low-milage 2000 Avalon, new timing belt?

[athousandtimes]

About a year ago I bought a really low milage 2000 Avalon from an older relative who no longer drives. The milage is currently 23k. Should I consider replacing the timing belt? The scheduled maintenance says replace at 90k, which I'm well below, but the car is almost 12 years old. How about the engine coolant and the engine air filter? Thanks.

[fj62]

You are probably ok. I replaced my timing belt on a Corolla at 50,000 miles because the car was 12 years old. I also had the water pump replaced. If you have a car with such low mileage there may be other factors you need to look at. What does the oil look like. Was maintance done like oil changes. How old are the tires. Sometimes an old car with low miles is not a best buy. Did the older relative drive often enough and long enough for the car to get up to operating temperature. In my state you do not need an emission inspect if you drive less than 5,000 miles a year. But upon sale or title tranfer it must pass emissions test.

I wish you good luck and you may have a terrific car with no problems at all.

If the local Toyota dealer did the service they could print out a page detailing the work that was done on it by them. That may help you to determine what service work needs done. Read the owners manual for service needs

[brainpause]

If I remember correctly, the belt should be changed at 72 months or 90k miles. Age breaks down parts as much as miles.

Therefore, I vote that you change it and the water pump, maybe even the tensioner. You have a potential jewel, but a bad belt or water pump will ruin this diamond.

Larry

[brainpause]

PS: I agree to check the tires. Look at the date, usually found on the inside of the tire. The first two digits are the week manufactured, and the second two digits are the year manufactured. For instance, the 14th week of the year 2000 wouldn't be shown as 1400.

If over or near 5 years of age, replace them, even if they look fine.

[ChiTDI]

Before paying a dollar, I'd have the tech pull the front valve cover and take a good look at the valve train. The absence/presence of sludge would drive every subsequent decision. If it's clean, I'd do the TB job w/new pump/tensioner/idlers/ seals, accessory belts; tires and battery as needed. Drive that diamond around and let it sparkle.

BTW -fresh coolant is part of the TB job.

[brainpause]

Originally Posted by ChiTDI

Before paying a dollar, I'd have the tech pull the front valve cover and take a good look at the valve train. The absence/presence of sludge would drive every subsequent decision. If it's clean, I'd do the TB job w/new pump/tensioner/idlers/ seals, accessory belts; tires and battery as needed. Drive that diamond around and let it sparkle.

BTW -fresh coolant is part of the TB job.

Good point. However, would an engine with only 23k miles show the sludge already?

Even if it is a sludge engine, there are some miles to be had.

[ChiTDI]

Sure that sludge would show. Even when the engine sits unused, the oxidation and acid production continues.