My dealer wants to replace the timing belt & water pump on my 2000 Civic DX as standard maintenance (should be done at 7 years or 105,000 miles, he says) at a cost of almost $900. The car has only 40,000 miles. I can't do it. Any advice on whether I should get it done now or wait.

Thanks.

 

...Ok was there a problem with the car BEFORE you brought it to the dealership? If not just wait...I mean..wait till 90K at least.

 

I would wait. I just had mine changed for the first time earlier this summer, and I have a 97 with 135K (I know I should have had it done at 115K). Also, that price seems outrageous. I got mine done at a private shop and paid around $400 for the timing belt, water pump, accessory belts (except power steering), and cam shaft and crank shaft seal replacement.

 

Thanks for the helpful advice. I feel easier now about waiting awhile to have this done. Thanks again.

 

I wouldnt do it untill you hit your milage. Ive worked at a shop and sometimes they get alittle greedy

 

I have a '97 Civic with about 170k miles. The timing belt has been replaced once, but not a second time. I know I should replace it, but given the mileage, I'd rather not spend the money unless I really need to.

My main question:

When the timing belt breaks on a '97 Civic, is there a big risk of engine damage?

Does my car probably have an interference or free-wheeling engine? I read here that free-wheeling engines may be okay when the timing belt breaks.

Also, is there a way to diagnose the timing belt to see what shape it's in?

 

if ya live in nwfl i will help you or do it for you. lol

 

If the belt breaks, you're almost guaranteed to have damage. Honda engines are interference engines.