What about timing belt kits from eBay?

[ycartf]

I would like to know the general concensus on timing belt kits off of eBay. Are they worth the savings? Are they reliable parts? Has anyone (or anyone you know) had any good/bad experience with them and if so was it a particular ID you could warn me of or turn me onto? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am going to be doing the timing belt/waterpump/cam-crank-oil pump seals/pulleys and tensioners/valve cover/thermostat/drive belts on 2 Gen 4 I4 Camrys - one a friend's and one is my wife's. Thanks again.

Tracy

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Originally Posted by ycartf

I would like to know the general concensus on timing belt kits off of eBay. Are they worth the savings? Are they reliable parts? Has anyone (or anyone you know) had any good/bad experience with them and if so was it a particular ID you could warn me of or turn me onto? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. I am going to be doing the timing belt/waterpump/cam-crank-oil pump seals/pulleys and tensioners/valve cover/thermostat/drive belts on 2 Gen 4 I4 Camrys - one a friend's and one is my wife's. Thanks again.

Tracy

If you have the extra cash, go with Toyota parts. I've used eBay t-belt kits before, and I've never had a failure but they do NOT last as long. 50K miles would be the max I would wait before replacing them again. Conversely, my Toyota t-belts and water pumps have all lasted in excess of 200K kilometres (approx 100K miles), so the extra money is definitely worth it--to save you the labour.

[toyomoho]

Ask what brand of parts they sell, many are major brands. Also check seller feedback. If worried purchase a belt at Toyota or a name brand from a parts store.

[ycartf]

I figured as much. The average I could get everything for on eBay is about $120-$155 and the local import auto place (Toyota t-belt, pulleys, waterpump / German drive belts he said come on Mercedes) is only about $218 before tax (the option I think I am going to go with as the Toyota place here is about $440 before tax for the same parts.) Thanks for confirming what my gut instinct was.

Tracy