Yes, I've heard this a lot, the belt usually looks pretty good. I traded my '02 at 112000, still had the original belt. Dealer said it didn't matter, doing the service wouldn't add value to the van.I changed mine myself at 112000 miles and the belt was in pristine condition. Looked just like the new one. There is a hole in the timing belt cover with a removable rubber plug for checking the position of the timing mark on each camshaft sprocket. If you can get your hands on a borescope you should be able to see the belt through that hole and inspect for cracks. Otherwise, just disclose to the buyer that it has not been replaced. They will likely ask anyway unless they are braindead.
That's the reason I traded it, not worth spending any more money on a vehicle worth $4000-$5000 and I had the original trans. Great vehicle, no complaints at this point any major maintenance would come out of my pocket. I'd rather put a few grand towards a down payment vice a new tranny.+1 on the above.
Disclose to the seller that it will need to be done and price accordingly. I woundn't put a penny more into a car that I'm trying to sell than I absolutely have to (although I have done so many times, grrr). You are much better off trying to sell at a lower price as-is than thinking that you'll get your $1K back when you sell.
I got two quotes before I decide to trade, $1000-$1200 for the service would be a more realistic figure.When you open it up to change the timing belt, there are several other things that should be done at the same time - water pump, cam shaft seals, tensioner, etc. The total bill is realistically going to be around $2,000 + or -. I fully agree with Redmond, don't put another dime in it.
I just did my grandson's 2000 Accord and that was about the cost. He has about 85,000 on it, but it is now 11 years old. Belt looked almost new, but it has to last him at least another 3 years until he is out of grad school. So, it was sort of now or later. In this case, now was the safe option.
I had the timing belt, water pump & tensioner replaced by my Honda dealer for under $850 IIRC.When you open it up to change the timing belt, there are several other things that should be done at the same time - water pump, cam shaft seals, tensioner, etc. The total bill is realistically going to be around $2,000 + or -.
There have been very few reports of broken timing belts in these vans. Personally, as others have recommended, I would just roll the dice and then tell prospective buyers that the TB has not yet been replaced.I have a local head remanufacturing company that will do all of the above for $550.
i want to know if it will break before I sell it?
Slim to none in the next two months, unless you are planning a road trip to Cali. Drive it then trade it. Even better, why not trade now and save the worry?The fuel economy sux compared to the diesel mercedes we have, but I think this vehicle will be most reliable.
How likely is the belt slippage, tensioner failure to happen since I have 109k miles?
Yes I know the moral implications.
I'm thinking of selling in two months, but have 109,000 miles now.
Opinions on how likely the timing belt is to go?
Is there an easy way to check it that can reliable detect a problem?
I would take an Ody over a Benz too. I understood from your first post that you plan to trade it?What would I trade it for. This is the nice car of the two.
I hope you dont live in NJ. THere is a timing belt special going on at Hamilton Honda for $389 + tax (includes, water pump, all drive belts, free car wash, free wiper inserts and oil change). Tensioner is $75 extra if needed. Search slickdeals.net for honda timing beltJust had this done on my 2004 Ody. Timing belt, water pump, tensioner, seals, outer belts, coolant ==> $1100. Should be good for another 100K miles.