am505

Have a 2003 with 140K and I wanted to know how much longer I could wait to have the timing belt replaced. I'm looking to sell the car in the next while but know this is a maintenance component that cannot be avoided. Looking for a good mechanic in the Toronto area. I was quoted $1100 by the dealership in North York Acura.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

dudeinaTL

iTrader: (1)

With an '03, you're right at the 7 year mark. Age is more important than miles, in my opinion.

However, if you plan on selling it, you have two options:

1) Get it done at an independent shop for lowest price (no more than 800 bucks)

2) Sell it as-is & let buyer deal with it

3) DIY for under $300 in parts

Most people would choose #2. However, if you deal with a smart buyer who inquires on the status of the belt, you give him more of an edge to reduce his offer; and we all know buyers will quote dealership costs when bringing up stuff that "needs to be fixed".

So you really just need to juggle what it's gonna be - lose 3 or 800 bucks before selling, or possibly lose $1k+ at time of sale, depending on buyer's knowledge.

If I was in no rush to sell the car, I would choose option #2. Buyers will come. If you have someone willing to buy a 140k Acura, it's probably just someone who wants to own their first Acura. Could also be the opposite too - a seasoned enthusiast who knows the ins & outs of caring for it.

01tl4tl

private shop- get it done right and increase the sales value

Easy sell to someone when you say- I had the 105 done, show you think the car is worth maintaining

Sperry

iTrader: (1)

Our local shop will do the service with Honda parts for $750 USD.

Acura wants $1500, including plugs, filters, and such [and a car wash].

myisanog

small shop . i never take my car to dealerships unless its warrantied . they always overcharge

01tl4tl

750 is a deal
honda dealers have been doing our 105 service for great prices! ask yours

I can guarnatee you every caller on the car for sale will ask- `has the timing belt been done?? 140k!! wow its way overdue" will you knock 1500 off the price?

01tl4tl

late 02 and early 03 need to ck their VIN with acura for a free timing belt job under recall for pulley misaligment
1-800-382-2238x5 acura care

smartypants

Hi am505 :

I live in T.O. as well. I got a quote from Downtown Acura for around $1K some months ago. You might want to consider "going south" if you're really determined to get this done.

IMHO you will never get back your costs. People want cheap when they buy a used car, especially high mileage ones. Yes, they will point out the lack of a new timing belt....but only as a lever to drive down the price you're asking ! Even if you do replace the belt, they'll find something else "wrong" as 01tl4tl points out.

I've found in the world of "bottom feeding", our cars (Honda's in general) have huge appeal due to the longevity of the powertrains and the lack of body rust. Don't sell your car short, it still had market appeal, albeit at the low end of the market. You're better off being able the sell at a cheaper price than trying to recoup sunk costs.

smartypants

01tl4tl

list it on the black market -cars for sale` here and see if a ziner wants to grab it up quick

its 6 of one on doing the belt on recovery of cost versus your time from lookie loo's= Do you want to sell the car on day 1 of listing??- then have the car ready to roll

had to buy a used car for dauther recently..looked at many hondas all POS needing tbelt with owners saying- Why does everyone keep asking me about this timing belt thing???
it only has 200kmiles on it!!

am505

Thank-you all for your comments as you have given me much to think about. I' m siding with lowering the costs versus having to taken it for more service at this point. 01tl4tl, thanks for suggesting the recall I am going to call Acura customer care to see if my car is on the list for the free timing belt replacement...... Wouldn't that be nice!!!

I'm also going to post the car on the ziner to see if there are any takers out there.

Thanks for all of your help.
Drew