Timing belt broke on my 2000 Camry Solara. Mechanic said there is a chance that there could be major damage to engine. ALternative is to replace timing belt for $400.00 an take a chance that there

Should be NO major damage, the valves will not come in touch with the pistons on some ither zero clearance engines, ie: Honda/Nissan, They go BANG because of the zero clearnce design of the engine. Just replace the belt, maybe the waterpump while you are righ there anyway. 2000 modedl years I believe should have there timing belts changed every 5 years or 96,000 kilomtres, which ever comes first. Good luke, keep us posted. Toyota Guy for 20 + years, Doug

yours should have the noninterference engine,so yes it probly bent some valves.

non interference means the valves won't hit the pistons. Do you know anything about cars at all?

Thak's to all who responded. I did decide to take the risk. I replaced belt and water pump. Car is running great. I learned much from your comments. Thanks again Juan

Hello. I have a similar question to this. We have a 99 Camry Solara, and the timing belt snapped taking the water pump with it. We took it to the mechanic and he put it in a whole new belt/water pump kit. Since then, it drives poorly when shifting gears. As it approaches 3000 rpm it stutters or shakes, then you have to let off the gas while it shifts. We have been told it isn't the transmission and the problem only started after the water pump/timing belt issue. Could this be caused by damage to the engine/piston heads or is the timing off? Thanks for your help!