I took my car to the dealership where I bought it brand new ES350 in 2016 for routine maintenance. It now has 130,000 miles on it, and they told me I need to replace the water pump and drive belt, quoting me $1,500 for the job. Does that sound reasonable?

 

Depends if the water pump is leaking or not. Normally you wouldn't replace a water pump for any other reason; could be they're just trying to extract more $$ from your wallet. I'd get a second opinion if I were you...maybe go by a Toyota dealer or independent mechanic and see what they say? If it is leaking they should be happy to show you where (stains and/or drips around where the water pump mounts to the engine block or the pulley area).

 

Leaking is not the only way a water pump can fail. The internal seals can fail, allowing coolant to remove the grease from the bearings and then the water pump makes the dreaded marbles in a coffee can rattling sound. That is how it failed on my 2016 Sienna which has the same engine. It is even harder to work on than the ES. In 2023 I paid an independent shop $1100.00 to replace the water pump and serpentine belt.

 

My 2016 never leaked, but had the noise. I bought a Asin Water pump. along with Toyota coolant and did the job myself. It wasn't difficult. If you need to pay to have it done, dont take to dealer. Take it to a reputable repair shop that isnt a chain, where you can speak with the owner. Much more likely to do a good job because anytime you come back, you will be dealing with him. Chain shops have too much turn over. Every time you walk in the door the new guy is trying to upsell you on everything and the guy you saw before doesnt work there any longer.

 

You dont replace water pump unless there is an issue.
But if you got spare cash to burn, sure, replace it every 100k miles, or even 60k (just in case).