Lexus Update #1: Fixing many things

"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
06/10/2016 at 23:10 • Filed to: Lexus Update

I’m a bit conflicted about fixing things: on one side, I’m no longer scared to drive it for fear of something breaking, but on the other side, I’m too poor to afford to drive it. Oh well, at least I’m poor and happy.

Now to the list of things fixed and cost:

License plate lights, $5

Timing belt, water pump, tensioners, misc. other things, $911

Fixing leak near windshield, $6

Total repair cost to date: $922

Total amount invested: $3822

Sure, I could’ve gotten one with lower mileage for the price, however it would have some problems and would be far away (as well as more wear), but this one has no major problems, which leads me to stuff that’s still wrong with it:

Power locks (mechanic and internet research both say actuators, inexpensive and DIY-able).

VSC, ABS, VSC OFF lights are on. Unsure of the problem, depending on cost may or may not be fixed. I’d like ABS but it’s not critical. VSC is unimportant to the way I drive.

At this point, it’s looking like all the money I’ll be spending on this will be on gas.

Dodged bullet:

Right rear strut spring. Many of you were (rightfully) concerned, but both mechanics who have looked it have said it’s a non issue. My trusted mechanic said it’s just ~1/8 inch broken off the very end of the bottom. Amount saved: $500+

On the next update, I’ll have properly cleaned and washed it and hopefully have entered it into a car show...

P.S: What should I name it? Preferably female, not Lexi/Alexis/Alexa.

DISCUSSION (18)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/10/2016 at 23:14

Maybe some name off of GS.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/10/2016 at 23:14

Phillis.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/10/2016 at 23:18

Arista.

Danger > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/10/2016 at 23:22

Do you have a code reader for the vac/abs lights? The two times I had that in a Toyota were gas cap not sealing ($10) and abs wheel speed sensor ($50)

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Danger
06/10/2016 at 23:25

I do not. But an auto part store near by has that service for free, so I might take it there.

Amoore100 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/10/2016 at 23:47

Awesome first car! Great choice, I know you were holding off since the pickings up there can be a bit slim, but what you’ve ended up with is simply amazing! Yeah, as with any old car factor in about $1000 at the beginning to bring it up to spec (as with both mine and my dad’s Volvos) then trouble free motoring, with just little things here and there. Maddux perhaps? I once knew a girl named that, and it seems like a good moniker to affix to a Lexus.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Amoore100
06/10/2016 at 23:59

Thanks! I take any and all excuses to drive it.

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/11/2016 at 00:03

Its very likely a wheel speed sensor, I know LS400s and probably SC’s as well get this issue all the time

mazda616 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/11/2016 at 01:16

Monica.

Why?

Because I remember watching the news coverage of Bill Clinton denying he had sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky and she walked out of a building to a flurry of reporters and quickly got into a Lexus almost just like this one.

Danger > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/11/2016 at 01:23

Yeah I’d do that soon, it might be really cheap and easy to fix.