New Owner in NoVA

[MoonBoon]

I was about to give up our GX search after looking a so many used and abused or rusted examples dealers/sellers were trying to offload...but we finally found a 1 owner not to far from home.

Had dash cracks and needed front seat repair which the dealer is taking care off. Dealer thought the dash would be an easy aftermarket swap, but I think they ended up getting in over their head...after realizing to make it look right would cost $$$. They wanted to honor their end of the deal and ended up having had a detailer re-wrap the entire dash. Good for us!

Turned out really nice too. We take ownership Tuesday.

We had a pre-purchase done and inspection turned up rear breaks pads will need to be replaced soon. Had new tires installed recently. But we can't find record of the timing belt/water pump/90k service being done. No sticker or written text under the hood or recod for it on the Lexus vin look up. Is there an easy way to tell by looking at the engine/parts if that has been done?

For everyones info in this crazy market - the truck has 131,000 miles and we paid $13,000.

 

[HMAK]

I was about to give up our GX search after looking a so many used and abused or rusted examples dealers/sellers were trying to offload...but we finally found a 1 owner not to far from home.

Had dash cracks and needed front seat repair which the dealer is taking care off. Dealer thought the dash would be an easy aftermarket swap, but I think they ended up getting in over their head...after realizing to make it look right would cost $$$. They wanted to honor their end of the deal and ended up having had a detailer re-wrap the entire dash. Good for us!

View attachment 2715083View attachment 2715084

Turned out really nice too. We take ownership Tuesday.

We had a pre-purchase done and inspection turned up rear breaks pads will need to be replaced soon. Had new tires installed recently. But we can't find record of the timing belt/water pump/90k service being done. No sticker or written text under the hood or recod for it on the Lexus vin look up. Is there an easy way to tell by looking at the engine/parts if that has been done?

For everyones info in this crazy market - the truck has 131,000 miles and we paid $13,000.

I’d say have the dealer or a reputable mechanic inspect it and they would be able to tell if it’s been done or not.

I have an ‘07 LX and I could tell the TB wasn’t done because the rubber looked worn and cracked. It was loose as well and the TB pulleys seemed rusted. If it was done anytime in the last 40,000 miles it shouldn’t be loose and the top (outer) part should be nice and smooth.

Of course you can ask the previous owner as well and hope they are honest.

 

[MoonBoon]

Thanks @HMAK, that makes sense. I have a few quotes if it hasn’t been done. Toyota dealership $3,600; independent shop 1 $1,500; independent shop 2 $1,400; and Lexus dealership: did not answer the phone the day I was calling….

Both independent shops are well respected and specialize in foreign cars. Independent shop 1 is where we take our 2007 BMW 530xi sport wagon, so I’m leaning taking it there first.

 

[MoonBoon]

Front shot of the truck.

 

[sedonut]

I'd bet the timing belt was not done. Still looks like an excellent buy.

 

[Rednexus]

You can examine the bolts that hold the timing cover down (on each cylinder head) to see if they have evidence of ever being taken off (typically, removal will leave some minor marks on the shoulders of the bolts from the socket/wrench used by the mechanic). I did this on my GX, as the seller indicated it had been replaced, it had the sticker, but it did not show up on the Lexus website as having been done. All of the timing cover bolts showed evidence of having been removed and the coolant appeared brand new (indicating a water pump change), so this was enough for me.

 

[HMAK]

Thanks @HMAK, that makes sense. I have a few quotes if it hasn’t been done. Toyota dealership $3,600; independent shop 1 $1,500; independent shop 2 $1,400; and Lexus dealership: did not answer the phone the day I was calling….

Both independent shops are well respected and specialize in foreign cars. Independent shop 1 is where we take our 2007 BMW 530xi sport wagon, so I’m leaning taking it there first.

That’s great that you have options but I would make sure that the mechanic that works on your BM knows what he’s doing. The pricing seems really high but maybe it’s because where I’m from the dealer and independent mechanics charge a lot less.

Another way to tell if it’s not been done is the T-Belt warning light on the dash, but that could have been reset.

All in all, the car seems to be in good condition and looks like a great purchase, best of luck with it !

 

[MoonBoon]

Finally picked up the truck today. Busy day but had a bit of time to grab one shot.