Lexus Repair: Timing Belt and scheduled maintenance, timing belt replacement, lexus service

Question
I have a 1999 Lexus ES-300 with 112,000 miles.  The timing belt has NOT been changed yet and I'm trying to schedule it right now.  The last service on the car was the 60,000 mile Lexus service when the car actually had 76,000 miles on it - I had it done at the dealer for about $800.  The Lexus dealer (Northern NJ) quoted me a price of $957 for the timing belt service, but not including the water pump, which is something that was automatically replaced on my Acura Integra as part of the "timing belt" replacement.  The Lexus dealer told me they would "inspect" the water pump and if it leaks and/or is corroded, then they would replace it at an EXTRA cost.

Question 1:
Shouldn't the water pump be replaced anyway since they're going to be in the gutts of the car anyway?  I don't want to have to replace the water pump 6 months from now and have to pay another $500 (or whatever it is) just because they have to rip the gutts out again.

Question 2:
The Lexus dealer told me that the $957 "timing belt" includes the drive belts, all fluids, and filters.  But nothing else.  I thought there was more to a "timing belt" replacement than just the belts, fluids, and filters.  Is there any other part(s) I should inquire about or make sure that they replace as part of the timing belt service?  If so, should I make them include it or is it normal for it to be an EXTRA cost over and above the $957 charge?

Question 3:
I have a mechanic that I pretty much trust and have faith in.  (He actually just replaced the timing belt on my Acura Integra AFTER the belt went and the car is running great.)  I'm wondering if it's worth taking the Lexus ES300 to the mechanic or should I absolutely make sure I take it to the dealer?  Is there anything "specific" about the ES-300 that would make only the dealer qualified to do the work?  (I know it's always better to take it to the dealer, but I just want to know how much "weight" I should put on this considering the work that's being done and the type of car.)

I just want to make sure that I'm not getting ripped off.  Any advice or guidance you can give me would be appreciated.

Sorry about the long message! Thanks.

Bruce

Answer
Hello Bruce, The dealer is hitting you hard on the price of the timing belt. We charge $400 for the timing belt, outer drive belts & labor. There isnt any fluids or filters involved with doing that job. It sounds like he is selling you a 90k service possibly which is a lot more than just the timing belt. Yes, I would also do the water pump with 112k miles on it. As far as mechanics go there are untrained poor mechanics at the dealer and trained quality mechanics. The key is in using a trained quality experienced Lexus mechanic wherever you go.