I have a 1997 model year ES300 with 40,000 miles and recently took it to an independent mechanic listed by BBB, AAA, & Chamber of Commerce in Camarillo and they inspected it and said that the
oil pan gasket
trans pan gasket
front engine seal
one of the valve cover gaskets (rear)
need replacement because they leak oil.
Also that the front brakes are worn to 30% and the rear to 35%.
In comparison, my Mom's 1992 (also ES300) has 80k miles on it and it don't leak anything!
I know that aging has something to do with gasket life but doesn't this sound suspect? Am I being set for a scam? Are these gasket made from silicon rubber? That's what the shop told me. The repair shop said the cost of parts and labor was about $1150, not including the brakes. Regarding the brakes, the Lexus parts guy said that the front pads get replaced twice before the rear pads get replaced. I wonder if the hydraulic distribution unit to rear brakes is off or malfunctioning?
Car was purchased at Jim Falk in Beverly Hills and had 4500 miles when purchased in 2000. An extension warranty was also purchased and is still good till 2008 or 100k miles.
Any advice on this?
Ron