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2K views 18 replies 7 participants last post by  c23k 
#1 ·
A 2000 xterra has a broken timing belt, and is it a good buy? There is said to be nothing wrong with the valves, or head, or anything of that nature just a simple timing belt. It has 180K mileage. Is this a good deal to go after or is it too much of a hassle? Any and all comments will be appreciated! Thank you.
 
#3 ·
They want 2500 obo i offered 2000, they are getting back to me to know if it goes.
They said they were not driving far enough and or fast enough for it to damage any top end. They were doing 25 when it broke and not even a block from their house. All what I have been told by seller. I can contact the seller and see if they will do that. I was going to have a certified mechanic go with me if and when I got it.
 
#4 ·
Depending on the condition of the rest of the vehicle the price you offered sounds ok but they can bend/break/damage valves/pistons at any speed when the belt breaks. So the fact it broke at 25mph is really not relevant and you are taking the same risk as buying any VG33E engine with a broken belt. Some make it just fine and some do not. Good luck.
 
#5 ·
The rest of the vehicle is really good shape,newer tires good tread life left. Green in color 5 speed manual really good looking xterra......
And ok ,should I have a mechanic check it out prior to purchase to make sure is just a timing belt it needs? Or anyway I can tell ?
Thank you
 
#6 ·
There's no way to tell besides putting a new belt on and running it, or pulling the heads, both of which require a bit of labor. Is it 4wd I'm curious?
 
#8 ·
IMHO - it is a black box right now... could just need a timing belt, could need a rebuild.

Frankly, amount of wear on the tires would be a minor concern right now - do you have budget to replace the engine if it's that bad?

This is a gamble but don't play unless you can afford to be on the losing end.
Would this be your 2nd or 3rd vehicle? Can you manage with it in the shop for several weeks?

Figure the cost of a full engine rebuild + the $2000 purchase price + any other items that needed attention. If the vehicle was that pristine, I'm not sure I would let it go if it "just needed a belt" - even considering the labor involved.
 
#9 ·
$2k is a good deal if its just the "timing belt" and the rest of the truck is in good condition. There is no way to tell if the valves are bent till you throw a new belt on there and start it up. A good mechanic can change a belt in about 2-3 hours and the belt is not expensive. Chances are the motor is ok but are you willing to take that chance?
 
#14 ·
Ok......but the only way to tell is to put the belt on to see how she runs.....
It is a 50/50 shot in the dark,some don't mess up the top end others do mess up the top end?
Most have gotten lucky (including me) and have had no damage to valves but your still taking a chance.
 
#16 · (Edited)
I'd take that bet! Worse case if the valves were bent i'd find a junked Xterra and pull the heads off and replace the heads in the bad motor and sell the truck. Chances are the motor is fine and it will start right up after you replace the belt.
 
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