So my mother-in-law is getting a new car and is selling us her 1997 2.2CL. She is the original owner and has driven the car very very mildly, it only has 65k miles on it. Naturally, I'm stoked to get such a nice vehicle with low miles for a VERY good price.

However, she recently took it into the dealer and they told her she was due for a timing belt replacement. They didn't inspect it, they just told her she needed it done - for $1500! Now, this was a bit of a shock to me, as the price was rather high - I figured between $750-1000 for a timing belt replacement. More importantly though, it seems a bit early at 65k miles for a new timing belt. Granted, the car is nearly 11 years old, but I figured the dealer might just be taking advantage of a on older woman who doesn't know much about cars.

So the question is: should I be concerned about the timing belt on an 11 year old car with 65k miles that has been driven very mildly? I figured I would drive the car for a year or two and then have the timing belt replaced around 90-100k miles....

Thanks!

 

hey dont worry about it i just did mine at 134,000 it cost me like 245 bucks to do it it was tricky but you should be fine just make shure there are no leaks under neath

 

Timing belt interval is 6 yrs / 90k miles, so it's overdue based on age by 5 yrs. Age results from exposure to heat and ozone. A more realistic price for timing belt and water pump is $600-700. Find a Honda/Acura qualified shop.

A nice vehicle, and worthy of a little TLC.

good luck

 

Ok, that pretty much confirms what I thought. I'll try to save some cash and get the belt replaced within a year or so...

 

A broken timing belt will cost you $600-$1000 to remove cylinder head, replace damaged valves, and reinstall. If you're so unfortunate as to punch a valve through a piston, you get to buy an entire engine replacement. Don't wait too long on that T'belt.

good luck