Hi Guys, new member here. I am looking into purchasing an 02 Avant, 3.0L and have a few questions. It is very clean with 69,000 miles. I know the timing belt will need to be replaced within the next 10k miles, but the only info I can find on this is for a 1.8L. When does everyone recommend to replace it on the 3.0s? and about how much will it cost?
Second, when I test drove it i noticed some coolant smell and let them know its leaking somewhere. They looked it over and said the "hose from the head to coolant reservoir" needs to be replaced and are going to do it. I know nothing about these german cars, is there even such a thing? I've always been a GM guy and the coolant hose runs from the intake manifold to the radiator. Is this something I should worry about, is there any known problems with coolant leaking that requires extensive repairs?
Last, and this is kind of the bad news on this car. Carfax is showing an accident back in 04 when the car only had 18k miles. It shows possible frame/structural damage to the Left front pillar. I had a look underneath and around the door sills and i cant even tell any work was done, so it was a good job. I'm just a little reluctant to buy with this type of history. Its just this car is sooo nice and the perfect color combo i've been looking for. The price seems about right for this vintage and mileage.
I guess i'm just looking for opinions from those who know about these cars. Any other things I should be looking for? The reason i'm looking into an Avant is the utility and I really like the way they look and drive.
TIA.
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