ROBMURR wrote: : most toyota dealers run specials on timing : belts for under $200. Check there first since it looks like you have no : mechanic.
I was just going to say this. I wish I had gone to my dealer for just this one thing because I learned later it would have been much cheaper. Instead I went to my regular mechanic, who's normally much better than dealers, and paid $450 for my 99 camry.
I wish I had them do the following also:
- change water pump/belt
- replace tensioner bearings
- replace any other bearings/belts that are cheaper to do once they're in there
The good thing about the dealer is that they warrant their work. After I had my timing belt changed, my car was much louder and is showing signs of a bearing about to go, but there's no hope of me ever having the mechanic fix it before it leaves me stranded.
I think the way dealers make money on this deal is they get you in there and then they tell you about the million other things wrong that you need done. If you ignore all of those, the timing belt operation alone should be a good deal.
Good luck.
Holly