Mitsubishi Repair: Time for timing belt, how much,& what else?, timing belt replacement, professional mechanic

Question
Hi Anthony!I have a 2000 Mitsu Galant V6,auto trans.My car is in the exact condition as 'Sunny's' was in the forums [ timing belt question]Over 1k never changed.Like everyone, times are rough. I 'tinker' on cars, but am no mechanic.I also like to do things right the first time, so I guess my questions will contradict each other. Questions:1.How much should I pay for a timing belt replacement?2.To do it right, do I need the 'whole' kit?[ water pump, gaskets, pulley  dealios, etc.]3. Essentially how can I  save money and do the job once, correct, with all necc parts & how much? Do I want my cake and eat it? Thanks, any suggestions help!I appreciate your time and effort.Eddie in Long Beach.

Answer
Eddie,
For your first questions, you'd definitely want the 'whole kit'.  This will ensure you don't have to replace anything shortly after as removing the timing belt is essential to getting to the other parts in the kit.  

Your second question is not as easy for me to answer, and is really a question for yourself.  If you have all the appropriate tools, documentation (service guides), extra time, another source of transportation (just in case), a strong confidence in what you're doing, and some experience with this type of maintenance, then I would say you're ready to tackle this job yourself.  Else, paying a mechanic to do the job and to be accountable if they screw up may be the way to go.  The timing belt is such a critical component to have installed properly, it may not be something you want to do yourself.  If done improperly, the belt could come loose or break, and cause severe internal engine damage; which could cost you 3 times the price of a professional mechanic to just install the belt.

Even in my own experience, I have a had professional mechanic that  screwed up replacing the timing belt on my own car.  Thankfully it did not cause any damage to my engine, but they had to start all over to get it right.  So if you really want to get it done once and get it done right, your best bet would be to actually have the dealership service center perform this job.  For most repairs and maintenance questions I get, I do not recommend the dealership.  But for a timing belt replacement, I typically do.
Good luck!