Timing belt change Lexus SC430 (2008)
I own a cherry 2008 SC430..less than 40,000 mi, about 5000 mi annually... dealer is suggesting a timing belt change. Low miles mean nothing? The car is 8 yrs old, pampered and garaged. This car drives like it just left the showroom yesterday...I have this fear that having the work done will result in my seeing an old belt that didn't in the least look like it should have been replaced. I hate giving in to fear...so I need to know if this dealer goading is merely a money grab or if a 2008 SC430 belt can go much longer than going by their book....thanks.
6 Answers
Sure it can do another 20-30k if you where driving it continuously, and had put on say 60,000 mileage on it, but the problem is if it has never ben changed, the belt is old. You do not want the belt to break as you will be in for a lot more repair cost.
vidtrekker answered 8 years ago
What I'm hearing is that age supersedes mileage. The ravages of time are more deleterious than actual wear and tear. It is always better to be safe than sorry so I'll probably have the work done. It just seems that the materials built into the SC430 would allow more flexibility (time wise) for a car that did nor suffer the ravages of heat or excessive wear and tear.
It is very wise to have it changed.
Davidvanhart answered 6 years ago
I am the original owner of my 2002 Lexus SC430, and just changed the timing belt for the first time at 173,000 miles. The belt had a few superficial cracks, but the mechanic said I could have probably gotten another 20,000 miles on it. I’ve always done my own fluid changes and didn’t realize the timing belt was a maintenance item until I had the check engine light come on (for a defective sensor) and the mechanic asked me if I ever changed the belt
Not changing the timing belt is a gamble. I changed mine at 60K and I could see signs of wear.
My belt has never been replaced and it just turned 200,000 miles. I am considering adding road tow insurance to my auto insurance policy
