I have a 2007 SC430 and considering a timing belt change. Would appreciate if someone could give me an idea of cost having it done by a dealer ? Thank you for your time. JohnD

 

If you go to the dealer, it will cost you $1000-1500. If you buy the kits from EBay or Amazon then have your trusted mechanic do the installation then it will cost you about $700.

 

I had my local mechanic do the following, cost was $800: Timing belt, water pump, tensioner, idler pulley.
But while it was there I also had him replace the thermostat, upper & lower radiator hoses, serpentine belt, install iridium spark plugs, flush and refill the coolant.
Total for everything, including the timing belt was $1,300

 

Your local Toyota Dealer-Shop would be a better practical solution, if you not know of a local shop who are Toyota experts. Or just go to your Lexus Dealer and pay full price and get a Lexus loaner car (pick one you like to test drive). It is all tied to your peace of mind.

 

Thank you all for your timely reply.
Regards,
JohnD

 

I'm curious, are our car engines so specialized or complicated that only a Toyota or Lexus expert mechanic should be trusted to change the timing belt, water pump and those other things most seem to recommend be done at the same time, or could one trust their beloved SC to a mechanic who has years of experience and whom you trust will do the job right?

 

Many independent shops do the timing belt all the time. They just need to be qualified. You don't want a country bumpkin shop doing it. No, it's not that hard. Just make sure they stand behind their work.