Honda Repair: 2000 Honda Accord SE, service interval, honda dealership

Question
Hi Bill,
Two weeks ago I bought my daughter a 2000 Accord SE from a local Honda dealership.  It was a "pre-certified" Honda and only has 55,000 miles.  The car looks and rides beautifully....no accidents.  However, a friend of my daughter says she should expect to pay a lot in the near future for a new timing belt?  Is this true?  I just want your opinion please?   Thanking you in advance...Bruce

Answer
Bruce:
The service interval for a 2000 Accord is 105,000 miles for the timing belt. Your local Honda dealer will charge about $500 for the replacement and will probably tell you that it is a good idea to replace the water pump, which it is a good idea to do. A local shop can do the work for less. Honda's are wonderful cars, I own two 2000 Accords, a '95 Acura and an 87 Accord. I also have a 93 Corolla. Timing belts are expensive to replace, but if it breaks, your engine is toast. If you keep up with oil, plugs, brakes and other wear items you will end up getting a lot more out of your Honda and spending less. My '87 has 250K miles.
Bill