JDriver

Sorry if I wasn't clear. When my parents picked up their car from the 60k service, the rep suggested they change the timing belt the next time they came in for service (presumably in the next year) I don't know why they didn't call my parents while the car was in service for the 60k to suggest it being done right then and there. My parents should replace the belts based on the age of the belts, as it'll take them another 8 years before they reach 90k on that car. I called to get a quote on the timing belt change, and the rep said it was okay to replace the tensioner/pulley every other timing belt change. I agree with you on just doing the job right and not have to worry about it again. The price is high but even the local toyota dealer was just $150 less.

My parents have a 1997 es300 with only 65,000 miles. They've had no problems with the car, but it does have the original timing belt still. My parents had the 60k service done about a year ago and they suggested the next service be the timing belt. I called the local dealer last week and the service guy thought it was okay to just replace the timing belt, drive belt, water pump, thermostat and gasket for $998.00. He suggested to skip the tensioner and pulleys (add $500) and do those at the 100k timeline. I called the local Toyota dealer and they quoted $857.00 I'm tempted to do the belts and water pump myself, if I didn't have to do the tensioner etc.. Can you please give me your opinion if it is safe to skip replacing the tensioner and pulleys due to the low miles, even though the car is nearing 13 years old? I have a feeling this is a non-interference engine, but I'm not positive. I'm not sure why the thermostat is included in the $998 quote, I would assume that was replaced along with the coolant at the 60k service. thanks in advance.