I own a 2001 4Runner. I'm leaving for a 900 mile trip across country in a week, and my 4Runner is at 60K...the dealer wants to do about $400 worth of "preventive maintenance" (replace tranny fluid, clean and adjust brakes, replace coolant, inspect fuel lines, spark plugs). However, I have a local mechanic who can do it for cheap. Do you agree with this? Do you think anything else needs to be done? My question is the timing belt...should I have it changed or not? The vehicle is running just fine.
60K Maintenance
- Thread starter partygirl
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sharp4runr
New member
I've always been told that the timing belt should be done every 60K. I'm sure you there is some buffer room because I had the timing belt changed on my 93 Celica GT at 140 and it was still running fine.
If a local mechanic can do it cheaper, let him. The dealership always overcharges anyways.
If a local mechanic can do it cheaper, let him. The dealership always overcharges anyways.
tokyohiker
New member
Timing Belt, etc.
You should definitely follow the Toyota-prescribed scheduled maintanence. You never know how long a timing belt will last past 60,000. It may go another 60,000, or it may only go another 10,000. On some engines, if a timing belt snaps while you're on the highway, it's more than just a tow, an expensive repair, and a major damper on your trip: you can do serious damage to the valves that may end up costing you more than a grand to fix.
Still, I wouldn't do it at the stealership unless it's covered under warranty. And make sure you get the water pump done at the same time to save you money later on.
Anyone else know for sure what the risks for blowing a timing belt on her truck are?
You should definitely follow the Toyota-prescribed scheduled maintanence. You never know how long a timing belt will last past 60,000. It may go another 60,000, or it may only go another 10,000. On some engines, if a timing belt snaps while you're on the highway, it's more than just a tow, an expensive repair, and a major damper on your trip: you can do serious damage to the valves that may end up costing you more than a grand to fix.
Still, I wouldn't do it at the stealership unless it's covered under warranty. And make sure you get the water pump done at the same time to save you money later on.
Anyone else know for sure what the risks for blowing a timing belt on her truck are?
