To change or not to change!

JOE1974

MEMBER
PLYMOUTH

Hi,
I have a 1998 Plymouth Neon Highline, 2L, 4 Cylinder with mileage around 90,000. I have the coolant (also called anti-freeze?) Leaking problem. The mechanic gave me 300 bucks estimate to change the water pump, which has the leak. He also suggested that the car can have a new timing belt for an extra 100 bucks. The recommended timing belt replacement for this model is at 105,000 miles. What shoud I do? Is there any relative advantage in having a new timing belt? What if something else fails in a coupleof years? Owners of the same model, please help me get an idea.

Thanks. Joe

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

105,000 I guess you live in Cal, or Mass? These are the only 2 states thar require the 105,000 timing belt, Yes if the water pump leaks, change them both, the advantage is if the belt breaks, the engine is destroyed!00.00 is cheap insurance!