From reading around I get the idea that a 1994 model has a non-interference engine. But I occasionally see conflicting info.

How can I know for certain? I've had one shop tell me it was an interference engine. They are just looking in their database. A dead car or $1000 bucks is riding on the line

I follow schedule B which does not list changing the timing belt at all (makes more sense if this engine was non-interference). Only for the schedule A.

I have 132,000 miles on my car. Is there a point at which I should drop the $1000 to get the belt and all the other hard to get at parts nearby that they replace?

-fm

 

The 1994 ES has a non-interference engine. Definitely!

 

i'm sure someone will chime in and tell you if your 94ES is non-interference or not.. BUT
despite if it is or isn't, timing belt&water pump change is highly recommended at 90k. i too went to 130k before the service on my 95ES without any problems but i consider myself lucky. i doubt it was changed at 67k when i bought the car.

someone is over-charging you for timing belt+water pump+other belts service for $1000. even the dealership charge below this at about $800p&l. shop around and get estimates.

just my recommendations.

 

lol.. i'm a slowwww typer.. besides i should be working instead of surfing. hehe

 

1992-98 = NON interference.

1999-2005 = interference

The easiest way to remember is:
VVT-i was introduced in the 1999 model.
VVT-i = Variable Valve Timing with intelligence

I like to think or it as Variable Valve Timing - interference

 

Someone mentioned the price being too high. Here is what I have down. Any feedback? This is from a Brake Specialist Total Car Care place we've done business with (but they were wrong on the interference). Dealer is a bit over 1000 without scheduled maintenance, spark plugs.

I haven't been doing scheduled maintenence, just oil change related. 113 below for schduled maintenence covers a lot of things.

Timing kit + labor = 217+204
Spark Plugs - 23
Air Filter - 29 ( probably don't need a new one)
613 without tax INCLUDES $113 worth of SCHEDULED MAINTENENCE STUFF

OTHER STUFF TO GET DONE WHILE THEY ARE IN THERE
Tensioner/Pulleys (Idlers)
Engine Drive Belt 40-60 part, no labor
Water pump - 110 part, .5 hr labor
Cam Seal 10-20 parts, .5
Crank Seal 10-20 parts, .5
114 labor
190 parts

304 total for other stuff
613without tax
-----
917 total before tax - pushing 1000 after tax

 

sorry to have confused you. my dealership charged me approx $800p&l just for the timing belt/water pump/drive belt service. looks like you also want to do a tuneup (or a 90k scheduled service) and that will defintely push you up to $1-1.5k which is well worth it if you haven't done any other preventive maintenance besides oil changes at 132k miles.

 

What part of Texas are you from? As for the operations you described above, you can usually do the same things at your local Toyota dealer (granted it's not in the vicinity or onsite with a Lexus service dept.) for much less. But if you really want to save, you should go to an independent Toyota/Lexus specialist like ClubLexus Preferred Vendor servicing the DFW area: JP Importz - www.jpimportz.org

As for my take on the water pump. To me it's not necessary to get that changed out when you do the timing belt. If you've properly maintained the cooling system with regular flushes, you shouldn't have to worry about it. They recommend you change the water pump at that interval because you have to remove the belts anyway to get down there. I've had two 1MZ-FE V6's that have had their timing belts changed, they're still running fine with the original water pump.

 

Toyota dealer huh? Interesting, I'll give them a call.

I'm in the Austin area.

I do have a guy that I use that is usually VERY cheap. Its a tiny shop and they mostly work on beat up junkers from what I can tell. But when I know what is wrong and can hold him to an estimate he comes through with prices that usually beat everyone handily. He's cheaper on labor but the prices he gets on parts, sometimes I wonder. Should I trust a tiny shop like that with a job like this? Haven't even called him yet.

-fm

 

I had my timing belt, water pump, all other belts and 2 pullies along with the vaccuum hose replaced for $750 in Ct... Found a local shop with some great mechanics...

 

A timing belt job done alone at a Lexus dealership would cost roughly $750 for parts and labor.

Man, that's one hell of a deal you got there spruce

 

lol true $800p&l at my Lexus dealership for the service

 

SterlingMcall lexus charges $2500!