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[bathukoli]

Hi all,

I bought a Toyota Corolla S (2003) with 67K miles on it last month. I had two problems with the car:

1. There was a squealing noise coming from the belt during the first few minutes after ignition.
2. The car ignition was sluggish and I had to keep the key turned for about 2-3 seconds before it would start.

I turned the car in to the dealer for a minor service. I was told that

1. I had to replace the serpentine belt AND the tensioner AND a leaking seal (was told it was a 'serpentine belt - tensioner seal' - no idea what that might be), which would cost me $500. I declined to have it done.

2. The old battery failed the load test, so they changed the battery. But the car is still a little sluggish when I start it (may be not so much as with the old battery).

I want to know

1. What's with the belt, tensioner and seal - do I really need to change it ?
2. What might I have to replace to have a near instantaneous start ?

Thanks, and sorry about the really long post.