belts again?

Honestly there are plenty of threads on this one, the short answer is do whatever you are comfortable with, its your decision.

I prefer peace of mind, call it the cost of doing business.

 

I let mine go 4 years and only about 4000 miles. I was never too nervous about it. The belts are pretty tough. I don't think I'd go over 4 years. It's more a time issue than a mileage one, I think

 

Went 4 years and 7000mi. No issues at all.

 

Did mine last year with 5K miles on them. They looked new. I won't do them again for 5 years.

 

The easy fix is to drive the car more... I realize certain areas are limited due to weather, but I drive mine any chance I get. I work out of the country 6+ months out of the year and still drive my car nearly every day I'm home. At least with higher mileage you will feel like you are getting your moneys worth.
-Matt

 

What they look like doesn't tell you anything. The issues are usually interlayer issues so visual inspection is worthless.

OP: I drive regularly (about 3K per year) and I tend to go 5 years. But I realize that there is a degree of risk in that. Like already said, do what makes you comfortable.

 

Mine was just done last year. Honestly, if its not driven regularly, every 3 years is too early. But I would do it every 5 years the most.
4 years, not sure.

 

5 years and just getting mine changed now. For me, that's the right amount of time.

 

As said, 3-5 years, whatever keeps you calm.

 

I just sold my 2003 360 & had no problems with the every 5 yr major time table. Mine also had a period of inactivity of approx. 5 months yearly. In that your car is a 2000 it is questionable that the Variator exhaust cams were ever updated with replacement of the updated version. A mishap here could be every bit as bad as breaking a cam belt The fact that the car has sat as you described, plus it's age might also subject it to a number of leaking seals that have not been seen yet externally.

 

How hard do you drive your car?

I would also think that belt quality would have improved during the past 10+ years after the original service interval of 3 years was determined.

CF

 

1. For god's sake drive your car more!
2. It's your call. Many of us go 5 years.