Purchasing an 00 model for daughter Need suggestions

[bonmur]

Ok, so I am in the process of purchasing a 2000 for my daughter. It is a 4X4 , runs great has about 76,000 miles on it . Daughter is upcoming 17 and I ahve until June to give it to her.
I need suggestions on things to do to it or have done before I give it to her. I dont want it to break down on her and would rather replace commonly overlooked things. I will get all items that I can see need replaced but am wondering aboutt he timing belt. I dont have access to all service records besides oil changes.
Any suggestions are appreciated, I am a single mom that doesnt know much about cars but am ready to learn.
bon

[Harry Morgan]

Mom

The timing belt normally gets changed btwn 50k and 60k miles, so, if it seems to be performing well now (somewhat "frisky" and not "sluggish"), then you are probably OK with what you have (i.e., it probably has been changed once already). Here's what else I would do:

(1) Tires: check for tread depth; uneven ware; bubbles; slices (especially in sidewalls)
(2) Front Brakes: have them checked; I get about 40k miles/change (rear: 150k miles/change)... about $100+ if you do it; probably $250 to $350 at the dealer
(3) Oil/Filter: just change both... about $15, or $30, if you get Mobil 1 synthetic
(4) Air Filter: just change it... less than $10
(5) Wiper Blades: just get new ones... $10 to $40 (keep the old ones, just in case...)

Also, I too have a 17 year old daughter, and we got AAA coverage for her as well... it was about $50 to add her to our coverage... that might be a good idea.

Finally, let your daughter know that my daughter learned quickly the cost of driving 85mph in the left-hand lane here in MA: $200 speeding fine; $500 re-instatement fee; manditory "roadrage" class attendance; and, a 90-day suspension of license.

Harry