Need new timing belt and water pump at 48,000 miles?

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.

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.