just bought a 2001 pt cruiser. mechanic told me the timing belt and water pump may need to be replaced. cannot afford this. just bought the car this week. was not expecting this.

On VW's we look at them through an inspection port under the crankshaft pulley and determine if it's ready to go. Luckily they will stretch and jump a cog or two before they actually break. You'll know when it jumps a cog as it will run poorly, no power. But LX30215 is correct in saying to proceed with caution at 100,000 miles.