 years.

In 2023, the current owner bought it for a 2-year road trip. Before hitting the road, he had the underbody coated and replaced the timing belt, radiator, all fluids, and brakes. He then drove it about 50k miles over those two years. It’s now back home with 160k miles on the clock, so still low mileage for a 100-series.

If I end up buying it, what should I look out for in terms of maintenance?

I’m planning to replace all fluids again, but anything else worth checking or doing at this mileage?

I only have very limited shots of the underbody, so that is indeed something I will ask for.

 

[nkbitsch]

I found a service report from 2003, just before the car had its underbody treatment:

1. Slight surface corrosion/oxidation of brake pipes.
2. Brake disc excessively corroded (deep corrosion) – damaged functional surface clearly not exceeding 1/5 of its width or brake disc with grooves clearly not exceeding a groove depth of 1.5 mm.
3. External damage to cable lines (Bowden cables) that does not affect their function.
4. The dust cover on the wheel drive shaft (half-shaft) is cracked, but there is no lubricant leakage.
5. Surface corrosion of the cab, body, or superstructure of the vehicle.

It seems like the car had been standing still for a long time, since the discs were excessively corroded. The remaining comments appear to be related to surface corrosion, which shouldn't be an issue, should it?

I was told the entire body undercarriage went for an extensive treatment, and all discs were replaced at that time by Toyota.

 

[excessive]

oftentimes what people do is just spray paint or undercoating overtop of undercarriage rust, and call it a day. while it cleans it up for photos to sell it, what ultimately happens it the rust keeps doing its thing under the paint or undercoating, eventually coming back worse than before. so hopefully that is not the case with it.

 

[Evan Kapel]

I would not buy one with undercoating for the above mentioned risk. If you do buy it, do so with the assumption there is hidden rust.

 

[bowball]

I came across a thread where they outlined the service list. I’m in the same situation wondering what should be changed on low mileage examples interesting to read the radiator was changed so early before on the one you reference which has me curious.

 

[GerLC100]

I'd say mainly suspension parts: bushings, ball joints, ....

Also heater T's, brake master.

There are also some threads here for maintenance topics. Look for baseline, baselining, ... things like that and you find a lot of lists on things to surely do, to can do and the most fun to want to do

 

[TEQAdventure]

There are lots of things to check. I would tell you to find a reputable shop and have them do a vehicle inspection. This will give you a list of stuff that is pressing vs. items that can wait. I just did this on a 2003 I bought that had several known issues. I did the following:

Replace:
Fluids (Engine, Diffs, T-Case, Power Steering, Brakes, Coolant)
Wiper Blades
Air Filters (Cabin and Engine)
Fuel Filter
Heater Tees

Check the following and replace as necessary:
Brake Pads/Rotors
Battery
AHC Globes (LX470)
Shocks
Front Differential Mounts (3 total)
Engine Mounts
Transmission Mount
CV Axles (can be rebuilt if they are OEM)
Steering Rack and/or Steering Rack Bushings (check the boots to see if they are holding fluid, if so rack needs replacement)
Timing Belt (when was the last time it was changed? If it has been 7 years or over 90k miles, it is overdue)
Ball Joints
Tie Rod Ends

 

[efjayatee]

Delete post

 

[bowball]

Thank you. I also read about the cooling system too. Everything I guess is just getting old!

 

[efjayatee]

I would print out my own carfax report. Too many stories with misleading info....odometer.
Also you can log into Lexus with its VIN # and you can see the maintenence history from Lexus (from day 1). That will tell you if the OP does the regular maintenence at Lexus or you will see any gap on maintenence history.....if gaps, means he sought out mom and pops shop (see if any receipts tells this story) to avoid dealership $$. Not wrong in doing so just another info that tells a story of the vehicle. Either religiously taken cared of or cheap-out on maintenence.

 

[Malleus]

Is Carfax available in Europe? There is no Lexus in Europe.

 

[efjayatee]

Is Carfax available in Europe? There is no Lexus in Europe.

Ohhhh good ?...not sure.

 

[Jack90210]

Here's my list: Baselining

 

[efjayatee]

Another thing to remember...yes it is low miles but it is still a 20 year old vehicle. Rubbers and OEM parts are 20 yrs old....ect.
My recent purchased 2003 will need at least $5k worth of work that I budgeted.

 

[Malleus]

Absolutely. All (5) door and (4) window seals especially.

 

[nkbitsch]

Lots of valuable input! Thank you!

Yes, you are right about the seals and rubber parts. I will be traveling to see it next week. I will share an update after!

 

[TurboJAM]

Is Carfax available in Europe? There is no Lexus in Europe.

Carfax.eu