Question about Toyota timing-belt repair

ed wrote:
> I agree with John S.
>
> miles or no miles the belt is 7 years old. I'd get a second opinion
though.


Well, folks, I have some news. I went to a second shop for a second
opinion.

The second opinion is that my drive belt has NO CRACKS and no problems
in it. Thus, the shop assumes that my timing belt is also very good.
The mechanic told me to come back when my car has 50000 miles on it.

As for my oil-pan leak, the "leak" is really a small seep. The mechanic
does not recommend any oil-pan repairs at this time.


So, what do I do about the original dealership? Do I call them and yell
at them? Do I report them to the Better Business Bureau? I live in
Chicago, and, years ago, the Illinois Attorney General sued this
dealership for false advertising in relation to the delership's car
sales. The case was settled. So, the dealership does have a history of
shady behavior.

Anyway, thanks for the advice that all of you have given.


Regards,

Alex K.

wrote:

> Well, folks, I have some news. I went to a second shop for a second
> opinion.
>
> The second opinion is that my drive belt has NO CRACKS and no
problems
> in it. Thus, the shop assumes that my timing belt is also very good.
> The mechanic told me to come back when my car has 50000 miles on it.

As previously suggested

> As for my oil-pan leak, the "leak" is really a small seep. The
mechanic
> does not recommend any oil-pan repairs at this time.

Again, pretty sure it's oil filter run-off mess.

> So, what do I do about the original dealership? Do I call them and
yell
> at them? Do I report them to the Better Business Bureau? I live in
> Chicago, and, years ago, the Illinois Attorney General sued this
> dealership for false advertising in relation to the delership's car
> sales. The case was settled. So, the dealership does have a history
of
> shady behavior.

Is your face blue right now? If so, doing that won't change your
present situation. Just take your business elsewhere, be it dealer or
independent.

> Anyway, thanks for the advice that all of you have given.

You're welcome.

On Tue, 17 May 2005 18:47:27 -0700, "Tim Zimmer" >
wrote:

>Japanese cars usually recommend a replacement after six years. Since Toyotas are
>usually non-interference and if you're not driving on hazardous road areas then it's
>up to you to continue to drive it. In fact, many Toyota owners I know only change
>their timing after visual signs of wear. Honda, on the other hand, isn't as forgiving.

Our Fiat Tipo came to an undeserved end after the timing belt broke.
Shame, really.

Jasper

On 17 May 2005 17:45:16 -0700, "John S." > wrote:

>Considering what is at risk vs the repair cost, I would have it done.

But what is at risk? Can someone say for sure if this engine is an
interference engine, or non-interference? It makes the difference between
completely-rebuild-your-engine, from the cylinder linings to the pistons,
valves, and heads, risk or the risk of, well, getting stranded by the side
of the road with a car that won't go until it has that belt replaced at a
garage.

Jasper