I just purchased an 08 with 135,000 miles. I asked my mechanic (Toyota/lexus guru) and he says my engine has a timing chain instead of a belt and he's , knock on wood, never seen one fail. Thoughts? Experience?

 

Belt. If it hasn't been changed yet, it'd be on my urgent to-do list.

 

And I'd find a new mechanic

 

Lol. One that's looked under the hood of a Toyota or a Lexus.

 

good lord, what bad advice from a mechanic.

 

Belt:

http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...rimLevel=19100

Chip H.

 

And he's a Toy/Lexus guru? Lol

 

Ok so now I need to try to contact the old owner, in Texas, to see if it's been done or not.Any suggestions on how to find out who that was? I can get a title history from to dmv but that takes two weeks.

 

Stop by your local dealer with your registration - they can see if there's any service history for it, based on the VIN.
If it was changed by an independent mechanic, there probably won't be any record of it (from the dealer or via Carfax).
You can look for tool marks on the crankshaft pulley bolt, but that's not a guarantee the belt was changed (might have been for the water pump).
Even if you got a parts receipt with the vehicle, know that some unscrupulous types have been known to buy the parts, copy the receipt so they have one to show, then return the parts.

If you absolutely have to know the work was done, and you don't have any records, get it changed yourself.

Chip H.

 

Find a new mechanic, that's just especially ignorant considering his specialty is Lexus/Toyotas.

Usually, if the job has been done, the technician puts a sticker somewhere in the engine bay letting you know the service has been completed. The sticker comes with the timing belt kit. So you might want to look around the engine compartment for that sticker as well.

 

No sticker. Trying to contact the previous owner to see if they had it done.

 

You can also sign up on Drive Lexus and enter Vin number and find out it service records. But with no sticker if done probably not done at dealer.
https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home.do

 

o m g !!!!

 

Not necessarily. Open the hood, remove the plastic beauty cover, then look straight down the middle of the V. On each side you'll find a black plastic cover (held by I believe 4x10mm bolts). Take the cover off and inspect the belt. If you're not sure, post a picture here. Many of us have done this job and can tell if the belt is original.

Good luck

 

I'll either give it a try or take it to my shop Monday and see if they can fit me in for a quick check.