99lsguy

I agree with your logic...that's what I did :D My 99 had 53K and I've put maybe $300 into it up through now (62K). This includes the 60K service (DIY except for fuel filter) - so I"m all up to date Plus I have the peace of mind knowing I've cared for the LS much better than I'd get from dealer service.... 99

GET THE O4!!!!!! lexus-parts.com is one source............ Looks like your up to $2k even with DIY.......

Linux, At first I was looking at the CPO 's too. I was close to buying - but we were still $2k apart. I kindly told the salesmen that I was willing to "take a bath" on the deal - but just not this much. I know I quoted him EXACTLY what they had in the car - and was willing to pay up to $3k over it - but I could bend no more. I just love research - and they knew (that I knew) I walked away.....and glad I did :D Depreciation on these 4-5 yr old cars is still bad enough :cries: $8k savings will buy some nice tires and a lot of maintenance - especially DIY 99

Well, with a certified car you will get new tires along with the 128 point checklist they go over. I would ask to see the list - and exactly what they do. They are normally in great condition with lower miles. YOU ARE PAYING PREMIUM $$$$ FOR A LOWER MILEAGE LS.... Usually, the dealer will do the closest "major " service. It boils down to CHANGING tires, filters, & fluids. It costs the dealer probably $300-$400 to do the certification - they will tell you it costs $2000+. They get such a great deal on tires .....we can't buy them for what they do. ;) If you find a well maintained LS from private owner...it's the same car but without the warranty - just depends on your level of confidence in the car. If you would be worried about a NON-certified car and its lack of warranty; it's not worth the worry - get the certified. Are you mechanically inclined to do service yourself??? I saved myself $8000 over what the dealer wanted - a certified 99 LS PLUS my trade in. I sold my "trade in" car myself and bought from private owner. I gained the ENTIRE PRICE of my older vehicle in the process :D 99

I see: the newest T-IV fluid is OK with any application using T or T-II........... But not for replacing any application using standard Dex II or III (hence, not for use in the PS system...) Monarch - THANK YOU!!! 99

Monarch, I just PM'd you about this and various topics It's funny you say these things...because the Lexus dealer in KC use the T-IV fluid in all the older LS's (Dex II or III original fluids). I'm confused 99

Great! Let us know how it turns out... I used valvoline maxlife ATF (2 quarts) because of its claim to "reconditoin" rubber seals & components ;) - thought it may be worth a shot. It's been about 3 weeks now and all is well. Although, I keep feeling like the steering may be a touch "stiffer" - but my imagination may be tricking me. I plan on another flush this summer...to help keep clean and perhaps remove any "gunk" I've stirred up in the system with the clean fluid.... I've got a case of Toyota T-IV ATF that I use for the tranny pan drain maintenance - I might as well use it; it's great fluid :D 99

I would probably replace them as well.................. and the ignition rotors while its apart This is a $1500 service @ lexus 99

acf, No - that is called the Serpentine Belt. It's the belt you see just behind the radiator in front of engine. Timing Belt is concealed behind the pulleys/covers of this belt. OEM Water pump for $110.....that's seems reasonable :D

I don't see why you couldn't just change the hose.....That would be my first line of thinking too! Some guys have purchased the PS pump from Autozone...I think they've had good success with it. If they have the pump, they may also have the hose(s) also. The Rack is probably different story. As astronomical as the quote is....it's probably in line :( I believe the dealer price for entire system is close to $1500 - just outrageous

I know what you mean.... When I first bought the car, I was checking the brakes and I thought I was going to break the lug nut wrench ; they were on so tight, I luckily had a "cheater bar" in the garage - Just think if I was on the road somewhere and had to get a flat tire off. I was upset to think about it :chairshot: Now I rotate & torque them myself 76 FT LBS per manual specs :D 99

Z, I thought you already did this? How's the steering??

I believe if you did a total flush, then you could just do "monarchs" method of draining only the radiator every year afterward. Since it has been 37K miles, I'd flush it the "real" way first. Then in following years just do the easy radiator drain/fill. 99

Yes --dealer can reprogram They're called the CBEST codes...... My wife's 02 Sequoia has the locks come on at 15 mph or when put it in reverse. Worse thing about the LS is the AUTO RE-LOCK ; 30 or 60 secs after using remote to unlock car - it locks back up!!! Don't leave you keys in there by mistake ;) That's why the have the wallet key...keep it handy!!! 99

lexur, how does the 01 LS 430 compare to the 99..........? I've got to think its the next level up!! 99

Most likely there is air in the system..... I flushed mine DIY a week ago and all is well........... raise the car wheels up just off the ground with two jacks / stands Open cap on PS reservoir....LEAVE car off. Turn wheels slowly Lock to Lock several times. Keep cap on loosely and start car. Leave in Park on idle. Turn wheel lock to lock several more times. Turn off car and lower. Another trick is to leave PS cap off all night to let air bubbles out. Another possibility is that they used the wrong fluid. My 99LS400 uses DexIII or equivalent. MOst PS fluids are not DexIII .....so this could be the problem. See post about PS Flush in the LS400 section....it's on the first or second page right now!!! 99

You're right about my stomach hurting....but I'm smiling now On the plugs: Three of those threads look dark/oil.....which I thought could have been from you just trying to yank those puppies out. I'm a little puzzled by there appearance... But the ends look great!!! NO OIL RESIDUE, clean tips.....so I think you've got a good engine in there :D 99

Definately!!

Aaaaahhh Blake!!! Just great my man - the LS looks very good. I'm impressed Your plugs look good - the tips are not oil fouled or anythng - which is a great monitor of the engine condition. Just a super job - keep it up! 99 Have you tackled all the fluids yet?

Agreed, Do this first....but if it still persists then worn suspension components (lower ball joint, strut bushings, tie rod bushings, etc) are next on the list ;) 99

Yes--- yes..... Ditto Linux & Silver, what year is your LS, miles.... Air filter checked and clean? Usually, down on the pedal means more fuel to the engine....so it may be "flooding" out - so to speak. So its probably running "rich" 99

The 98+ (VVT-i) engines are interference. 90k is the timing belt service along with the plugs - they are the newer iridium type. You get 20 more HP and a major refresh of the entire car. Engine, 5 spd tranny, trunk room, interior refresh. HID's are options on 98 99

Sure....its causing a binding!!! 99

Yeah, Baking soda with a little water and old toothbrush.... They actually make a "battery terminal" brush....you just pop it over the terminal and start twisting - the wire brush is circular and will clean it right up :D Autozone or similar would surely have one.... 99