Friend has a well maintained 96 Toyota with about 60,000 miles; driven only in warm climates and with a driving history that meets none of the "Heavy Duty" or "extreme" definitions in the owner's manual.
Question #1 -- should this person have the timing belt replaced as part of routine maintenance/preventive maintenance?
The Toyota documentation that came with the car seems to very clearly say that timing belt replacement is not necessary under normal driving conditions on this particular vehicle. Any experience or expertise out there that supports or suggests differently?
Question #2 -- is this an "interference engine"?
i.e., if the timing belt does break will it damage valves, pistons, etc.
Opinions are appreciated .....
Mike
snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com