Cam Belt Age And Mileage

[IS200Herts]

Hi Everyone,

I've just joined after buying an 8 year old IS200 in spanking condition and 41000 on the clock. I'm aware (very aware) of cam belts having had a timing chain break in a Volvo - effectively writing the car off. I looked at the Lexus service book and it says 100000 miles between cam belt changes but at my rate of mileage (5000 a year) it would be another 11 years before the belt gets changed. Anyway, I rang Lexus at Hatfield and they say 6 years or 100000 miles, whichever is the earliest. I reckon this is a modified recommendation after seeing actual results since the model was launched in 1999. I'm pretty sure the belt on my car hasn't been changed, as the Lexus history is only 5 years - although I've just written to the previous owner for clarification.

I have 2 questions. Firstly, do the other members agree it is prudent to change the belt at this point and secondly is it OK to trust this job to a reputable (non specialist) local garage? I've essentially got 3 choices here; Lexus, an independent specialist in Hertford and my very good and trustworthy local garage. Am I right in thinking that a good quality local garage can handle this job?

[Rory]

change it due to age and it should be 6 years or 60k, dunno why hatfield have told you 100k as it was revised a while back,

i'd get it done either way, piece of mind if nothing else :D

I had mine done by a BMW specialist, some members have even done the job themselves and I believe a walk through has been put on the forum somewhere for those not technically minded as although its a few hours work, its quite straight forward