and you bought a car that you have no way of contacting the previous owner? usually our mechanics over here in the UK put a sticker somewhere on the timing belt cover to say when the last change was done. The main issue is if it hasn't been done and your belt goes you can kiss good buy to your engine (or at least be looking a a lot of damage). a proper inspection of the belt would require taking it off anyway. doing the timing belt is a lot of work anyway and must be done right.. see FSM.
