190,000 miles on original timing belt? What are the odds?

[VernySanders]

Checking out a rust free 1999 4Runner LTD with 190,000 miles on it. I’ve been unable to find any proof of the timing belt being replaced...owner hasn’t done it and CarFax doesn’t show any timing belt / water pump replacement.

What are the odds of this being the original belt?

I got a quote from my mechanic for $640 to do the water pump and timing belt, and another $130 for the tensioner (if needed).

They are asking $4000...I’m gonna offer $3400.

A rust free truck like this is priceless in Michigan - that’s why I’m considering the purchase even without knowing about the timing belt history.

Thanks!


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What part of Michigan? I live in Grand Rapids, take mine to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes every summer!! Have a blast! Getting a long travel kit for my rust free 2000 SR5 this winter to install this spring! Not many passionate Toyota owners in this part of the country. Wishing I lived in Cali for parts sake lol

 

[MaineRunna]

You can always pull the cover off and take a look at the timing belt. I bought my 2000 4runner with 160k miles on it and no history of timing belt / water pump done. My friend and I pulled the cover off and the belt still looked new.

I am jealous that it will only cost you 640$ to replace it. In Washington I've been getting quotes for 1,400$ - 2,000$...

That is a ridiculous amount even if you lived in Beverly Hills. What is the average labor rate out there? I own an auto repair shop, charge $80/hr and would expect to charge about $750 to do a complete timing belt kit on a 3.4

 

[MaineRunna]

Checking out a rust free 1999 4Runner LTD with 190,000 miles on it. I’ve been unable to find any proof of the timing belt being replaced...owner hasn’t done it and CarFax doesn’t show any timing belt / water pump replacement.

What are the odds of this being the original belt?

I got a quote from my mechanic for $640 to do the water pump and timing belt, and another $130 for the tensioner (if needed).

They are asking $4000...I’m gonna offer $3400.

A rust free truck like this is priceless in Michigan - that’s why I’m considering the purchase even without knowing about the timing belt history.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Buy it even if you have to pay full asking price. I just sold a patched frame 2000 w/ 200k on it for $4500, that's a good price. Pull the upper timing cover back and see if you can read any writing on the belt. If it is any other brand than Toyota it has been changed. If it's a Toyota belt it will be hard to tell unless it is worn or cracked. It still may look pretty good even if it's original. If you do have it replaced have a compete component kit put in.(belt, water pump, idler roller, tensioner roller and hydraulic tensioner) Also a good time to flush the coolant, replace the drive belts and thermostat.

 

[Lastplace]

I would be more worried about the water pump than the belt.