I will be the first one to tell you don't buy the car if you are not into the DIY (Do It Yourself) mechanic thing. It is a 16 year old car and there will be lots of little things and some big things that will need fixing. Paying a mechanic to fix them will result in the mechanic owning your wallet or credit card. You will resent the car because of the money you spent on it for repairs.
Having said that, here are some tips for water pump replacement if you are a DIY'er.
Take a cardboard box, & turn it upside down. Count the number of bolts that hold the water pump on, don’t forget to count the 4 funny looking studs too. Poke a hole in the box for each bolt/stud. Arrange the holes in a circular formation, and mark the box at the 12:00 point. When you remove a water pump bolt, put it in one of the holes in the box according to where it came out of the water pump. When you are done, all bolts will be arranged it the exact same order and position that you removed them from the water pump. That makes re-installing them easy, no wondering where does this bolt go.
A long shank tap should be used to chase the dirt & corrosion out of the original threads before you reassemble everything. Cleaning the threads will help prevent the bolts from seizing next time (yes, there will be a next time).
Long shank 5/16” taps
Do a search on the part number when the first page of their web site opens up.
Industrial Supply Equipment from MSC Industrial Supply 5/16” pulley tap, 6” shank P/N 04801189 price $24.60
OR second choice, will not clean all the bottom threads unless you grind the end of the tap.
Industrial Supply Equipment from MSC Industrial Supply 5/16”extension tap, 6” reduced diameter shank P/N 04701181 $27.80
Use lots of antiseize on the bolts to protect them from corrosion and make them easier to remove next time.
See
Totally Stainless for replacement stainless steel bolts. Last time I checked, they didn't have the studs. Nice folks, very into cars of all types. They have all kinds of stainless fasteners for almost every car. The prices are very reasonable, less the $10 for the water pump kit without the studs.
The studs are a Motormite item available at your local Advance Discount auto Parts store.
Motormite Water Pump Stud Kits for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks w/3.8L, 4.6L, 5.0L, 5.8L.
Part Number: 23744
