Looking For Cars That Don’t Have Timing Belts? Discover 10 Options With Timing Chains For Greater Durability, Fewer Replacements, And More Peace Of Mind.
When buying a car, long-term maintenance is a crucial factor. The engine’s timing system, which coordinates valves and pistons, is a central component. Many seek cars that don’t have timing belts, preferring timing chains for their durability and lower need for preventive replacements.
This guide presents 10 models of cars that don’t have timing belts (using timing chains) available in Brazil. We will provide engine specifications, reference year, and average price. We will also bring tips from experts for a conscious and safe choice.
Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: What’s The Difference And Why Is It Important?
The timing system is vital for the engine. A failure can cause severe damage. The rubber timing belt requires periodic replacement (about every 60,000 km). Its rupture can be catastrophic.
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The timing chain is metal and operates submerged in engine oil. Its durability is vastly superior, often exceeding 150,000 km. This reduces the frequency of replacements and the risk of rupture. Noise may be slightly higher, but modern acoustic insulation minimizes this. If chain replacement is necessary (rare), the cost is higher. It is important to note that “oil-bathed belts,” although more durable than dry ones, are still belts, with their own challenges.
Benefits of Choosing Cars With Timing Chains
Choosing a car with a timing chain brings practical and financial benefits:
- Less Worry About Costly Preventive Maintenance: Goodbye to belt replacement every 60,000 km.
- Potential For Longer Engine Life: With proper oil maintenance, the chain contributes to durability.
- Greater Peace Of Mind Regarding Catastrophic Failures: The risk of sudden rupture is drastically reduced.
10 Cars That Don’t Have Timing Belts For Purchase In Brazil

Here is a selection of cars that don’t have timing belts, using timing chains:
Toyota Corolla (Ex: XEi 2.0)
- Engine: 2.0 Dynamic Force (the entire Toyota lineup in Brazil uses chains).
- Reference Year: 2021 (XEi 2.0 Flex Aut.).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 120,789 (Jun/2025).
Honda Civic (Ex: EXL 2.0 G10)
- Engine: 2.0 K20C2 and 1.5 Turbo L15B7 (G10) use chains.
- Reference Year: 2020 (EXL 2.0 i-VTEC CVT G10).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 120,408 (Jun/2025).
Hyundai HB20 (Ex: Vision 1.0 Kappa)
- Engine: 1.0 Kappa and 1.6 Gamma use chains.
- Reference Year: 2022 (Vision 1.0 Flex).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 65,071 (Jun/2025).
Fiat Argo (Ex: Drive 1.3 Firefly)
- Engine: 1.0 and 1.3 Firefly use chains.
- Reference Year: 2022 (Drive 1.3 S-Design Flex).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 66,147 (Jun/2025).
Nissan Kicks (Ex: Advance 1.6)
- Engine: 1.6 HR16DE uses a chain.
- Reference Year: 2022 (Advance 1.6 CVT).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 97,861 (May/2025).
Renault Kwid (Ex: Zen 1.0 SCe)
- Engine: 1.0 SCe uses a chain.
- Reference Year: 2022 (Zen 1.0 SCe).
- Average FIPE Price: Approximately R$ 46,924 (Jun/2025).
Honda Fit (Ex: EX 1.5 CVT)
- Engine: Series L (e.g., 1.5 i-VTEC) uses a chain.
- Reference Year: 2020 (EX 1.5 CVT Flex).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 84,348 (Ref. 2025).
Toyota Yaris (Ex: XL 1.3 Manual)
- Engine: 1.3 and 1.5 Dual VVT-i use chains.
- Reference Year: 2020 (Hatch XL 1.3 Flex Manual).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 73,464 (Ref. 2025, SP).
Ford Fiesta (Ex: S 1.0 Rocam)
- Engine: Zetec Rocam (1.0 and 1.6) uses a chain.
- Reference Year: 2014 (Hatch S Rocam 1.0 Flex).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 32,900 (Jun/2025).
Renault Duster (Ex: Zen 1.6 SCe Manual)
- Engine: 1.6 SCe uses a chain.
- Reference Year: 2022 (Zen 1.6 SCe Manual).
- Average FIPE Price: R$ 74,800 (Webmotors Ref.).
Expert Opinion: Essential Care When Choosing Cars With Timing Chains
Experts warn that although durable, the timing chain requires care. Lubrication is the most critical factor. The quality of the oil and the regularity of changes are fundamental to the lifespan of the chain, tensioners, and guides.
When buying cars that don’t have timing belts used:
- Check the maintenance history, focusing on oil changes.
- Pay attention to strange noises from the engine (rattling, whistling), especially with a cold engine or during acceleration.
- A professional mechanical assessment is recommended before purchase.
Regarding repair costs: if chain replacement is necessary (rare), the cost is higher than that of a timing belt. The parts kit is more expensive and labor is more complex.

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