Replace the timing belt - Don't gamble on this. If you decide to trade the vehicle at 100,000 miles, it will be worth more with a replaced belt than trying to sell it with a trashed engine. [A few overhead cam engines are free turning - pistons won't hit the valves if the belt breaks. I don't take a chance on this until I know for sure; Always assume the pistons will hit the valves until proven otherwise.]

I believe you would find some good information in the April issue of Consumer Reports which should be available atyour library. This past week, a friend brought over his Sienna for me to test drive as I was trying to decide between the van and getting another truck. One thing nice about the Sienna is that it has the vehicle stability control, something I won't be without anymore. He said that he was very pleasantly surprised that the vehicle surpassed the mileage ratings posted. V6 engines will generally cost you 4 to 6 mpg difference in gas efficiency.

To those searching for more on the Toyota engine oil sludge or gel matter, please see the following links: http://www.toyotaoilgel.com http://www.uc2.blogspot.com http://www.autosafety.org Follow "toyotasludge" on Twitter.com Watch the Toyota Sludge video on YouTube.com at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs7WI2s-CVw If you have blue/white smoke from the exhaust, especially on start up; check engine light on; excess oil consumption or sudden disappearance of engine oil; failed emissions control components such as the oxygen sensor or catalytic converter; a thrown engine piston rod; or complete engine failure, then be on alert! Notify Toyota via CERTIFED letter with return receipt requested about your problem and ask for full repair coverage under Toyotas Customer Support Program for Engine Oil Gelation. Speak up loudly online if Toyota refuses to honor this program or continues to blame you in the wake of proper vehicle maintenance. If Toyota is totally unresponsive in the wake of a failed engine due to engine oil sludge build up, consider going to the following web sites to voice your concern: http://www.ConsumerAffairs.com http://www.RipOffReport.com Regardless of the Toyota response, be sure to file online vehicle owner complaints at: http://www.autosafety.org The Center for Auto Safety http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Just to make it clear, the Toyota engine oil sludge problemthe one that has attracted so many defamers to follow me around the internetis STILL a problem. There are many later model Toyota models showing signs of the same problem. What is worse, Toyota owners are reporting continued deception at Toyota and Toyota dealerships. Far too many Toyota owners are being told they do not qualify for the CSP repair cost coverage for one reason or another. Still other Toyota model owners who have sludged engines are being asked to pay thousands in repair costs despite proper vehicle maintenance. This is wrong! Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution Charlene Blake cblake@erols.com charleneblake@cox.net

I first bought a Toyota Camry 1990 brand new. Then I sold it for top dollar and bought a 2001 brand new. I just sold it (top dollar) and bought a new 2009 Toyota Highlander Limited. I love it!! My credit union as a rep that does all the leg work for you, finds you what you want/color/additions/everything! I gave him 3 choices, (Lexus/Toyota Sport SUV/Highlander SUV) and he came back with 2 deals, they couldn't find a 2009 Lexus like I wanted because the 2010 just came out and were quite a bit more money, so people were snapping up the 09's. Because I hate going from dealer to dealer talking and haggling and most of the time being hustled I loved that I could have someone else do the work for me. He got me a good deal, it was fair and I told him I would not spend the first amount the dealer offered. I wanted to stay in my budget. He called the dealer and they came down! But then again the credit union and those dealers want to have a good relationship for everyone's benefit. The credit union has the "buying power" and I don't think I would purchase any other way now that I've experienced what this purchase was like...awesome! If I were you I would do a little homework from the internet and see what the average price of the car is, then make copies of exactly what you want. And if you don't like what you're hearing (the usual "blah,blah,blah") tell them thanks and start walking away. See what happens. And there are companies out there that has reps that do what my credit union does. Costco is one of them. They have a "buying service" for cars! I think "Cars Direct" does the same thing...at least you could get some prices. Sorry to be so long winded. I am and hope to continue being a Toyota person. All my cars have been outstanding performers, very low repair costs (if any) and they run like a champ! Susan