Cam Belt Or Chain?

[Catweazle]

Hi can anyone tell me whether a 51 plate VX petrol RAV4 would have a timing belt or chain as different people are giving me different answers? Also, at what interval do these need to be changed?

Thanks in advance everyone.

[in_the_no]

x

[Catweazle]

Not sure on the engine, haven't bought it yet. Going back for a second look next week. How do I tell if it's a VVTi (or is that a stupid question as it probably has a big VVTi stamped on it)

[in_the_no]

x

[Catweazle]

Thanks for all the tips, I'll certainly give it a good going over. I must admit the bodywork looked pretty good, you'd never guess it was 8+ years old. The alloys have the normal bubbling problem but that could be a bargaining point.

If it is a belt rather than a chain, at what interval should it be replaced (and if a chain, do they last forever)?

[Catweazle]

Forgot to mention that the only fault I could find on the bodywork was a small crack in the paintwork on the lower bottom inner edge of the drivers door where it meets the sill. There were slight signs of rust where the paint had cracked. However as this is not in a visible place I think I could rub it down and touch it up without anyone even seeing it. Is this a coomon area for rust to show through?