'00 Civic EX timing belt/water pump replacement

[titantn24]

I have a 2000 Honda Civic EX coupe with around 105K miles on it. Runs awesome. Never had a problem with it. It is past due for the timing belt and water pump to be replaced. I want to get it done soon as I want to avoid a bigger problem if the one on it now breaks. I called the Honda dealer here to get an estimate and they want to charge just over $600 to do the job. That price also includes replacing the accessory belts which I don't really need done as I did that summer before last, but that's not a big deal. This price seems a little steep to me. I'm calling around to other shops to see what they charge. I found a shop that specializes in Hondas and Acuras and is run by an ASE certified Master technician who used to work for a Honda dealer. Their service writers were out today, so they have to call me tomorrow with their estimate. Has anyone else had this job done on your '96-'00 Civic? How much were you charged? Thanks for your input and/or suggestions.

[bluevp00]

I too need to get my timing belt replaced, I'll probably do it sometime this summer. If anyone knows how much it should cost, please tell.

[blackcomet]

well I work at honda in montreal QC canada, and for a timing belt/waterpump its roughly $400 CDN installed so rougly $350US...wow your honda dealers are really expensive lol

[titantn24]

Update on the estimate from the other shop. $482 for timing belt and water pump replacement. If the valve cover and spark plug gaskets need replaced, that's an additional $45. For a valve adjustment is $64. Grand total for everything is $581. The Honda dealer estimate didn't include a gasket set or valve adjustment, just the timing belt and water pump for $610. Sounds like this place is a much better deal. It seems like they are willing to go out of their way to earn and keep your business based on my conversation with the owner. Guess I've made my decision. Hope this helps the rest of you. Thanks for your input.

[turtlecrxsi]

If your car runs "awesome" then you won't need a valve adjustment. A valve cover can be replaced in like 5 minutes. A timing belt and waterpump job for your car should cost about $300 at any small honda shop and take maybe 2 hours if they're busy.

[wheel1856]

yep, but don't pay more than $300. I had a local guy get it done for about $280

[titantn24]

UPDATE:
For around $300, I was able to get all the parts needed to replace the timing belt, water pump, belt tensioner, valve cover gasket set, spark plug wires, spark plugs, as well as replace the engine coolant and do a full sythetic oil change. I did all the work myself, with the help of my father and saved a lot of $$. It took several hours, but I learned quite a bit more about my car and for the most part enjoyed doing it. I was lucky in that my father has a big shop with every tool you could possibly need for any job. If you have the time and resources I think this is a job that can easily be completed. It will require lots of patience, but will pay off in the end.

[wheel1856]

Well done! Glad to hear! It's always a good thing to hear that someone took the iniative and time to do it, and learn how, themselves. I always say that your average repair job isn't that hard, it's just having the patience, tools, and stones enough to take it on yourself.