I want to buy this toyota corolla, but the buyer says no need to change the timing belt, is this true?

The seller said, %26quot;Oh, no need to change the timing belt on this car because its motor is a %26quot;non-interference type%26quot; so if it snaps, it doesn't damage the engine, you just simply change the belt.

Is this true?
I want to buy this toyota corolla, but the buyer says no need to change the timing belt, is this true?
All non interference means is that if it snaps, it PROBABLY wont damage the cylinder heads and valves.



You still need to re-time all the valves and do a compression check on the engine.



It would be better for you to change the belt now instead of when it breaks, if it breaks while driving the car will instantly die, then you will need a tow, then you hope the shreading of the belt doesnt damage any of the pullys it runs.
I want to buy this toyota corolla, but the buyer says no need to change the timing belt, is this true?
Technically he MIGHT be correct. Realistically he is full of BS.



One some cars the design is non-interference design. But I would not wait till it brakes as you would be stuck paying the mechanic whatever he calls. On top of that you will be stuck on the road and paying for the tow.



As long as you can drive the car you can go to the better priced mechanic. Beside you only replace the timing belt once or twice before selling it. Why wait?



That is why they don't make too many non-interference designs anymore.



Good Luck...
yes that is correct however some of the later models are chain driven since 1998 so no need to change what is not there
The belt should be changed at the recommended intervals. As far as weather or not it is an interference fit engine or not, I'm not positive, but even if it is non interference, that is no excuse to not perform preventative maintenance. If the guy is willing to be cheap about something that important, how often do you think he has the oil changed, trans. serviced, or any other service that should have been performed.
I would go ahead and have the belt changed because you can never be too safe about these kind of things especially when considering how much more the repair can cost if something does actually go wrong...
Well yes, if the timing belt %26quot;snaps%26quot; the engine will not self destruct, but you are still stranded on the side of the road.



Get it replaced at the manufacturers recommended mileage!
It's true but if the belt snaps while you are in the ghetto do you really want to call a tow and then sit in your car and wait?



If it snaps while out in the middle of nowhere do you want to go knocking on a farmers door in the middle of the night cause your cell has no reception?



Timing belt is normal maint. on Jap trap, even though people who don't even know how to change oil, will argue with me on that.



Maybe some moron on here will tell you to take it to AutoZone for timing belt diagnosis. Hey, they do it for free so it must be worth it.