Well, I bit the bullet and bought a 97 850 GLT with 68,000 miles, nautical blue, for $13,300. The car seems to have all the factory options (heated leather seats, wood dash, fog lights, spoiler, sport suspension, etc.) The paint is in great shape, and only minor wear on the leather seats. So I'm very happy!

The honeymoon is over, though, and I have to replace the timing belt. Unfortunately, I'm not a do-it-yourselfer. I admire you guys immensely, but whatever work that's done on this car will be done in the shop.

My question: dealers have quoted 300 bucks for replacing the timing belt. An independent shop that I really trust said that when they replace the timing belt, they also like to replace some connected parts. (Don't remember what he said--maybe a hydraulic tensioner???) In any case, the bill for replacing the timing belt at the indy shop will be 500 bucks. Is it worth it to pay the extra money to have these parts replaced?

Also, the indy shop recommended changing the water pump at the same time. After reading through some of the archives, I'm inclined to NOT change the water pump right now, unless the mechanic finds any leaks while changing the timing belt. Smart? Stupid?

Thanks.