timing belt advice? 96 4cyl

[RobPH]

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.

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?

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?

[hocbj23]

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

[mazdatekchubyninja]

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.