i have a 97 eclipse with about 68000 miles on it... the manual says to replace the timing belt at 65000, does anyone know if its necessary? how much is it?

 

!!!!!!VERY NECESSARY!!!!!!
You need to replace the timing belt tentioner and the warter pump. and if u do it youreself about 400-500 if a shop dose it about 800-1000.
This is very important becuse if u slack on it and the timing belt is to snap your head is junk.

 

I'm about to buy a 97 eclipse with 90,000 ... the timing belt has been replaced, but not the water pump. Why would it cost a grand to get a belt and a pump replaced? I don't understand that.

 

ok here is how it works ok when the belt is replaced you have to replace the belt tentioner and waterpump. the parts alone are about 400-500 OEM. now labor is a differant story where u get it installed will vey in cost that is why i said 800-1000 if u have a shop do it and they have price markup as well that is why it is a 1000 if u buy parts through them.

 

so you're saying no matter what... if the owner of the car I am buying had the timing belt replaced that the belt tentioner (not sure what that is?) and the waterpump had to have been replaced??

 

ok the belt tentioner dose just what it says keep the belt tight so there is no slop as i asuming that you know that the belt is hooked to the cam(s) if the tentioner was to get too warnout over time am fail the bel can come off the cams stop pumping water and now you are in for a new $500-$800 head plus a new tentioner recomended any time u replace the belt the tentioner should be replaced as well. as for the waterpump the are famous for going out soon after 60K if that failes same thing new head but now u got to buy a water pump. Sure you dont have to replace these when u replace the timing belt just dont be surprised when one failed. science u already got the belt it is up to you put a day or two into the motor 200-300 bucks "tentioner and waterpump" and prevent a disater from happening.