timing belt advice? 96 4cyl

I just bought a 96 2.0 5spd with 158,000 miles. The seller owned the car from 97 forward and never did the timing belt, so I bet it's NEVER had one! He also never did brakes or exhaust! It seems all he ever did was oil changes and plugs/wires. The car runs like a top, brakes fine, and just passed emissions. Wow. :tongue:

Anyway, I know I have to get the belt done. One place quoted me $180 parts and labor, but it turns out that's for ONLY the belt. Another place quoted me $450-$650! I didn't get the details but I bet that's for Belt, Tensioner, and Idler as well as probably at the high end a water pump and thermostat too.

I trust both of these guys to be savvy on this, but their takes are so different. Naturally I'd like to think the $180 was the right answer, but I'm wary. How likely is that to suddenly grow into the other parts too? Is it foolish to just do the belt? :screwy:

Finally, there are various brands available. Both guys will allow me to supply the parts if I want. But whatever I might save there is balanced by the mechanics not warranteeing them. Any recommendations on this? :uhoh:

If ur going to pay the labor to replace the timing belt, go ahead and replace the water pump because u r living on borrowed time for it and no sense paying labor twice for the same thing. Also, no sense replacing the belt without replacing the tensioner and pulley. I always use Mazda parts but I am picky and Mazda parts are guaranteed.BJ

Just take it to the dealer. There might still be an open recall for your timing belt tensioner + springs which will cut down on the labor. Not all places will
replace the front engine seals. You get what you pay for.