landar

Good to hear she is all fixed. I know it is not polite to ask but....what wa$ the damage?

Jim, do you have any pics of the old belt, especially a closeup of the white timing marks? I would like to see how it looks. BTW, I still have my old belt. Souvenir as well.

As curiousB mentions, it can be nearly impossible to assess a belts condition based on an eyeball. However, if the belt was just recently replaced, and depending upon how many miles have elapsed, and depending upon whether a Toyota belt was used, it *may* be possible to get a warm and fuzzy concerning belt replacement. First, if an OEM belt was used, it came with a little sticker that a competent mechanic is supposed to affix to a conspicuous part of the engine. It "says" that the TB has been changed and the mechanic fills in the mileage. You might want to search for said sticker. Second, you could pull either cam cover (its a little bit of work) and look at the flat side of the belt. If it still has the white markings visible(you might have to crank the engine and look) then you may have a newer belt. My belt, at 94k miles, had no marks at all. They had all worn off. Pretty typical because the flat side is running against the water pump, idler and tensioner pulleys. So, depending on your concern and motivation level, you could try looking at these things. Does not guarantee that the belt has been recently replaced, but it may boost your confidence level. Oh BTW, the 90K service does NOT specify a water pump change. Its a REALLY good idea to change it while in there replacing the belt but definitely not part of the Lexus maintenance schedule.

I have a set of four brand new rear brake pads that I was going to use on my 98 LS400 until it was totaled in an accident. I believe they will fit a 1993-2000 LS400 model. I paid $65 at the local Lexus dealer but will take $30 plus shipping for them (shipping would probably be about $5 from Indiana inside the USA). PM me if interested. Thanks, Randy

You can also get to the advanced search by "flooding" the search engine...ie: multiple search tries within the 30 second timeout. I believe the site used to have the Advanced button but may have been lost when going to the "IP.board" web implementation. >> Now at least I can find my own past posts. Steve, please don't take this away from us. It will cost you 1 million dollars. Paypal accepted.

I stumbled upon a way to get to the advanced search. Just type a 3 letter word into the search field and go. The advanced field will come up complaining about < 4 characters. Then you can modify the individual parameters. I still think there is a missing "Advanced" button but this method will get you in for now.

You're welcome. Something else occurred to me. Before the cleaner you might try a few "puffs" of compressed air in the switch assembly. Perhaps a piece of lint or dust is trapped in there and that might be all that is needed to dislodge it. You can get a can of compressed air at Radio Shack as well. After the air, then the cleaner could be used. Of course, if you use the cleaner, make sure you wipe any excess off the plastic right away. I do not think it will harm any plastic but do a little sample test somewhere inconspicuous just to make sure.

I know your frustration, gx. I put 17" wheels on my 98 LS400 last spring. The make is "Sport Tuning". They look fine, not pimp'in but fine with me. Heres a thread -> http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=57037&st=0&p=370333&hl="sport%20tuning"&fromsearch=1entry370333

My external mirrors(both) auto tilt down when in reverse IF the mirror switch is in either the R or L position. The center position disables any movement, auto tilt or rocker position switch. If I were in your situation, I would first take a quick look at your owners manual to make sure the mirrors are operating as designed. If you determine that there still exists some sort of intermittent contact operation, you *might* be able to clean up the switch contacts by spritzing (very little and using the tube nozzle) contact cleaner directly into the switch assembly and working it around. You can get TV tuner/Control contact cleaner at your local Radio Shack.

No ideas? Anyone? Jim, Steve...tell me I am not going crazy! Ok, maybe you can't go that far.

The low temp is usually indicative of a failed sensor or bad connection.

One simple thing you could try is to replace the thermostat. Sometimes as they age, they stay open somewhat resulting in lower engine temps and lower MPG. Again, it may not be your issue but its fairly cheap and easy to replace if you have not done so recently. What did your recent tune-up consist of? Plugs, wires, rotors?

Perhaps the new website omitted the Advanced search link feature or.... I may be going blind (a real possibility). According to the help section: "Advanced Options If instead of typing your keywords into the quick-search bar, you click the "Advanced" link next to it, you will see some advanced options for searching." Can anyone enlighten me concerning the Advanced search? Where is it?

Within the LS430 years(2001-2006) is there any which may be more "desirable" over another? Or known problems in which to steer clear? Now that I have had some time to drive my LS430, I have to say that it is a nicer ride than my 98 LS400. Feels more refined and tighter fitting all around. No noticeable throttle lag like the 98. I am wowed. Love the color. Changes with the light. Mystic. "Its an 'orse of a different color" Although I like the lines on the 98-00 a little better, the 430 is growing on me.

With the age and mileage of the car, there are multiple issues you may want to consider. Has the car had proper maintenance performed lately? You may have fuel system dirt issues and/or ignition problems. How long ago was the fuel system cleaned? When was the last time the plugs, rotors, caps, wires were replaced? You might start by examining some fundamental routine service. Also, I am not sure what you mean by the gas cap gasket being bad because it hisses when unscrewed. The hissing is an indication that it IS sealing effectively.

The suspension bushings on my 02 LS430 appear to be in very good condition and I have been thinking about applying some sort of preservative to them to prolong their life. Since the elements like rain, salt and ozone help to break down rubber compounds, it seems reasonable to apply some sort of sealant or preservative directly to the exposed rubber. Does anyone do this on a regular basis and if so, what do you use? I am thinking a silicone spray may be best. Waste of time?

Like you said Billy, it all worked out for the best! I hope I can resist putting this one into the side of a truck. And I am some day hoping to put 200k on a Lexus. Maybe in kilometers? That'll be close enuff. :whistles:

Did not know that. I will have to add Hyundai to my list of safe and reliable cars. Thanks.

Yeah, you are absolutely right, SW03ES. Where else do I get this kind of quality and almost showroom new for $19k? A friend of mine just bought a brand new Hyundai Sonata for $15k. In a nice way, I tried to tell him what would happen in an accident and how he could have a nice used Lexus for about the same price. Apparently not for him. All my friends just marvel at how I can pick up these nice cars yet dont seem to think that they themselves can own a Lexus. The logic escapes me. They have access to the newspaper, craigslist, ebay and other media just as I do. Most people view a Lexus as a nice car but not affordable. I view a Lexus as one of the best deals around. The value is incredible. This is one of those creme puffs that pops up very infrequently and you have to have the cash to deal and know when to jump on it. Heck, I could probably stick this on Ebay right now and get $19.5k for it! :o :D

Thanks for the link. Looks like it has the NL package for one (Nav, Levinson, Heated F/R seats, moonroof). I could not believe my ears when I turned up the audio. Never had a system that nice. Impressive. Not sure about the phone system but if so, is it some outdated hands-free thing? It also has some kind of built-in RADAR detector system. Looks possibly dealer installed. Detector on front bumper and indicators top of dash console. As concerns the trunk...yes it is large and there is an access panel from the rear seat to the trunk. Is that for fetching a cold one? ;)

Thanks. The "pain" of the accident is fading and every time I get in this LS430, I feel like a kid at Christmas. I got a good price for my wrecked LS400 and this LS430 just feels like a very nice car. More refined than my 98 even though the 98 was stellar. I am staying with the LS primarily for the value and the safety. What a vehicle. My recent accident shows exactly why you want to be wrapped in this kind of protection.

Dang it! I just found out from a TV commercial that I could have gotten a Buick Lacrosse. Well, don't that just figure. ;)

If you are in Wisconsin, get heated seats. That trumps everything else. Aye? :P If the brake light is still on, they probably did not get the sensor correctly re-positioned.

They are tan. The camera flash must have washed them out. Still, amazing condition. The leather is the solid, non-perforated type. Heated front and rear.

Pulled the trigger today on a new (to me) '02 LS430. Found this right in my "backyard". A farmer had this tucked away in his "barn" (modern garage) and only drove it on nice days. To tell you the truth, I am not even quite sure(option-wise) what I have here, but it is darn near immaculate. A real cream puff. 2002 LS430 with 13,688 miles. The guy told me he never drove it in the winter. I believe him. This thing is like brand-spanking new. Even smells new. The seats don't show any wear. Probably the closest I will ever get w/o going new. It even has the original tires. Price? He wanted $26k. I gave him $19k for it. Might have overpaid slightly but less than the $70k new price. I could not resist. Back in the Lex saddle!