This past summer I bought a 92 civic EX sedan for the main purpose of taking me back and forth to work and adding a ton of mileage on (I think the EX has a SOHC 1.6L engine with 125HP; correct me if I'm wrong) with 162,000kms (KMs, not miles). I'm now up to 184k. Being the pessimistic person that I am I'm pretty sure the previous owner has never replaced the timing belt (it was a female driver and the car was 100% stock).

Anyway, as you can see from the topic, my main question is if the timing belt really does need to be replaced. I heard civics are very reliable and low maintainence, not to mention they reach 400,000kms with no problems, but when people say that, are they talking about a driver who takes good care of their car and maintains it? Since I got it I've replaced the spark plugs, changed the engine coolant/antifreeze and automatic transmission fluid not to mention I get oil changes done every 4000-5000kms.

I see tons of rusted up Toyotas on the road, burning oil, squeaking brakes, + tons of other noises and whatnot with high mileage (300,000kms etc.) and still kicking, same with some hondas. If these cars were so poorly maintainted there's no doubt in my mind that the owners never replaced the timing belt, because let's face it, a lot of people aren't even aware of it. So I guess they got lucky and it never snapped on them.

Sorry for the long post, but basically I just want to know what you guys think about the whole timing belt maintainence thing. I don't feel like forking out $400 or whatever to do it when I can get a JDM engine with 50ks on it for only $1000 (CAN). Right now as it stands I'm gonna risk and keep driving with the original timing belt. I think it's worth the risk.

What's the longest you guys have gone on one timing belt before it snaps? and what's the shortest amount of time? I've heard stories of people having it snap at less than 100,000kms and others who've gone as far as 250,000kms, but what about those 400,000kms civics with the original engine and tranny? I think they've never replaced it, but I could be wrong.

My previous car was a 91 talon, TSi FWD, and with those cars the timing belt was a huge problem. I replaced mine alogn with some pulleys AND water pump, but I didn't replace the tensioner (didn't know much about cars at the time) and eventually the engine died only 10,000kms after the timing belt job, due to the tensioner failing.

The idea of replacing a timing belt is to replace it before it snaps. Once it snaps it's very possibly it will screw your engine up, and need to be rebuilt. Just run your fingers along the belt (clearly with the car off) and see if it's worn or if you can see crack lines or anything. If it has a lot of meat on it then you're probably good for a while. But I guarentee any engine with high mileage like 400,000kms has had the t-belt replace a few times, there's no way in hell the original one is on there. Hondas are reliable but you have to take care of them, or they're just like any other car and will break down on you.

It's more preventative maintenance than anything else. Either replace a timing belt for about $20 or fix the engine which could cost over $500.

Just like spark plugs. Easy to replace and gives great dividends on mpg and power.

Replacing them depends on how you drive too. I autocross about 30-40 times a year and I came up on 60,000 at the beginning of the year and had it replaced even though it's recommended at 70k.