I recently inherited a 2001 Lexus RX300 with 100,000 miles. The timing belt has not been replaced and I've been told that I need to get that done before I bring it home to Vermont (the car is in Connecticut). The estimate I received to have it fixed in CT seems expensive ($991) and I'd prefer to have my local mechanic do the work. I'm concerned that I might damage the car by driving it 6 hours to Vermont.

Any input/suggestions/direction would be much appreciated.

 

Here are your options.

1. Suck it up and pay $991.
2. Get a transport company to transport the vehicle to Vermont.
3. Don't replace the belt and risk your life (and others).
4. Get another quote in CT.

 

You'll be just fine driving it to Vermont. No worries. The chances of the belt breaking are minuscule. And even if it does, your engine will just shut off with no damage.

So have a good trip.

 

At the very least remove part of the timing belt cover and check for age in the belt. I think you will be fine driving it though.

 

Naaa. . She doesn't need to do anything. She will be fine to VT and beyond. No need to spend money for nothing.

 

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This. Don’t let scaremongering influence you or your pocketbook. Enjoy a nice fall drive and deal with it comfortably at home.

 

A broken timing belt is not a perfectly safe, risk free failure. Turn the key off at random while driving, is that safe? A broken timing belt is basically the same.

 

Yeah, I vote crack open the top timing cover at least and check for big cracks in the belt. Little cracks or no cracks should get you home.

 

I didn't say pay a shop to do it. It is incredibly easy to remove the timing belt cover. I'm assuming the op can do it or knows someone who can. If not a shop would charge 30-60$?
Also there's been multiple reports of a timing belt breaking and causing engine damage for these engines.

 

Really? Because in a lot of years here and at Toyotanation.com, I cannot recall one or have heard mention. Usually it is taking them out above 150k and them looking fine that appears. I have seen ones well north of 200 break, but never cause valvetrain damage. I do mine at around 100 but don’t sweat a little bit either side, it’s just not that big an issue and the time factor never seems to matter versus mileage.

 

There was actually a thread here a few months ago. A simple Google search will show you the rest.
I think the OP is fine to drive but should also know of the risks even if they are slim.

 

As I said already, I'm not concerned about her timing belt breaking, I do recommend however that she join AAA road side service. It's always good to have. Even for such simple things as a flat tire.

 

Love to see it. Link?
I HAVE searched but no stories of belts snapping at lower mileage.

 

I wasn't talking about low mileage, I was talking about engine damage when the belt breaks.

 

It would be good to see that. All of the reported ones have had no vt damage. But presumably there may be a high rpm range that is possible. Link?