2001 Civic w/92,000mi. My wife went to our honda dealership for an oil change and came home with a new timing belt and water pump plus a bill for over $1,000. She dropped the car off and later recieved a call telling her the timing belt needed to be replaced. we had no problems with the vehicle, it was running well. Is the belt visible for inspection just by looking under the hood or does some some work have to be done to get to inspect the belt? Wifey brought the old belt home and there were no cracks or visible wear on the belt. it almost looked new. I know the belt probably would have needed to be changed at some point, but did the dealership overstep it's bounds since the vehicle was only in for an oil change. Did we get taken to the cleaners?

 

The belt was due for a change between 90-115k miles. by having the belt, water pump changed, it saved you the possible agony of a bent valve and head job, or worst the valve punching a hole in the piston, if the belt came apart. To check the belt, you will need to open the timing belt cover. The cost is a little on the high side, but parts are about 1/3 of the bill I beleive. And they charged you the flat rate. I have a personal ASA mech that change my 02 civic belt, water pump and seals. his cost on the parts from Honda with his discount was 150.00. List is above 200.00. On the positive side, you won't have to worry for about another 100k. I've got 240k miles on my 02. Did you have the spark plugs replaced? You can do this yourself. Check your bill if the dealer replace them.

 

I forgot that my wife also had a remote starter installed and other belts were changed so the tab for the timing belt and water pump was actually under $700. Thanks for the help. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

 

Mine is coming up on 85,000 ,maybe next year I will try and do the belt change myself.

 

hey bucwheat: I found a few video's on u tube on timing belt changes. it is not too difficult. just make sure you're on top dead center. And a Merry Christmas to jmurphnd and all hondaforum members.

 

Thanks Doug,I didn't think it would be to bad a job,My wife and I were talking last night about getting a new Accord in the next few months so I may not need to replace it,I tell you that car has been no problem at all .Honda makes the best!

 

I agree, my 07 Fit is at 131k and running very nice. I do wish I had the 09/10 engine, it's got a bit more horsepower.

 

lol and this is the Que for the younger guy to come in and say you guys need to go old school and get some early 90's model SI's haha nothing more fun than driving a tin can around

 

Love my '94 DelSol SI at 240k. Time for belt #2.