In the market for a used CR-V from 98-02 for pretty cheap. We have found a promising '99 with 78k. However, the timing belt/water pump has not been replaced on this vehicle and maintenance schedule calls for this at 105k or 7 years.

Any sense on the importance of miles vs. years for this? This cr-v was supposed to have been maintained immaculately, driven few miles a year by an older couple, and kept in a garage. I am wondering how urgent this repair is or if I can wait until 105k miles.

Thanks for your input.

-jstrong

 

I mean its really cheap insurance for the price vs it breaking. 13 years on a belt is pretty long. I just picked up an 01 the other day and the owner only took it to the dealer for everything (most of the reason I bought it). The carfax showed every service done and they did the belt at around 73K back in 08 (it has 100k now). I bought it at the dealership they bought it at and traded it in at.

 

I wouldn't wait. It's a rubber belt, it will dry rot, especially from sitting. I would change it ASAP.

Also, extremely low mileage isn't necessarily a good thing. Personally I've found it worse than a vehicle with average or even high mileage, quite bluntly cars don't do well sitting.