Mitsubishi Repair: 98 Mirage Check Engine Light and Puttering, timing belt replacement, mitsubishi cars

Question
I have a 98 Mirage, 4.0, DE, Auto. Yesterday I turned my car on and it started, but it started shaking and when I started to drive off, it seemed like it was having problems catching the gear and puttering. I have heard that it might be the fuel filter or timing belt. I took it in for a tune up about a month ago and they told me I would have to change my belts. Could that be the problem?

Answer
David,
Bad timing and/or a clogged fuel filter can cause this problem.  If it's been longer than 60,000 miles or 5 years since you last had your timing belt replaced, it should be repalced.  For the average tune-up, your regular local mechanic is great. But for doing a timing belt replacement, I would recommend having a dealership do it.  All timing belt components should be OEM parts and installed by someone with much experience with Mitsubishi cars.  The labor cost difference between a dealership and a local mechanic will not matter much if the local mechanic screws something up.
Good luck!