landar

You HAD to remind me. :cries: ;) Hey... I gotta a new "ride" today. Is it the MB S420? Will post some pics in another thread. Now, where's my camera?

I know with my 98, the first press of the key fob lock would lock all doors then a second lock press would turn the headlights off.

This is for a 2000 model but may be close enough to get you going. ig-9(cam_sensor_components).pdf

What year is your LS?

Drain and refill the coolant once or twice a year??????

Within the LS430 years(2001-2006) is there any which may be more "desirable" over another? Or known problems in which to steer clear?

Yes, I second(or third) the flexplate teeth. Pull the bottom plate and slowly rotate the crank to see if any teeth (or plate itself) are messed up. Perhaps the starter mount is loose causing the starter to move slightly when engaged. In your case it would have to be loose bolts or stripped threads. Lets hope not. Can not believe the shop guys are out of ideas.

I don't have detailed info on the 430, but will tell you that the LS400 has very nice drain valves on each side of the block to drain the coolant from the engine. Takes a 10mm socket to open if I remember correctly. Plus, there is a drain !Removed! on the bottom of the radiator. You can put a length of plastic hose on the end of the engine block valves to direct the flow if you like. As concerns the tranny fluid, (again, talking LS400), there is a drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan that will drain about 2 quarts at a time. If you plan to DIY, climb under the car and take a look for these drain valves. I am not yet familiar with the LS430. That is why I cannot say for sure. Let us know what you find.

Get a carfax check on the vehicle. It may cost you a small amount or a dealer may do it for free. It is amazing how many of these cars have been in accidents. :whistles: If you find a car at a dealer with service bays, do no hesitate to ask them to put it up on a lift and do a comfortable and thorough look-see. They *should* be happy to oblige.

Thats right! No pushover. Now, I just need to find $989k more to buy that bridge from Jim... ;)

Got an updated quote with the correct mileage(97k). The offer is now $11k. Gonna take it and run. I asked for the buy-back (salvage) price and they told me it would take $2903 to buy. At that price, I am not interested. I could not part it out for anywhere close to that. The replacement search begins.

The short answer is no, it would not damage your engine in the least. Now, as far as the other accessory parts, with a tight belt they felt some extra tension but are most likely fine. Don't worry about it. The fan bracket was the weak link and let you know. Glad to hear you have it fixed.

Not rolling over. I already fired off a heated email to the adjuster. Several in the insurance industry have already told me that I do not have to settle unless satisfied. They are subtlety telling me to stand my ground. One thing I have already discovered and working to correct..the adjuster just assumed my car had average mileage of 135k because the battery is toast and they could not get a readout. I pointed that out that my car has 97k and the adjuster wants "proof". I told her I am going to the yard and jump the battery to hopefully bring her back to life, snap a pic of the odometer. I also told them that I just got done replacing the TB/WP. They don't want to hear it. It is considered normal maintenance and does not add value. Just a word to all of you who prize your car...take some pics of it and document service, etc. All it takes is one accident like this and they offer you whatever they think they can get away with. The documentation can prove very valuable.

The carcass is barely cold!

Just heard from the insurance adjuster(the co. of the guy at fault). My Lex is a total loss. Estimated repairs: $14,380. They are offering me $9700 to settle. The rental car is to be returned in one week. Does that sound like a "fair" deal? They have a "take it or leave it" attitude. No negotiations.

Wow. For $25k and only 13.8k miles, you stole that thing! I am jealous. Good catch.

Welcome. 2005 LS430 for $25k with...13,800 miles? Or is that a typo?

Yes, Randy, buy that S420. It will be a completely trouble free car. By the way, I have this bridge in Brooklyn I would like to sell -- you could make a lot of money by charging tolls to cross it. Smart arsh. ;) So, how much for the bridge, Jim?

The S420 looks to be an absolute tank. Its a white beauty with no rust that I could see and appears to be in pristine shape. Crazy as it sounds, I am thinking of asking them to let me take her for a test drive, put it on a lift and look it over more carefully. I know nothing about MB and a little scared of it, maintenance-wise. From the looks of that thing, I would have knocked that truck into the next county rather than just rolled it (which in itself is pretty impressive). Not sure I want to climb the MB learning curve. But for the right price, is it worth it? Here tis -> http://www.lexusofmishawaka.com/VehicleDetails/641245813

[quote name='eatingupblacktop' date='02 April 2010 - 09:49 AM' timestamp='1270219744' post='40674 I hear ya bout the junkyard & shipping. Just that the interior shot you posted looked perfect & makes it too bad so sad! On the other question, absolutely the 430 over the rx. Not even close! Read up on the engine sludge issues and the tranny probs. Don't know if they've been corrected for latest versions, but I'd do some research for sure. Even though the malibu isn't cutting it, take your time to find the right ride. I'd even check out other brands just for comparison. Just got back from the Lexus dealership where I drove an '07 RX350 and then an '05 LS430. Wow. Like EUBT said, no comparison. The LS was silky smooth with tons of power. Of course, they are in different categories so the comparison is not exactly fair. But now I know to concentrate on the LS. The LS430 seems a bit larger than the LS400 with 18" factory wheels. BTW, the dealership has a 1995 MB S420 with 105k for $10k. What a boat. Lots of weight for the money! Could probably get it for $6k. Tempting. ;)

Thanks, you too....... the tomb is empty!! Billy, you done good! I have been thinking about making a little trip to the DFW area and searching for my next ride. The reason? Well, living in N. Indiana, the roads are heavily salted in the winter and cars do rust, even a Lexus over time. Not so much in Texas, if any. From what I see on Craigslist, it should be a happy hunting ground. The tomb is indeed empty...as is now your wallet! Have a nice Easter.

I will keep you posted and whether or not I can/should buy it back. I figure the engine and tranny alone ought to be worth a $1k. But really, I am not running a junkyard here and my wife will probably nix the buyback. Probably be hard to find buyers and then shipping is a problem. I have been looking for a replacement and found a 99 LS400 at my local Lex dealer. Has 120k miles and pretty good shape but not as nice as mine. Asking price: $13k. Not gonna happen. Then they have a 2005 LS430 for $27k and a bunch of RX300, RX330 and RX350's. So, I am going to drive an LS430 and an RX330 and see if any of those is a possibility. My rental car is a Chevy Malibu, so that it taking the sting out of losing my Lex (NOT) B) Anyone have +/- things to say about the RX? Is it just what the doctor ordered? :whistles:

Better pics. I am still crying :cries: What do you think...a little clay bar and some polish? The insurance adjuster is working on a figure for me. Its toast. Complete sham...er, shame. ;)

Oh, sorry to hear. Maybe the belt was not replaced with OEM?

Raymond, you may possibly be THE person we have been searching for! Someone who actually had a VVTi trashed due to timing belt. Can you give us more details? Year, mileage? We are ready for a good old horror story.