Can you tell if you need a new timing belt without working on your car?

What is your question?

My auto mechanic, I usually trust. However, when I asked him about if there is anything that should be checked on my 1995 Aspire as I am now using it for long distances as well as short (my primary vehicle is totalled from accident), he informed me about the timing belt may need changing. He also said he could not check it unless I give him permission to fix it-he could not tell if it is worn unless he starts working on it. Is there anyway I can tell if it needs to be changed by the way my car is running? I dont want to spend money on a belt that is unneeded.