[captpfd]

Hello to all,

I purchased a 96 avalon xl this past weekend with 125,000 and original owner texas only, clean Car Fax car. Good, not excellent condition and original. Minor cosmetic issues, wood-grain peeling off in some areas and leather worn in some spots, other than that not bad. Bought for my 16 y.o. daughter first car for $4000. Did I do OK. Three days after buying it I found that the valve cover was leaking(the owner had washed the engine and I didn't catch it) so that cost me $275 yesterday. Now the dealer and local shop says I better get that timing belt, water pump, and seals done quickly for $750. Oh ya, BTW, the front control arms are worn and that's another $285 with an alignment. Ok, I haven't had this car a week and I'm already looking at having to drop $1,500. into it. Should I have just bought an $7000 car with fewer miles that looked better and how often really does the timing belt need changed. Your thoughts are appreciated. thanks "capt."

 

[toyomoho]

These repairs are typical for cars as they rack up the mileage.

These V6 is a non-interference engine thus if the timing belt breaks no engine damage will be done. Do you know when the last timing belt change was? Often the mechanic places a sticker with the mileage and date on the timing cover or hood.

Typically this should have been done around 60K miles, the newer design belts should be good for 90K. The belts don’t just break at 60 or 90K, this is just the recommended replacement interval. Many drivers had their first belt change at 130K and no problems.


The water pump and seals just don’t just fail, but when changing the belt all these parts are now accessable and thus a real labor savings is possible when changing these parts now.

Most cars with overhead valves use a timing belt and have recommended replacement intervals. Many newer engines are going to chain drive of the camshaft.

By control arms do you mean tie rod ends, the end that attaches to the steering knuckle?

Unfortunately parts and labor costs can be expensive. Toyota parts are excellent but typical about twice that of aftermarket parts. Toyota dealer shop rates may or may not be higher then other shops depending on the area, and might even be cheaper.

The price quote on the belt/pump/seal change is typically for a dealer. Might be able to find a dealer that will do the job for $500. Some have coupon specials that will bring the belt only change down to $199.

Suggest if you are going to keep this car to attempt to find an independent shop that might have cheaper labor and parts rates and learn to do some jobs yourself. A shop manual such as Haynes (under $20) will allow you gain some knowledge of this car.

Unfortunately as cars age and the miles add up, things wear out. Also in going to a shop for repairs, they almost always attempt to find other items that need repair to increase revenue. But not all shops are trolling for business this way.

The Avalon is the same car as the Camry with V6 option and Lexus. Thus most of the parts are interchangeable; there is a lot more going on in the TN Camry posts with more ideas. Suggest you review the Camry posts and do a TN history search as all of these issues including costs have come up many times.

 

[captpfd]

So there is some piece of mind about not having the timing belt replaced immediately, it won't crater the motor as they said it would? The timing belt has never been changed or anything else on this car. Yes, you are correct it was the inner and outer tie-rod ends on the bid sheet. Thanks so much.

 

[aigochamaloh]

That's right, non-interference means it won't bend valves, just cost you the inconvenience of getting your car towed somewhere or you being stranded in the middle of nowhere. For what it's worth, my family's Sienna, with the same engine, went 145K without a timing belt/water pump change. We got it done with all Toyota parts at a small shop for $500, so definitely shop around for the best price.

I just changed my belt and water pump on my 95 Avalon, it's not too bad of a job if you have some know how and a shop manual does wonders.

I got my car when I was 16 as well, I'm 21 now. I grew into it, I love this car.