What should I have done first?

I just had my 1998 Civic LX at the local Honda dealer to get it's "once
in a lifetime" dealer check-up. They performed the 115,00 service on
it I think (the car has about that many miles on it). Upon picking the
car up, I am informed that the timing belt needs to be replaced (to the
tune of $450), the "Outer CV Boots" need replaced ($195 per side), and
the front brakes need replaced ($135). At this moment I cannot afford
to have all this work done. Between the timing belt and CV boots, what
should I have done first? The other job will have to wait a month or
so.

Thanks for any input....

Mike

P.S. I called a local mechanic to get an estimate on the timing belt
and they said they charge $500-600 for that service. I thought a
non-dealer mechanic would be cheaper. Go figure....

 

You're between a rock and a hard spot: The timing belt is a
little overdue, by time and possibly also mileage. If it
breaks, and they do, the damage to your engine will be very
expensive to repair, over a thousand dollars, probably. On
the other hand, not replacing the outer boots can result in
more damage beyond the boots (to the axles). That's also
very expensive.

If you really can't afford both, then do the timing belt now
at the dealer. The dealer's price is indeed very competitive
with independent shop prices. (They should put in a new
water pump, too. I assume, but you should double check, that
the quoted price includes this. Also, ask if they think a
new tensioner is needed, or whether the price quoted
includes it. That's maybe another $50.

That they say both sides of CV boots need replacement make
me suspicious. They might be right, but I have doubts. So,
for one thing, shop around on the CV boots, by phone. I bet
you can do better. Check back here for input on what to be
careful of if independent shops do the boots. Look for
independent import shops, preferably specialized in Hondas.
Also, consider having the shop first do an inspection of the
boots and showing you exactly what's wrong with them. The
damage should be visible to the naked eye. E.g. a tear, with
maybe some oily, probably grimy, fluid coming out.

What exactly is wrong with the brakes? Find out exactly what
they want to do. If it's only new brake pads they want to
install, you can get this done more cheaply elsewhere. Just
make sure whoever does it puts in genuine Honda pads. They
are not expensive and are preferred. Don't let an
independent shop talk you into any other pads. Buy them
yourself online, if you want. Then take them to a shop (I
would trust even Pep Boys to install brake pads I provided)
and find out how much they'll charge to install these. If
the dealer wants to replace the brake rotors, have them tell
you why (low thickness (unlikely)? warped? runout?) go
elsewhere, if only to get a second opinion.

 

Yep. You're due.

Failure to ge this replaced will result in a greatly enhanced probability
of breakage, and then possible valve damage to the tune of more than a
thousand dollars. Plus the new belt and water pump. It's not worth the
risk.

And don't skip replacing the pump because you don't have $60 to spend.
That's a very bad idea.

Yeah? Are they cracked? It's possible. Tell them to show you physically.
here's what happens when they split:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/rustybrakes/brakes4.html
(scroll down half-way).

What are they replacing? $135 doesn't cover much.

Timing belt absolutely definitely first. Which of the other two you get
done depends on exactly how bad each is. You need a trusted mechanic to
give you an honest rundown of the condition.

If it were me, I'd do the CV joints first. Do that before the boots split
and you save your hyper-expensive and superb-quality OEM CV joints. Leave
them to split and you're then going to be relying on rebuilt aftermarket
shafts of questionable quailty and short lifespan.

Is the dealer quoting you for OEM parts? Some are now using aftermarket to
keep the prices down.