Ford Repair: timing belt, chevrolet chevette, dodge omni

Question
Driving down the highway last week when my 96 Mercury stopped running. Reliable mechanic tore into engine-said timing belt had broke. Need new engine. I'm 60 yrs old-never heard of timing belt-mechanic said most belts should be replaced at 60-80,000 miles. My owners manual didn't mention timing belt! Should I be concerned about this issue when buying a used car? Why isn't the public told about this by dealerships and/or mechanics? Is it all about money? Am I being overly paranoid for no reason? Is there any kind of warning within the engine that tells you the timing chain is about to go?? Thanks for your expertise.....

Answer
whoa there-first what kind of mercury if it is a mystique or a tracer it would have a timing belt and if it is one of these the timing belt will be mentioned in the maintenance schedule if it is an interference engine-i haven't had either one of these do valve damage-there is no reason not to have heard about a timing belt because they have been around in american cars since early eighties with ford escort-mustang with a 4 cyl engines-dodge omni-chevrolet chevette-to start-if you are taking to your mechanic for regular maintenance several times a year then a belt should have been mentioned-if you only take one in when something forces you to then maybe it didn't come up in conversation-i have customers that only come in when something is broke and i have mentioned timing belt service and the consequences of not having it done
and have been told i was just trying to get more money-but my regulars very rarely have a major surprise on a maintenance item because i try my best to let them know ahead of time whats coming up-what they might get by with and what should be considered a must. if you have any questions feel free to call me at work 706-779-5574 if you get voicemail leave a message i will call you back-for anybody else reading this don't call this number expecting answers to questions about your vehicle that's what this forum is for and if i ask you to call me then i will talk to you.

                           mark.
                           M & A Automotive