CHECK the color of the COOLANT! genuine TOYOTA factory coolant is RED< and not GREEN or ORANGE or any other color! You can REMOVE the TIMING BELT COVER and check it for yourself! I can ASSURE YOU that in this cars PAST, the WATER PUMP and TIMING BELT were Chane or you would NOT BE DRIVING IT! There is NO timing belt or pump that can LIVE TO 160k miles! CHANCES are that this belt and pump were changed at 90-100k miles, and you are NOW DUE for another CHANGE flush and fill of the RED FACTORY COOLANT! The repair kit for a LEXUS or TOYOTA 3.0 liter engine, is about $140 including a brand new GENUINE AISIN PUMP from JAPAN! USE ROCK AUTO for these kit prices and parts! UNFORTUNATELY to do this job right requires a few SPECIAL TOYOTA TOOLS as well! The LEXUS RX300 needs a few panels removed as well! the 4 RUNNER should be EASIER to access! MOSt dealership want nearly $750 for a COOLING SYSTEM change, and a NEW WATER PUMP and TIMING BELT KIT installed! Both TOYOTA and LEXUS charge the EXACT SAME PRICE in the Detroit area!
better to do it now than in the middle of winter when you have no choice good luck
It is wise to seek advise from professional mechanics as to what process you are considering to do with this vehicle. This vehicle is 2013-1994= 19/20 years old presumably in service since 1994. The miles you report as under 160,000 miles. You inquire as if you are inexperienced in automotive affairs. Well, here is my experience speaking. Any vehicle over 100,000 miles is to be suspect of wear and tear and even abuse by prior owners and they require inspection and evaluation. Engines are to be checked for compression and leaks, electrical system, corrosion, engine mounts, exhaust, transmission, coolant system, etc. etc. etc. Only a trained mechanic can do this. Unless you have receipts, records at a dealership, etc. as evidence of service and repairs, then all parts are original. You ask as to the timing chain. I expand to include everything proposing short of an engine rebuild. Cars do a lot of work and suffer deterioration each second the motor runs and each inch the car moves over the earth. IF there an inspection plate or port that provides for a viewing of the condition of the timing belt, a mechanic will know. My car, a 2001 Audi TT has that feature. Now, imagine the purchase price of this Toyota, add the expense of the inspection and possible repairs such as the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, radiator cap and coolant replacement, possible a new radiator, suspension parts, exhaust parts, etc. in need of replacement, etc. and it is up to you to decide IF this vehicle is worth the expense for no matter how money you spend, the retail market value shall remain the same. That means around $2,500 to $2,700. This vehicle, as new, was not and is not now, a fuel efficient vehicle with an average MPG of 14 MPG on a good day. I do not know as to your driving needs but at 60 MPH and 14 MPG that mean each 14 miles $3.50, average, goes out the tail pipe for a nice $14.00 per HOUR cost on fuel. Kind of expensive. You choice and decision. Good luck.
