timing belt wear indicator?

[NE_Lou]

Does it exist?

I'm looking at a used 2000 Limited with 102k miles.

CarFax doesn't mention that the timing belt was changed. And there's no sticker in the engine bay that says it was.

Seller (dealer) said they hadn't replaced it either after it came on the lot, but as part of their checklist, they removed the cover and the wear indicator indicated either it was already changed or that there was plenty of life left. Is this BS?

Thanks

 

[kball]

Wear indicator huh? That's funny. Like a toothbrush with the blue bristles that turn white when it's time to change it, haha.

They are full of it.

Timing belts on these can look brand new at 150K. They may last that long or a lot longer but Toyota recommends changing them at 90K intervals.

I think you can easily go 120K at least.

 

[TheDurk]

^^^What he said. Only thing is if it still had the alignment marks then you know it's pretty fresh. The factory belt I took out at 120K looked great, but the alignment stripes were long gone.

 

[Volley]

I say BS too. I had mine replaced after 100k miles and the old belt actually looks pretty good. I'd either negotiate it into the deal or a reduction in price. Also check out toyotaownersonline and run the VIN to see if there is a service history.