To start with, please forgive me if this is an older topic, but did a search and didn't find it....
Have a CPO 2001 RX300 with 80k which I love, and runs great--BUT want to keep it that way!! Lexus just sent me a reminder to have my timing belt replaced for 299.00 or so, but after reading various other threads, it seems like it might be a good idea to get the water pump replaced too? How much do you think this would add, and should I even have it done, thinking of the old addage "if it ain't broke...".
I have had oil changes done all along, and filters, etc., but it seems that this would be a "fix" that would be necessary to keep my lex running with no problems. My other concern is, should I take it to Lexus, or a local shop? And, because I am female, I am always worried about getting "duped" because I know art, not engines! In the past, for warranty work, have used the local Lexus dealer, and they were great. Maybe someone out there knows a reputable mechanic in the Clearwater/Palm Harbor, FL area?
Thank you in advance for your help!!

 

$299 is a good price for the timing belt change. Most will also do the water pump at the same time because most of the labor to change a pump is already done with the timing belt change. It should only cost about $100 more and is good insurance. If you don't change it and it goes out 6 months later, then you would have to pay for the pump and another $300 for the labor to get to it.

 

Welcome to the Club!

If for $300 they change only the Timing Belt, it does not make any sense. Timing belt is designed to last up to 200,000 miles. But it is a good idea to replace all timing components and drive belts around 90K.

I you change Timing Belt, change all external timing parts (Water Pump and 2 Idlers), also ask change both Drive Belts (they remove them anyway in order to access Timing Belt, mechanic will know what you mean).
Here is average prices for your reference:
Timing Belt (Gates brand, good) - $30
Timing Idlers (actually one is Idler and one is Tensioner) - $50
New Water Pump - $70
Drive Belt (for A/C and Alternator) - $12
Drive Belt (for Power Steering) - $10

So the total for parts is about $175.
The labor, I think, should be around 4 hours.
At $75/hour that is around $475 total for everything. Dealer charges at least $100/hour, plus they use OEM parts.

I also recommend to replace foam Gaskets of Timing Belt Covers, you can only get them from the Dealer. 99% of mechanics out there won't replace these gaskets, they just tear them off. These gaskets are around $10 from a dealer.