- Location
- Terra Firma
I know, I know. But it's not mine, it's my wife's "car" in Chile, and we'll be driving it while we are there to visit her kids and grandchildren. Aside from the fact that she doesn't like Cherokees all that much, gasoline in Chile costs almost as much per liter (quart) as a gallon costs here. Y'all can do the math. It was originally from the U.S. and she bought it from a wholesaler in Rhode Island and had it shipped to Chile. It's a 1997.
She says parts are very costly in Chile, so she's suggesting that we buy replacement O2 sensor(s) and timing belt here to take with us. I just got back from AutoZone with no parts, but lots of questions.
(1) It's a 1997 so it is OBD-II and uses two O2 sesnors. They are the same part number, but they list for $159.99 each. A universal lists for $59.99. I'm nervous about using a universal for the primary engine control sensor, but does anyone see a problem with using a universal for the second one?
(2) There's only one engine for the '97 Sportage, but AZ shows two different timing belts, one for $69.99 and one for $29.99. They are the same brand. The one for $69.99 includes a note -- "Interference Engine." The $29.99 belt doesn't include this note. Does anyone know anything about the Sportage engine? Could a $29.99 timing belt possibly be okay? Seems awfully cheap for a timing belt. The store doesn't stock either one, so I can't look at them, and I don't want to buy one, t'other or both up front if I don't know what I'm getting.
If there are any KIA techs in the house, please advise.
She says parts are very costly in Chile, so she's suggesting that we buy replacement O2 sensor(s) and timing belt here to take with us. I just got back from AutoZone with no parts, but lots of questions.
(1) It's a 1997 so it is OBD-II and uses two O2 sesnors. They are the same part number, but they list for $159.99 each. A universal lists for $59.99. I'm nervous about using a universal for the primary engine control sensor, but does anyone see a problem with using a universal for the second one?
(2) There's only one engine for the '97 Sportage, but AZ shows two different timing belts, one for $69.99 and one for $29.99. They are the same brand. The one for $69.99 includes a note -- "Interference Engine." The $29.99 belt doesn't include this note. Does anyone know anything about the Sportage engine? Could a $29.99 timing belt possibly be okay? Seems awfully cheap for a timing belt. The store doesn't stock either one, so I can't look at them, and I don't want to buy one, t'other or both up front if I don't know what I'm getting.
If there are any KIA techs in the house, please advise.
