im pretty much at 71,000 Miles and i was wondering if it is time to change the timing belt, water pump...... and what else? and how hard is it to change the timing belt and all that stuff..... and how much do you guys think it would cost to get it done at a shop..... that is if i bought all the parts and etc. myself...

 

I wouldn't bother changing the timing belt until around or past 100,000 miles. At the milage you're at, just make sure your fluids are changed and looking good. I already changed my timing belt, water pump and more but it wasn't necessary at my milage.
It's going to cost a bit of money for a shop to change the timing belt, water pump and more. Just call around and get estimates.

 

For 75,000 I would:

- Flush the coolant system
- Flush the transmission
- Air Filter (depending on when your last one was done)
- Check your brakes (pads and rotors) and replace if needed
- Spark Plugs
- Spark Plug Wires
- Check your CV joints, suspension bushings, PCV system, axles.
- Check and/or Replace your Alternator and AC/PS Belts

The timing belt is good for 100k, so you can change it now if you really wanted too, but its not needed. As for the water pump, I would also wait till 100k but they can go for no reason really (mine was replaced around 20k by the previous owner) and do a headgasket at the same time...

 

woooo......all that looks reallllll costly... lol oy... hahahahaha the AC/PS belt... is that one belt or two? and are they a pain to change... and what should i be looking for on the CV's, bushings, and PCV system... the axles should be fine b/c they were just changed by the guy that fixed my trans... so i shouldnt need to flush/change any trans fluid... i cleaned the air filter before winter... but i am going to change it again b/c of all the dust and dirt and salt and crap we get on the roads here in jersey....... as for the coolant... i will def. end up flushing and changing that over the summer... as im a bit stressed for time right now... finals... and lookin for a job :-\ thanks 03 you rock the neon world!

 

I should do all that stuff you mentioned 03 I have close to 83,000 miles on my 04 sxt pushing up to that 100,000 mark pretty soon.