06-26-2025, 09:38 PM
Some cars need a timing belt replacement around that mileage. I’m not familiar with this particular model, but when I had the timing belt replaced on my Civic, it included labor, a new water pump, and I believe a gasket, it came out to around $500 - 600, and that was years ago. These days, I’d expect it to be closer to $1,000.
My mechanic strongly recommended replacing the water pump at the same time. The part was inexpensive (about $30), and since the labor is the same, it made financial sense. If the water pump were to fail later, I’d be looking at a few hundred dollars in labor all over again.
Another thing that worries me about buying a used car from far away is the risk of discovering an awful interior odor once you get there. Maybe the previous owner smoked or had a pet that had accidents in the car, you just never know. It would be incredibly frustrating to drive 250 miles only to find out the car literally stinks.
My mechanic strongly recommended replacing the water pump at the same time. The part was inexpensive (about $30), and since the labor is the same, it made financial sense. If the water pump were to fail later, I’d be looking at a few hundred dollars in labor all over again.
Another thing that worries me about buying a used car from far away is the risk of discovering an awful interior odor once you get there. Maybe the previous owner smoked or had a pet that had accidents in the car, you just never know. It would be incredibly frustrating to drive 250 miles only to find out the car literally stinks.