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Toyota Corolla 1995 with 274,000kms on the clock. The calendar date for changing the cam belt has passed by 6 months but the kms are nowhere near the requuired figure. Should I have it changed ASAP?.

On currnent use the car does barely 10,000kms a year.

The replacement period for a vehicle of this age is generally 5years/100,000kms whichever comes first. If it’s been longer than 5 years since the belt was changed then yes it is recommended.

Many people are prepared to take the risk when in similar circumstances (low mileage since last change/older vehicle) and not have the belt changed however, the big unknown is just how long will the belt last.

I can only pass on the manufacturers recommendation, your preferred repairer may be able to advise better based on your past service history and actual distance travelled since the belt was replaced last.

I can understand your position, the car is not worth any more if you do get the belt replaced and at this age/mileage how much do you spend on these sorts of recommended maintenance items. One thing is for certain however; if the belt breaks your repair costs will increase significantly.