Honda Repair: Accord Timing Belt, timing belts, half a million

Question
Hi,

I have a 1999 Accord with 90k miles and I am the original owner. The only problems I have had with the car is a strut and the starter. These were both replaced. I have the oil and transmission fluid changed on a regular basis along with the antifreeze. This is about all I have done to the car aside from new brake pads.

My concern now is the timing belt might need replacing. This is very expensive and I am not convinced it needs replaced as the owners manual states. I am aware of the damage that can be done if it breaks but I still can't justify replacing it.

Based on your experience with Hondas, have you seen many of these timing belts break and if so at what mileage or age. What is your recommendation?

Also, aside from the regular maintenance I have done, at 90k miles do you recommend anything else I should have done?

Thank you.

Harry

Answer
I've seen Honda's with high miles and low miles with a busted timing belt. A Preventive maintenance is highly recommended at around 75k miles for a timing belt. All depends on how well the car is kept up and how it is driven. Better to do it before theres an incident than after. Also replace the water pump which is driven off the timing belt. Keep up with all the PM of the vehicle and I've seen Honda's with over half a million miles on them.
You could adjust the valves when having the timing belt replaced not a must but my opinion.
-Phil