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Hi,

I'm looking at buying Toyota mark x (2006-2008) model. I haven't seen many of these cars on NZ roads. My questions are:
1. Does it have a cambelt? are chain driven cars generally always better than cambelt? (I always wonder what the benefits of cambelt are if it costs so much to replace one)
2. Is it easy enough to get spares for 2006-2009 models of toyota mark x?
3. In sedan category (1300-2500cc) is toyota typically better brand compared to nissan (e.g. comparing breakdowns etc). Which brand is typically (on avg) best in terms of durability/life?
4. Does any particular car brand have better resale value compared to other brands?

Hi there,
There are a few on the road here now, however as they are solely an import there is little information to go on.
I spoke to a guy the other day who raved about them, comfortable with plenty of power.
The 2.4 2AZ-FE engine is chain driven and I suspect the other engines would be too.
Cambelts tend to be a bit quieter in operation than a chain, but a lot of engines are using chains now in order to keep the design more compact.
I would prefer Toyota over Nissan for vehicles around this year bracket.

Sorry for the late reply but Thanks a lot Cade for the advice and reply!! <thumbs up>
I am after Toyota Markx 300G Premium model (done 110000 km).

1. I couldn't find online whether this particular model is chain driven or belt driven. will you be able to confirm it somehow?

2. Also, In worst case (?), if it is belt driven is it recommended to replace the belt at 150K or 100K? There is no information available whether the belt has been replaced.
If it is recommended to replace it, how much approximately will it cost to replace the belt? I guess the chains do not need to be replaced as often as belts unless something goes wrong with them?

If I may ask another question, Does toyota mark x (300g premium) have any typical known issues that appear often?

Hi,
The 300g lists as having the 3GR-FSE engine and is chain driven, so no replacement intervals are listed.
As these cars are relatively new on the import scene, we have no received any complaints about them or have information about reliability just yet.
What we do know, is that the Toyota FSE engines were their early direct injection ones and had been known to be a bit problematic or expensive to repair (used in the Avensis)

Thanks Cade for the quick response !!
What kind of problems do FSE engines face (if not known about markx but in avensis)?
Any preventive suggestions for those problems?

The common complaint is that the engine intake can carbon up and cause rough running, it may need a cleaner put through it at every service. However it's largely due to the EGR feeding exhaust gasses back through the intake as en emissions saving measure. In worst cases the manifold has to be removed in order to be cleaned more effectively.
This is also the same thing that happened to the Mitsubishi GDi engines.

Thank you very much for all your inputs Cade, this helps a lot to make decision!!