1stGen03

Hi All,

I currently drive a 2003 IS 300 with ~143k miles. It had the timing belt originally done at ~90k miles, so while not due on mileage, I am over the recommend time to have it replaced. I have a few questions about this:

1. Given the price of the repair, would you replace it at this point? I figure if I do it, maybe I get another 2 years out of it before I buying something new. Maintenance otherwise has been kept up with, oil changes, etc. It has been kept in the rust belt for most of it's life so there is some rust on the front hood, but no oil leaks or anything else that I'm aware of. In the winter the wheel was a bit creaky when turning at slow speeds but when I took it in they said they couldn't recreate it/find anything wrong.
2. What happens if I just don't replace it and wait until it snaps? I understand this basically junks the car but I feel like there are decent odds the belt lasts for awhile. Will I be spinning off the road in a fiery mess? Will the engine just stop working? If it lasts another year or two the car may only be worth the price of the timing belt repair.
3. Any other advice?

1997Soarer

iTrader: (1)

The 2JZ-GE VVTI motor is interference. That means, if the timing belt snaps, the valves will smack the pistons. At that point the car would be totalled out by any insurance agency since you would need the whole longblock replaced or rebuilt.

Regular maintenance is T-Belt every 90k or 10 years. So if you're at 143k now, you've got a ways to go before you should seriously consider replacing it

tonynca

iTrader: (2)

you could open the cam covers and check the belt to see if there's any micro fractures

1stGen03

I don't even change my own oil, is this something that is easy enough to do with instructions online? Thanks!

tonynca

iTrader: (2)

super easy

8 bolts total i think

but you gotta have tools