What's the "Big Difference"? It's the same clutch, same timing belt (and same 105k mile interval), same water pump (and same 105k interval), same NV T-350 transmission with a weak open differential, same bottom end, same SOHC head, same alternator, same fuel pump. The problems with those on the 1st gens are going to be the same on the 2nd gens. Radiator is slightly different, but still copper core with plastic end bells (=crap). Haven't seen many 2nd gens hitting the 200k mile point yet... That's when the real fun starts.

 

Thus far at 122,000+ miles, I've not replaced the timing belt, have replaced ONE drive belt that was partially cracked, and have an annoying whirring noise that I have attributed to not be from the transmission (manual) but possibly from the alternator as the battery light came on once, but never more. Also the car has been hit twice since passing 100,000 too. Once hard in the rear from a Durango who wasn't paying attention in the rain (new rear bumper/trunk lid/unbody panel replacement) and then again in front driver's side by Intrepid who ran a red (a-frame bend/fender/hood/front bumper). Otherwise, nothing bad except whirring still yet to solve. Oh, and power curve slightly lacking as car struggles a bit off the line until RPMs built up. (Haven't replaced timing belt, but friend had a '96 he ran to 225,000 and never did either).

Any ideas on this from similar problems?