Gs430 - Timing Belts (& A Couple Of Other Queries)

OJWM · December 20, 2014

Hi all,

I viewed a third gen GS430 last night - has done 88,000 and is on the market for approx £4,850.

Had a few queries I wanted to run past the collective wisdom of these fine forums (in which I've already been doing a little research).

- Car has a full Lexus service history, but only five stamps (circa 10k, 20k, 50k, 70k, 80k IIRC) - is that something to be concerned about?

- From looking at the Lexus recommended service intervals, I can see that a big service will be due at 90k, including timing belt change - does anyone know how much I could expect to pay for that?

- Seller let me know that (as with some Mercs, apparently), when parking the car on a gradient, you should put it into neutral and hold the brake before shifting into park, to avoid damaging the gearbox - is that normal, or unusual?

- The tyre light is permanently on, apparently down to the run-flats being replaced with normal tyres - again, does that sound normal?

Would be very grateful of any comments on the above. Car seemed to be running well and in good condition for the mileage, but feels like the service history and timing belt things mean I should at the least be negotiating down further from the £4850...

ColinBarber · December 20, 2014

Walk away. 30,000 miles between a service.

model x · December 27, 2014

I'm not really familiar with the 3rd gen but here are my thoughts.

The service history wouldn't worry me that much. Also if its all Lexus service and the seller knows which dealer you should be able to call and get the history.

Regarding the timing belt major service it varies. Others can correct me if I'm wrong but at a dealer it'd be £500 anyway depending on what's included with the service.

Also the tire light being on shouldn't have anything to do with tires but would be on if one or more of the tire pressure sensors have failed. That'd be my guess.