Mitsubishi Repair: 93 5 speed Eagle Talon 1.8 non turbo, eagle talon, timing belt

Question
I was driving down the street and the car stopped.  I tried to crank and it wouldn't.  It turns over but won't start.  I have been told that it was the timing belt.  I also was told...and I quote "The 4G37 motor (the 1.8) is a freewheeling motor. Meaning, when the
timing belt snaps, it's virtually impossible for there to be any damage to the internals.   I want to junk it but I really need a car....but if I and going to have to put 1000+ in it.....I might as well get a newer car.  What are your thoughts.

Answer
Domingo: The problem with such a car that is 1993 model things are going to keep going on it. I would make a list of good points and bad ones on the car; then see if you really want to keep it. It is true about the motor and if the timing belt broke the engine would be ok. But who said it would cost a $1000.00 to replace the belt? If you got yourself a repair manual for this car, most parts stores sell them for around $20.00; it would show you how to change the belt yourself. They really are not all that hard, just got to make sure to follow the repair manual as to how to change the belt and you could fix the car yourself. Still it could be something else that is wrong with the car, so you really should have it checked out. My son's car died just before Christmas and I was sure it was the timing belt. But it turned out to be a broken wire, up in the fender and the wires had come down so the tire rubbed on them, broke a few wire. So once fixed, the car runs just fine. So it could be something like this. So you really should have a shop check out the car before you just junk it. Hope this helps and God bless: Linda