Is there any way to check/look at the condition of the timing belt without taking the engine apart? Like remove a cam cover (or something) to be able to see the condition of the belt?

 

Top covers are easy to remove, but there's nothing to see.

 

you can see the belt, just the outer surface, you can peek at the inner one as well, but you wont be able to see any cracks, unless severe

 

Why? If its due, do it and get it over with, or would you rather replace the engine. If you can afford the latter, just drive it till it explodes. Looking at the belt wont tell you a thing.

 

What is your year and mileage? I'm not going to tell anyone to stretch the manufacturer's recommended replacement interval on a TB, however, I'm four/five years over on mine. I'm stretching the interval based on the condition of other TB's I've replaced on Toyota engines, including one similar to the V8 in our SC's. Personally, I think Toyota/Lexus is very conservative on the replacement schedule, but, it never hurts to err on the side of caution. Bottom line...each person needs to be comfortable with the amount of risk that's acceptable to themselves.

 

might be a valid point to check it out - my car did not have any records of the TB changed, neither the previous owner said so, nevertheless it was at least once in its lifetime. If you bought it from the dealer and he got it in trade - who knows..take the cover off is like 20 min job at most, then you can see if you have some time left or have to stop right there and change it. Changing the belt on old cars are not for the faint of heart, and i can pretty much guarantee you will be changing more then just the belt along the way