martinb820

I have a '99 RX300 with 17,000 miles. Both a Toyota dealer and an independent shop have told me that the timing belt doesn't need to be replaced due to age. I was wondering if this is good advice...

Lexmex

It's a 90K item and can run a bit longer than that.

You can always examine it over time and see if it starts to get frayed for any reason, but I've known others that have vehicles with low mileage despite many years apart from the model year due to low usage and not an issue with the age of the belt.

trhs75

Where did you ever find a '99 with so little mileage?! That's great!

martinb820

I inherited it recently...

2000LEX

iTrader: (2)

How bout this i have on 01 where the timing belt was changed, ill trade you cars and ill worry about your belt

frankjames

Well the service department is a scam, lexus would charge a ton to do it. I have a 2000 gs400 with 177K never have changed the timing belt, I check it on a regular basis for any signs of wear, cracking, etc. but the 90k timing belt change was implemented to keep the service departments busier with higher ticket items. Maybe this is only my opinion but have been around the car industry and shops for about 8years now. Replace @ 90k to ease your mind but most of the time not really needed.

martinb820

Think I'll keep the '99, but thanks for the offer!

martinb820

Agreed, I wouldn't go the the dealer's service department for either my Acura or Lexus. I use an independent shop in Pennsylvania that I can trust to do the work correctly (contact me for a reference...) Not that much cheaper, but the work is always done correctly.