I just bought a used '00 galant ES. No maintenance records are available at all (and no owners manual). Am concerned about 2 things
1) How do I know if timing belt needs replacement?
2) A bunch of stuff under the hood and the wheels look rusted. How do I find out if thats a problem?

Thanks to all in advance.

Well as far as your timming belt goes., that is more so based on milage, If the milage is unreliable you can make a visual inspection. Looking for wear, cracking, glazing or a bleached look. Me personaly considering how cheap a belt is a Pre manitenace stage I say change it.. Wheels, rims etc look to your local junk yard.

I would also suggest buy 5 + feet of vaccum hose and make sure replace one at a time, Water hoses belts all tht you can get to yourself. Its those little things that saves you from being on the side of the road..Good Luck

The car has 75k on it. What is the recommended period for timing belt replacement?

Your at that point. Check with your local dealers service dept. But if I remember correctly its 72-75K

How hard is it to change the timing belt. I have a 2001 galant with 69000 miles and I want to do mine also?

Depends on how "handy" you are. It is not easy. Plus there is no room for error. If you got anything wrong, you had it.