Ok, I bought my 1997 honda accord special edition this past summer, It has about 120,000 miles on it, but who really knows b/c it was a sleezy used car sales man. I have heard that the T-belt is something to replace way before it snaps b/c of the amount of money it takes to fix the problems that result. I am a college student and this car is mainly and interstate driving car. Other than oil changes and air filter what else can or should I do to make sure this car last. I had and wrangler and bought the honda when gas prices when to 3.66 a gallon and i am glad i did.. i just want to protect my investment so i can get alot of use out of it..

thanks,
Will

 

if it has 120 on it and the timing belt hasnt been changed you are running on borrowed time. that will cost you quite a bit, i payed around 500 but got quoted for 800 at another shop. You are correct that if it breaks your engine is pretty much worthless.

also when you do the timing belt do the water pump as well.

 

I am unsure if it was replaced by the past owner, but I am going to assume not. Is there kits off the internet that have all this in them. I overhearda convo of 2 guys talking about buy the parts and bring them into a local shop. Is there a way with out too many tools that I can see if the belt is extremely warn. or is there a performance difference that I would notice close to its end. Any other maintance sugestions?


thanks

 

I'm sure you can buy them online. I looked quickly and they have them on www.tasauto.com There usually isnt too much of a way to see if it is worn, but if you look at it and its crack or just looks beat. but normally it just snaps.

 

Have a Honda dealer run your vin number first. If the timing belt were done at adealer it will show up..