Water Pump repair

[DonL]

I was recently told that the water pump is notorious for going bad by 80,000 and it is a very costly repair. 

And if it goes bad it will cause major engine damage.

Therefore it should be pre-emptively changed and the timing chain should also be changed at the same time

All told this is a very expensive preventative maintenance action - over $2,000

My Edge has 160, 000 and no issue so far with pump.

Your thoughts would be appreciated

[Gadgetjq]

At 160,000 (miles?  Kilometers?) you're already at double the 80k figure you were "recently told" so that ought to be a clue.  All engines suffer failures at some point but it sounds like you've kept up a good maintenance schedule with regular oil and coolant changes so have already gotten good life out of yours. 

One thing you were told is true.  If the 3.5L water pump fails and you don't catch it early, coolant will find its way into the oil pan and the entire engine could be destroyed.

At this point you just have to decide whether you'll be keeping the vehicle long enough to warrant preventative maintenance,  take a chance your engine will be running strong like some other 300,000 mile plus 3.5L Edge engines are famous for or sell it and get something else before you have to make any investment.

[14AWD3.5]

I'd trade it sooner than later.

 

If you don't get it flushed (coolant) then get rid of the problem.

 

Normally a car doesn't cost you so much for deferred maintenance item(s) but since the Edge (AWD) has both issues (PTU and water pump) it's a potential fiasco if you don't keep it maintained.