Whether or not to have these done...

I hope it's okay to post this here. I checked the section for my specific car make/model, but didn't see much recent activity, so I feel like I may not get any answers there! If this should be moved, then kindly move it to where it should go.

I really need some input on the following "procedures," which two local car places say I'm either due for or *should* have done due to non-severe oil leaks:
1. Valve Cover Gaskets (new place says this is the most important of all the leaks) $63.48 total
2. Plug/Ignition Wires (new place says can skip these, but if they go, they'd have to replace spark plugs and wires) $105.12
3. Timing Belt (I *really* want to skip this, but he insists this is the most important for preventing future issues) $367.40 (w/Cam Seal, Belt, Tensioner Kit, Timing Cover Set).
4. Dist. O-Ring (he said this is less important than the other leaks) $55.25

Thoughts on what to skip, if not everything? Car is Mitsbuishi 98 Mirage with 95K+ now on it, and I really need to save every possible dollar, but I want to make sure I don't end up with $1000+ in repairs next year due to skipping something crucial. Thanks so much for any help you can provide.

The timing belt would definitely be the most urgent need - if it fails you can have major engine damage ! How many mile does the engine have ? Timing belts are generally replaced on a mileage basis ( unless they actually fail ) - if you have your owners manual , it should have a specified mileage to replace the belt . The valve cover gasket is more of a " mess-maker " than anything else unless it is so extreme that you can't keep oil in the engine . If that's the problem , then replace it . It isn't too difficult of a job ( assuming you have some mechanical ability and the proper tools ) to do yourself and save that much money . Does the car run okay - are the plugs and wires really needed ? Again , another job you could do yourself ( if you meet the above mentioned criteria ) and save the money . The distributor o-ring is similar to the valve cover gasket mentioned earlier but might be better left to the professional if your mechanical experience is limited . I'm not very knowledgeable about the your Mirage but assume the distributor would have to be removed to replace the gasket . It would be very easy to screw up the timing of the engine if you don't know what you're doing . Just my $0..02 on the subject - " Worth every penny " - Good luck !

Thanks a lot for your quick response!

As far as I know, it's the original engine (bought it 1 1/2 years ago), so 95K miles on that. I had a bunch of 90K-mile maintenance done on the car late 2009. They didn't do the belt then, but they also didn't tell me it needed to be done yet. On the phone today, the guy told me it's usually at 50K miles to replace it on this car...I wonder if they can tell by looking at it if it's original or not?

After spending some time on the phone with them today, I think this is the issue: the "cam seal" has a leak. To get to it, they need to charge me the labor that requires getting the timing belt off. While they're doing that, they said it'd make sense to get the belt replaced too. A guy at another shop told me I probably won't need the "tensioner kit," which is like $82 of the cost. Does that sound about right? If the belt seems okay from this point, is the cam seal itself worth all that labor and cost just to fix its leak, as long as I keep the oil changed properly?

As far as the ignition wires, it was I think a 60-70K mile maintenance thing that the previous owners *skipped*. I don't want to have them changed if I don't have to...just don't want to have any expensive issues later on!

Based on what you're telling me, I'm almost sure I'm going to pass on the valve cover gasket. So, you'd say the Dist. O-Ring thing is similar to this, and usually only needed if oil levels won't stay at a safe level? If so, then I'll definitely pass on that too!

Thanks a lot for your input so far, and btw: I know almost nothing about cars...I can replace computer parts no problem, but cars? Terrified.

Something else I forgot to add to the conversation is the water pump. It's normally suggested ( and a good idea ) to replace the water pump when you replace the timing belt . Why ? - well , you have to remove various engine parts to get down to the timing belt . There is a certain amount of labor cost ( remember those parts have to be reinstalled at the same labor/hour cost ) When those parts are removed ( to get to the belt ) the water pump is exposed and easily changed .If you don't replace the pump at that time , in the future , you may have to pay those same labor costs in order to replace the pump should it go bad . So most people choose to replace the pump at the same time the belt is replaced to avoid future problems and costs . The water pump is relatively cheap in price and it is just good insurance to replace it ! Good luck , hope this helps and keep us updated !