Ive got a freind whos looking to buy a civic coupe vti b16. The current owner's not sure if it had its timing belt (it is the timing belt isnt it?) changed. It's done just under 70k. He's proably going to leave it due to its lack of history, but out of interest when does the timing belt need changed?

 

im my repare manul is says every 95,000miles or 72 months

 

Like playing Russian Roulette with your motor. I have always heard it was 65-75K, but whatever you are comfortable with. If I bought a new car or motor and didn't know the history, a timing belt and water pump would be the first thing I would do. Of course, how is the rest of the car maintained? I might be Ok to go to 100K with it. Can your friend or you do the work yourself?

 

Tell him to get it done, When I bought mine I didnt know if it had been done or not so I got it done for peace of mind. you dont want to risk it on a high reving vti.

 

how much does it cost to get done?

 

When in doubt, change your timing belt.
It costs a pretty penny to get it done but if you've got the time and the tools, you certainly could save yourself some big money and do it yourself. I've heard that it costs several hundred bucks to get it done at a shop.

 

Around my area about 300-400 to get timing belt replaced. It varys depending on car and shop. Just make sure you take it to a good mechanic. My wife had one replaced on a Mazda protage and after he done the work it wouldn't hold oil. The bad thing is he charged about 75 more than the dealership.

 

I paid £100 from my mechanic, expect to pay between £100-£120 depending on garage's and the area you live.

 

That's rough...

You could probably get it done for significantly less.