2003 Lexus ES300. Runs like new. Low miles, 40,000.
However, timing belt has never been changed.
At 40K mi, it's well short of the recommended life of the belt.
But it's been 14 years. Rubber may be old and brittle.
If I were to keep the car, for sure, I'd change it.
--As well as everything else related and near it (e.g. pulleys, tensioners, water pump, serpentine belt, cam seals, etc.)
But within probably 2 years, the car will be surplus (aging parent will give me a car 8 years newer).
Replacing a timing belt will likely cost somewhere between $500 and $900 USD, depending on whether I do the related stuff and who is doing the job.
Kelly Blue Book says the car is worth around $6000.
Question: What do people do when there is a job that needs doing that is costly and, importantly, a significant percentage of the worth of the car? e.g.
Don't do it and reduce the asking price? (reduce by how much?)
Do it but increase the price? (by how much?)
I would think there are buyers who would be interested in the rock bottom price and thus might skip a higher price car. Alternatively, there would be ones that would pay more for a car that (as seen in some ads "doesn't need anything".
What would you do?
However, timing belt has never been changed.
At 40K mi, it's well short of the recommended life of the belt.
But it's been 14 years. Rubber may be old and brittle.
If I were to keep the car, for sure, I'd change it.
--As well as everything else related and near it (e.g. pulleys, tensioners, water pump, serpentine belt, cam seals, etc.)
But within probably 2 years, the car will be surplus (aging parent will give me a car 8 years newer).
Replacing a timing belt will likely cost somewhere between $500 and $900 USD, depending on whether I do the related stuff and who is doing the job.
Kelly Blue Book says the car is worth around $6000.
Question: What do people do when there is a job that needs doing that is costly and, importantly, a significant percentage of the worth of the car? e.g.
Don't do it and reduce the asking price? (reduce by how much?)
Do it but increase the price? (by how much?)
I would think there are buyers who would be interested in the rock bottom price and thus might skip a higher price car. Alternatively, there would be ones that would pay more for a car that (as seen in some ads "doesn't need anything".
What would you do?