Originally Posted by mikesta21
well it looks like a 93 lude si w/ 60k is coming my way for 3800 or less. its in good condition and was used mainly by a woman traveling around boston and back to her family in the suburb, lightly and not very aggressively.
my question is the timing belt. Ive heard 100k, 90, and even 80, just to be safe, but how can I "check" the belt to see how the wear on it is? if you cant look at it w/o doing a lot of work, is there anything to look for that would make it clear it needs it replaced? I'm only asking because of the severe consequences if it were to die on me.
thanks again prelude people.
Remove the head cover and becareful not to damage the head cover gasket because it could be reused, then remove the cam cover on the right hand side of the engine. But if ur asking this you shouldn't be doing it urself anyway, not with a delicate and integral part of the engine. Remember when you by a used car you could be taking over someone else's headache. Most importantly I would do a carfax on the VIN, then ask to take the car to a mechanic and check for codes, frame damage and do a compression and leakdown test. If everything checks out see if you can get the car for a little less. Next I would budget an extra 2 grand to do maintenence (better safe than sorry.) Get the timing belt, water pump done. Inspect the altenator, battery, clutch (or AT tranny), injectors, tires, shocks and brakes. Change your own oil (and filter), sparkplugs, wires, fuel filter. You will have a car that serves you well. That two grand figure can double or triple if the timing belt and water pump go out (and thats just for a new engine or rebuild). Do yourself a favor and don't cheap out on a used car. Hope this helps.