Considering 97 Sebring JX - Questions

This was also posted on sebringclub.net

I am helping my daughter in purchasing a Sebring convertible. She is putting in the first $5,000, and I am helping with the rest. Once the car is purchased, I will do the needed repairs / maintenance, and then she will be off to Florida. I am a reasonably competent mechanically as I race (most importantly knowing when I need help) and do most all of my vehicle maintenance / repair / restoration myself. I want to ensure she makes it to Florida (from Ohio) safely and doesn't have any near term trouble.

We are looking at a 1997 Sebring JX. The car has 94k, clean and obviously taken car of, clean CARFAX, and most everything checks out good on it other than the items below. Papers in the car show that the recalls were done. The asking price is $5,390, and I am confident I can get it for under $5,000 with cash in hand.

Question 1: Engine oil

Looking at used cars, I always check the dipstick and oil filler cap on the valve cover for discoloration which is usually a sign of infrequent oil changes. On all of the 2.5l Sebrings I have looked at, there is discoloration and a film on the oil filler cap (the dipsticks were clean).

Is this typical? Do these engines tend to run hot or are they otherwise hard on oil? I can't find reports of bearing failure or anything.

Question 2: Timing belt

I am assuming the car has the original timing belt and water pump, but would like to save the $700 or so replacement if there is a way to tell visibly that it has already been done. Is there a way?

Other than that, there are no leaks or anything obviously wrong with the engine.

Question 3: Front End

There is some shimmy in the steering wheel at 45 - 55 mph. On the ground, I can feel some slight play when pulling / pushing the front tire (LF slightly worse than RF). I assume the hub / wheel bearing assembly needs replaced. I will likely replace the pads while it is apart. This appears to be a job I can easily do in my garage. True?

Question 4: Wheels

The wheels are stock steel 15" with cheesy chrome hupcaps. I may upgrade to alloys. I understand the bolt pattern is 5x100 with 40mm positive offset. Are there other 15" Chrysler alloys that would be a suitable replacement? I don't want to go to 16" wheels as that would also mean replacing the tires.

Question 5: Audio

The car has the base AM/FM Cassette. Will the Chrysler AM/FM unit with CD fit right in or are there differences in the harness, dash, etc. to contend with? I know I can get an adequate aftermarket unit from Crutchfield with installation kit for $150 or so.

Question 6: Total Price

I am estimating at total cost of around $6500 - $6700 for everything except the alloys, with my mechanic doing the timing belt / water pump. For that, she should have an very nice JX convertible with nothing wrong, great overall shape, and all maintenance up to date. Does this sound like a reasonable deal?

Thanks in advance for all replies and consideration.