I have a 2002 RX-300 with 29,200 actual miles. The last time I brought my car in for routine maintence the Lexus Service Dept had to change the belts on the car due to small cracks. Based on this, I was told by the Lexus Service Department, that due to the age of my vehicle that I needed to have the timing belt replaced as well since it was made of the same material as the other belts on the car. I was under the impression that the timing belt first, is much more durable than the other belts and second, is not exposed to the elements like the other belts. Anyway, I could not find anything anywhere that states that the timing belt should be replaced based on age vs miles. The manual only discusses vehicle milage as the criteria for replacement of the timing belt. It does not state replace after Xyears or Nmiles whichever comes first as they do for an oil change for example.
Does anyone know if the timing belt really has to be replaced based on vehicle age over milage? We are talking about $1600 here. I value safety over money but just don't want to have it done now if it is not really necessary.
