> should I tow
>it to the dealer for the replacement of the pump and timing belt?

>YES!

Thanks to everyone for all the replies. I am not going to start the car at all
at this point. I called the dealership and they also strongly advised that I
tow it in. They said that the TB/water pump repair is routine and quoted $350
but the service tech was concerned about the noise that I described. Seemed
to think there could be more serious trouble. I guess we'll see.
The engine does run so the belt isn't snapped yet. But it is definitely some
kind of rapping/rattling mechanical noise.
>
>A few questions for you:
>
>How many years/miles since the last TB and/or pump?

I'm not positive. We bought the car used as a stop-gap vehicle at the time.
We expected to use it for a year. That was four years ago. I specifically
asked about the timing belt and the seller said that it had been replaced.
Although he couldn't produce the paperwork at the time, I do believe him to
this day. If I had to guess I would estimate about 5 years ago and 25000 miles
since the last TB change.

>
>How often do you change coolant?
>
The radiator crapped-out about 2 years ago so it all got replaced. Haven't
changed it since and was starting to think about dealing with it.


>What kind of coolant do you use?
>
>
I'm not sure what they put in at the time. My wife dealt with it
completely...I was crushed at work. Anything that I've added is stuff I just
picked up at the auto parts store.....you know Prestone and the like.

I haven't decided whether to undertake the job myself. I believe I can do it
after reading through a number of resources but I'm beginning to get busy with
life again.

Thanks to who replied. I'll post any updates here.