bought a '04 hback, 95k miles...no idea maint history STUDYING the forum

Scared about the timing belt. I have read the posts, looked at the links, and replacing it is a job I am not willing to tackle. Any tips to determine if it's even needed? If so, what kind of cost at a shop?

I have already put 5k on it and avg gas mileage is 30 per gal, and it's at least 60% city. Very happy.

Car does have a shudder when going uphill on the gas. I don't notice it under other circumstances, or I would say it feels like the front end is out of alignment.

thanks for any feedback

oh yeah, I am installing this hitch Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch for Chevrolet Aveo 2004 - 24741 going to modify a very small trailer to haul my KTM dirt bike.

Just look at the timing belt, don't be scared of what you see on here, 95% of it is a load of crap :D

If the timing belt looks old (look for age, cracks and such), then you can have it changed for $500-600 with everything (all pulleys, belt, water pump, etc...).

At the age and miles, I would say it was changed before, but you never know, look under the hood for any markings if it was done, my shop put a sticker under the hood.

Your mpg's are very good, how much did you pay for the car/in good shape?

No manual, can you see the timing belt from under the hood? Pics I saw were in the wheel well...

Paid $3600 in NC, excellent shape really, except cat and smoker ....cleaned up nice. interior very good, a cracked lens on front turn signal, a few dings. power door locks and windows and keyless entry...no cruise which sucks

You can take off the timing belt cover, that would be the best way, or you can take it to a shop and have them take a peak. If you plan on keeping it for a while, might not be a waste just to change it if you have the funds, you know you will be good until 150k plus miles and have a limited warranty on it.

thanks man

The studder going uphill is probably just the motor mounts twisting. It's annoying but doesn't hurt anything.

thanks, that is good news

its really quite easy to change the timing belt yourself.Dont believe everything you see about how hard it is to change it...most of it is BS lol. Its quite simple...put a jack under the motor and make sure it holds it. Remove the motor mount...the rest from there is cake. its just "LOOKS" hard to do..but its not. Also the waterpump....is your tensioner.Anyways good luck and send me a message if you have any questions..i just recently (today) removed the head from my car....bent valves.