Hi. I'm no mechanic so I sought out this forum since my little Neon is aging. I drive a 2000 Neon ES with a little less than 38,000 miles on it. Inherited the ride from my grandfather so I know the car's history and we've both taken very good care of it, except that it's always been stuck outside as neither of us has a good garage.

I don't drive a lot or long distances in this car, obviously, but I also can't afford to have it breaking down on me, either. I do the whole 3k/3 months oil change, keep good tires on it and keep it clean. Due to it's age I went ahead and had the transmission fluid and gasket changed with the last oil change and am giving it a tune up next weekend (flushing the coolant, changing spark plugs and maybe filters).

I had been ignorant about timing belts until I recently bought a Hayne's manual which says the belt should be changed at something like 60k miles or 72 months. I'm under the mileage but over the age, should I get this done ASAP? And if so, about what should I expect to pay? I've read that the water pump needs to be replaced at the same time, anything else?

I really appreciate input from more knowledgeable drivers than I.

Thanks,
Laura

 

The following is s quote from the Chrysler shop manual.

105,000 Miles (168 000 km) or at 84 months
² Change the engine oil.
² Replace the engine oil filter.
² Replace the engine timing belt.
² Adjust the drive belt tension.
*This maintenance is recommended by Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation to the owner but is not
required to maintain the emissions warranty.
end quote.

It is also advisable to replace the water pump and timing belt tensioner pulley at the same time as the timing belt.