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I recently purchased a 2005 Civic VP sedan with only 23,900 miles on it. The owner was an elderly woman who can't drive any more due to macular degeneration. The car is pristine. Always garaged and serviced every 5,000. My question is ----how critical is it to have the timing belt, water pump, etc. replaced with on 24,000 on the car. I know Honda says every 90,000 miles or 7 years but all the other belts are in great shape. Do you think I can go another 24,000 (about 2 years of driving for me) before replacing it?

 
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Well, if the timing belt fails then your going to end up bending valves which is a much more costly repair. Ultimately it's your car your decision. Nobody will be able to tell you whether or not the belt is good unless it's removed from the car and inspected at that point you might as well replace it.

I would also look into when the coolant and brake fluid were last changed. It's supposed to be every 5 years for coolant and 3 years for brake fluid.

Mileage isn't the only factor for regular maintenance.

...and welcome to the forum.

 
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Welcome. That was a great find.

Like stock99 said, it's up to you if you want to change it but since it has been over the 7 year mark I would replace it. Some engineer at Honda decided that it needed to be done at those intervals.

My timing belt tensioner broke on me, cost $1500 to fix. I wouldn't take the chance, but I am not a gambling man either.

 
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I would deffinetly replace it. Around me, a timing belt job is around $400. I just bought a 2001 LX with 50,040 on it. The belt was replaced back in 09 but im going to be replacing it in the next month even though im not at the 7 years. Its not worth the risk and the cost associated with a timing belt breaking.

 
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Agreed with everyone else. I'd replace it out of precaution. If you have the mechanical aptitude for a DIY job, it'll cost you about $210 shipped for a timing belt, water pump, and tensioner (from hondaautomotiveparts.com), and a good afternoon worth of work. Only one specialty tool needed (crankshaft pulley holding tool), and you can rent it from an autoparts store (I know my local O'Reilly Auto carries them)

edit: www.hondaautomotiveparts.com shopping cart and various shipping options screenshotted for your viewing pleasure