Buying 4Runner used: 144,000 possible for original timing belt?

[igotatreeonmyhouse]

I'm buying a 2003 Limited V8 used with 144K. The seller seems like they have taken average or better care of it. They can't confirm if timing belt has been done though because the ex-husband was the one taking care of the car. I bought the carfax, no mention of it on there, but it does confirm regular maintenance has been performed, everything else generally checks out.

Is it possible for a vehicle like this to survive 144K without the timing belt being replaced?

Any others things I should look for / questions I should be asking seller? Thanks-

 

[T4R2014]

Why would it not? If it snaps, you replace it. You just have to deal with waiting for a tow.

 

[igotatreeonmyhouse]

Why would it not? If it snaps, you replace it. You just have to deal with waiting for a tow.

So all that 'needing to get changed at 90K' is a bunch of bull shit?

 

[JB.]

Is it possible for a vehicle like this to survive 144K without the timing belt being replaced?

Easily.

I'll bet the statistical failure rate at that mileage -- if it could be known -- is much closer to 0% than 50%. Mine looked like new when changed at 116k. That same story has repeated itself over and over with this engine, and at many mileages higher than mine.

It's an interference engine, though, so keep that in mind. That means significant damage could occur if it failed.

 

[igotatreeonmyhouse]

The seller got back to me and said it hadn't been replaced. So the search continues...

 

[T4R2014]

I wouldn't turn down a vehicle based solely on an overdue timing belt.

 

[TNRunner99]

I wouldn't say it's a deal breaker. If the rest of the Runner is pretty solid then you know that your first part of business is to replace it. Maybe you could negotiate the price down some with the seller considering it needs to be changed. I'm sure a lot of the components of these vehicles could last a lot longer than Toyota recommends. It's just to be on the safe side that they say to change them when they recommend, it covers their rears.

 

[nissanh]

I replaced the original T-belt in my corolla at 177K miles (yes it was cracked all around as hell and in an odd color too). The water pump replaced at 230K miles!

 

[541joseph]

Why would it not? If it snaps, you replace it. You just have to deal with waiting for a tow.

i would not recommend this at all. The 4.7l V8 is a interference engine and you will be replacing head or maybe just the entire engine as most the time its more cost effective. if you buy this and its not been changed i would do it ASAP

 

[igotatreeonmyhouse]

i would not recommend this at all. The 4.7l V8 is a interference engine and you will be replacing head or maybe just the entire engine as most the time its more cost effective. if you buy this and its not been changed i would do it ASAP

The vehicle is a few hours away, my plan would definitely be to not leave their town until it's replaced.

Could any damage have occurred by waiting this long though? Or is it kind of unless it hasn't broken, it's not doing you any harm.

 

[541joseph]

The vehicle is a few hours away, my plan would definitely be to not leave their town until it's replaced.

Could any damage have occurred by waiting this long though? Or is it kind of unless it hasn't broken, it's not doing you any harm.

No damage could happen until after it breaks really. And honestly if you have a mechanic in your town I would just drive it home. It's a 12 hour job or something by book so your looking at having to stay the night there just waiting for the timing belt and water pump to be done

 

[M16A4]

Why would it not? If it snaps, you replace it. You just have to deal with waiting for a tow.

Please tell me your joking.

 

[T4R2014]

Please tell me your joking.

Not at all. I always thought the rule of thumb with Toyota engines is that if they have a chain that they are interference and that if they have a belt that they are non-interference. I'm pretty sure the 2UZ is non-interference.

Edit: I learned something new today.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/39100-interference.html

Good to know that there is an exception. Even if the belt wasn't change I would still not pass it up. You could use this issue to help negotiate the price.

 

[V8Man]

I made $200 from a used car salesman on the bet that 4.7 was belt and an interference engine. A quick reference is how wide the cam covers are for the belt. Typically on the drive side cover the mechanic replacing the belt will attach a sticker saying the belt was changed. Get the v8 change the belt be happy.
I bought an 03 knowing it had an oil problem and at 154,000 the original belt. The bolt holding the cam gear broke before the belt.

 

[drewm]

The vehicle is a few hours away, my plan would definitely be to not leave their town until it's replaced.

Could any damage have occurred by waiting this long though? Or is it kind of unless it hasn't broken, it's not doing you any harm.

No damage whatsoever until it breaks.

Mine made it 171k miles when I bought mine and by the look of it could have made it another 50k

Don't worry about it, just get it done within the next year.

 

[carbumper]

Timing Belt Change

I just bought a 05' 4Runner with 134K on it. I am pretty sure the Belt has never been changed so I am going to change it. Since I am going to have it in the shop I wanted to get some advice from people whom have done this before. So here is a list of what I was going to get priced out. Any feedback would be appreciated.

1. Timing belt

2. Cam & Crank seals

3. Water pump & coolant flush (Toyota long life)

4. Thermostat

5. Serpentine belt

6. PVC valve

7. Clean MAF sensor

8. Do a cooler line fluid exchange on the trans. (WS atf)

9. Differential oil (I use Mobil1 75w90 )

10. Flush brake fluid

11. New plugs (factory)

12. Air filters

 

[TOY2G]

I just bought a 05' 4Runner with 134K on it. I am pretty sure the Belt has never been changed so I am going to change it. Since I am going to have it in the shop I wanted to get some advice from people whom have done this before. So here is a list of what I was going to get priced out. Any feedback would be appreciated.

1. Timing belt

2. Cam & Crank seals

3. Water pump & coolant flush (Toyota long life)

4. Thermostat

5. Serpentine belt

6. PVC valve

7. Clean MAF sensor

8. Do a cooler line fluid exchange on the trans. (WS atf)

9. Differential oil (I use Mobil1 75w90 )

10. Flush brake fluid

11. New plugs (factory)

12. Air filters

Transmission flush, valve cover gaskets (if leaking)

But you totally hijacked the OP's thread and tried to make it yours... You should really start a new one.

 

[carbumper]

Really sorry about that, I'm incredibly new to these kind of boards and don't know how to navigate. How do I move it?

Thanks