dlt123me

Hi, I am new here and have always wondered what encompasses "Recommended Maintenance Performed" when read from a Carfax? Anyone know what Recommended Maintenance Performed means when a car is at the 50K, 70K 100K stage. Is it ever considered Recommended Maintenance Performed to have the timing belt changed by default at this time in the Lexus rx 330?

Also, when buying a used Lexus 2004-2006 rx 330, how do you know if the timing belt has been changed in recent history? Is there a sticker placed somewhere in the engine compartment stating that it has been replaced?

Just curious. Thanks all...
Dennis

matts6887

well usually if you have a rx330 which does have a timing belt; usually a shop is supposed to put a sticker on the cover for the belt that shows when it was done. however; if there is no sticker it might never have been done. I believe the first one needs to be done at 90,000 miles along with the rest of normal maintenance; oil change etc. however if u have a rx350 like mine; those have a timing chain which never should have to be replaced. The only thing ya gotta worry about with a timing belt is if it is way past 90,000 and there is no sticker on the cover then yes get it changed asap because if the belt snaps its game over as it will cause severe internal damage.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

I read carfax "recommended maintenance/service" with a grain of salt. It's most likely the bare minimum a dealer or indy will do and therefore it's barely documented. Always ask for service records, if any.

If Lexus did the belt, there usually will be a sticker on the engine cover or the front timing belt cover. But I have seen instances of even Lexus not putting the sticker and I have personally never seen my indy put stickers.

If you end up getting a 330 with no records of a belt change, I would go ahead and change it for peace of mind. My 330 was used and had little service records, I went ahead and changed the belt, been problem free since.

dlt123me

Thank you, I really didn't put too much meaning into the RMP Carfax information. I will check in the future for the sticker...
Dennis