Timng Belt

I have been following some of the recent threads about changing timng
belts. My wife and I have a 1998 Honda Civic LX which we bought 7
years ago new. We have about 73,000 miles on it. Most of our driving
is urban with some highway driving. We get about 10,000 miles a year.

We know that the timing belt should be replaced after 7 years. Our
question is whether we had better replace it right now, or whether we
can be confident about getting in several more months as is. We would
like to be able to drive it until the late December sales at least
without having to spend the extra $600 or so..

 

You're fine for a few more months.

Problem is, for many people, a few more months turn into a few more, then a
few more, then a few more... And then SNAP!!! Your bank account shrinks
dramatically. Get my drift?

 

if it were my car, i'd leave it. the 98's timing belt is rated for 105k
miles, so unless you're in an extreme operating environment [heat or
cold], just get your money's worth.

 

Thank you all for your responses. I have one other question. When we
bring the car in to replace the timing belt, do we have to do this at
a Honda dealer, or is this something that any good repair garage
should be able to do?

 

It doesn't have to be the dealer. You can bring it to a good private
mechanic who works on Japanese cars. Make sure to get the water pump
changed at the same time (for good measure) and that all the parts are OEM.

 

any good repair place CAN do it. will they do it RIGHT, though?

call the honda dealers, get quotes (with waterpump!) and ask if they
have any specials.

then find an independant that specializes in hondas. either from a
coworker, cartalk.com, a honda car club, whatever. get a price from them.

whatever you do, do NOT go to pep boys, firestone, kmart, goodyear,
sears, walmart, etc.

im in so cal and have noticed a few cars with a licence plate frame that
says "HDA BOB's" so im guessing its a repair place i might try to find
out more about when my timing belt/waterpump is due.

 

Ha ha ha! Loaded question for sure, eh?

They'll likely be a lot more expensive than an independent. Their shop
rates are higher.

....unless you really enjoy S&M.