Hi all and thanks in advance,

My mechanic says that there is no way to really know if my timing belt has ever been replaced, but with 108k on the vehicle it's a good bet that it hasn't been done (meaning that the original owner probably left it to the next guy). He also says that he will NOT replace a timing belt without also replacing the water pump at the same time. This mechanic hasn't done me wrong yet and in addition he seems like a really honest guy. It's a small family-owned garage that comes highly recommended by the locals. I can get a Gates kit through Amazon for 110 bucks plus shipping and he'll do the work for 250 dollars, so we're looking at about 400 dollars total. Just wondering if this seems reasonable to you.

Is he right about not being able to tell if it's been changed?

Should I just go ahead and get the darn thing replaced?

Is this a good brand for timing belts?

http://www.amazon.com/Gates-TCKWP265...2000&carId=001

Thanks for any advice,

Dig

 

Sounds like a good price.

 

I agree that this sounds reasonable. The mechanic that worked on my car changed out the water pump, oil pump, and corrected a dimple in the oil pan. He did all this for about $250, original quote being $200. I bought all the parts myself so this price is without the additions, of course... Also keep in mind that this was a personal mechanic with no overhead costs.

 

Thanks guys, appreciate the input.