Reaching out to those of you with more knowledge and experience. I have a 2004 GX470 that I've owned for just over 6 years. Purchased with 100K miles - now at 222K. She's been a great vehicle - only expense to date has been tires, brakes, CV axles, timing belt and rear differential noise fix. Last summer she pulled our 26' travel trailer 6000 miles out to Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and back to the East coast. Wondering if I should hold on to her. My wife is after me to make the 'christmas tree' lights on the dash go out. For the last 2 years the following lights have been on - VSC, TRAC, TPM, and Check Engine lights. The codes are: Fault in ABS C1223, C1252 Hydroboost motor fault, Catalyst system P0430 and P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency below threshold bank 1 and 2).
I'm a school teacher, so not a lot of extra money to slap down $2000 plus on Lexus OEM parts or service.
Questions:
1. Has anyone tried the Bosch conversion for the brake issue? (Not sure if this option eliminates motor, accumulator, issue or if it's a non-starter) $450 - Only noticeable symptoms are when the weather turns colder - pump cycles and beeps until warmed up - brakes seem to work fine. On very rare occasions (3 times in past 2 years), the ABS warning light and alarm come on when the car is first started - but goes off after a few minutes. I understand 4runner parts are interchangeable - maybe find used parts in local junk yard??
2. Check engine is due to Cats or O2's. Haven't tried changing O2's yet - would it throw a different code if it were as simple as replacing O2 sensors? Is it worth it to replace cats? Any after market products anyone would recommend? Shop quoted me over $2000 for OEM. - again, I've been driving it like this for over 2 years without any noticeable brake or performance issues - even when towing 6000# trailer over 11K elevation mountains out west.
My wife really loves the vehicle, and I know they are well built and highly capable for off-road needs. My main worry is if something major breaks and then it becomes a big paper weight that I can't afford to fix. The vehicle is in great condition - no accidents, no rust- leather still super clean, etc. Only body issue is that I recently noticed a small patch of paint flaking off the roof (about the size of my fist) Pearl White.
Any help / suggestions would be much appreciated.
I'm a school teacher, so not a lot of extra money to slap down $2000 plus on Lexus OEM parts or service.
Questions:
1. Has anyone tried the Bosch conversion for the brake issue? (Not sure if this option eliminates motor, accumulator, issue or if it's a non-starter) $450 - Only noticeable symptoms are when the weather turns colder - pump cycles and beeps until warmed up - brakes seem to work fine. On very rare occasions (3 times in past 2 years), the ABS warning light and alarm come on when the car is first started - but goes off after a few minutes. I understand 4runner parts are interchangeable - maybe find used parts in local junk yard??
2. Check engine is due to Cats or O2's. Haven't tried changing O2's yet - would it throw a different code if it were as simple as replacing O2 sensors? Is it worth it to replace cats? Any after market products anyone would recommend? Shop quoted me over $2000 for OEM. - again, I've been driving it like this for over 2 years without any noticeable brake or performance issues - even when towing 6000# trailer over 11K elevation mountains out west.
My wife really loves the vehicle, and I know they are well built and highly capable for off-road needs. My main worry is if something major breaks and then it becomes a big paper weight that I can't afford to fix. The vehicle is in great condition - no accidents, no rust- leather still super clean, etc. Only body issue is that I recently noticed a small patch of paint flaking off the roof (about the size of my fist) Pearl White.
Any help / suggestions would be much appreciated.