Q&A

Although the car is older I've never seen a timing belt fail because of age unless it soaked in oil or coolant. 105K is the normal service, you might consider the service at 60K and treat like a severe maintenance schedule. Independent shops use the same parts but cost less than half the dealership. Our typical belt replacement including the pump, timing and drive belt plus coolant is roughly $650.00. That's $1,100 at the local dealer.

Honda states 7 years or 105,000 miles for timing belt replacement, whichever comes first.

Hal does have a good price and based on the good advice he's always giving on here, I would take my car there if I wasn't in the same business.

At the same time, though, I must add that most dealerships and repair facilities are very competitive with this often shopped maintenance item. The Bay Area Honda dealership service department I used to run charged $679 for the same package - indeed, a higher cost.

And just for another perspective -- I have indeed seen a timing belt (several) fail due to age...more like 8 or 9 years.

ten years is generally an age limit for serviceable items such as timing belts and water pumps

I just bought a 99 Civic with 72,000 on it and had the timing belt and water pump replaced, the belt was hard and brittle. Glad I did it. Most dealers claim job to be 3 to3 & 1/2 hrs. I have a friend who has his own repair shop and it took him less than 2 hrs at his shop rate of 65.00. Parts and labor 250.00. Shop around.