[RickerD]

Hey, all! As the title says there's a garaged kept 2000 Interpid being offered to me by an old couple on the next street. Haven't took a closer look yet but the husband mentioned she was regularly serviced and been sitting for almost a year now. Here to gain as much knowledge first.

 

[peva]

Which engine (2.7, 3.2, 3.5), SE or ES, and how many miles on the odo?

 

[RickerD]

She's a 3.5 and got 65k miles of the clock.

 

[Ronbo]

Should be an ES with the 3.5. Could also be an R/T but I doubt that with an Old Couple owning it.

 

[peva]

Big questions are: Have the timing belt and water pump ever been replaced? If so how long ago in miles and years was that done? Some people think only miles matter. It's not just miles. Years also matter for timing belt. If the belt breaks, there is high chance of valve damage because the 3.5 is what is called non-free-wheeling, or interference. $200-$300 for parts + $400-$600 labor to replace timing belt, water pump, and timing belt tensioner.

 

[Scooter-Man]

Big questions are: Have the timing belt and water pump ever been replaced? If so how long ago in miles and years was that done? Some people think only miles matter. It's not just miles. Years also matter for timing belt. If the belt breaks, there is high chance of valve damage because the 3.5 is what is called non-free-wheeling, or interference. $200-$300 for parts + $400-$600 labor to replace timing belt, water pump, and timing belt tensioner.

Ding-Ding-Ding

Get the timing belt and water pump replaced if you buy it ASAP. Then start nick picking at the smaller stuff.

There are a bunch of threads on here on how to do this yourself or what is required from a shop.

 

[RickerD]

Thank you for the tips, people! I'm waiting for a friend mechanic to help me inspect it, hopefully this week.

 

[peva]

Be aware - you can't tell by looking at the belt how much time its got left. Its internal cords are what give it it's strength. The outside of the belt can look great, and it could break next week.

 

[RickerD]

Be aware - you can't tell by looking at the belt how much time its got left. Its internal cords are what give it it's strength. The outside of the belt can look great, and it could break next week.

Well noted, sir! Thank you!