99 Avalon How Often do I need to change timing belt?

[cato47]

Hello:

I'm getting ready to buy a 99 Avalon XL in pristeen condition with 123K miles for $4500. It's never had a timing belt. I'm wondering at what milage increments the belt should be changed?

Rick

[avalontom]

Cato,

90,000 miles or about 5 years, whichever comes first.

Tom

[silverxls]

in 99 the service manual calls for timing belt at 60k miles. in 00 they changed to 90k. the typical belt will last more than 100k, but you should plan on doing it right away., dont push fate. if you start watching online you may find a service special at a dealer near you. they run a special in this area about every 6 months and you can get it done for around $199, but this is only available if you find the special and a coupon online. if you just call the service dept. they won't give you the special price.

[tracerich]

The problem with the $199 special is, thats only for a belt. What about the water pump, tensioner, idler pulleys and seals? Do you think that those components are going to outlive the second belt replacements life? It does not make sense to just replace the belt, as you are in there doing the belt, it is only a little bit more labor, and the cost of the added parts to incur. I would not recommend replacing a belt only. Three months later the idler goes bad and it all has to come back apart? You'll be wishing you changed it all when you had it apart.

[wonger]

when you ahve someone replace your t-belt they will be checking and trying to upsell more than just a belt..

but if you lived closer i could do it for that special .. hehe

[2000-Avalon]

Honestly,
on my 2000 avalon I got about 125k on the original timing belt. I had the dealership look at it and the guy said its perfectly fine.

[silverxls]

i do definately agree with changing idlers and tensioners and such, but starting at 199 and adding is better than starting at 399 and adding...