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kregister · Feb 25, 2011, 08:17 AM

I have a 2004 Honda Pilot that has around 217,000 miles on it. I had the timing belt changed at around 120,000 miles. My dilemma is this... do I have the timing belt changed again? I don't want to spend the money to have it changed if the vehicle isn't going to last much longer anyway. I plan to drive this car until it gives up on me, literally. What do you recommend? And if you recommend I have the timing belt changed, is it OK to have it changed by someone other than the Honda dealership?

ma0641 · Feb 25, 2011, 08:38 AM

Any qualified mechanic can change the belt. I believe this is an interference engine and if the belt breaks, the valves can hit the piston and destroy the engine. Change the water pump at the same time, it's belt driven. I'd do at least one more change.

smoothy · Feb 25, 2011, 08:40 AM

Change it. Or its might give up on you a LOT sooner than it might otherwise.

Break a timing belt on a honda... and valves and pistons try to do the physically impossible... occupy the same space at the same time... and it gets ugly and expensive as a result. Replace that belt, Idler and water pump... and you might have another 50-100K miles in it... Don't and it might end tomorrow.

kregister · Feb 25, 2011, 08:43 AM

Thanks! I think I will take your advice and have it changed

kregister · Feb 25, 2011, 08:43 AM

Thanks! Think it's time I have it changed. I just hate going to the Honda dealership because they want to do so many other things too.

ballengerb1 · Feb 25, 2011, 08:48 AM

We all agree that changing the belt is the best approach. However, you say you want to drive it until its dead. If that belt were to break tomorrow are you comfortable walking away from this car? Its going to die sometime and the belt replacement can run around $750. Whatis the blue book on it now, about $10k depending trim and options. Seems like a good investment, or a time to sell as is

TxGreaseMonkey · Feb 25, 2011, 08:55 AM

. Change the T-belt--Honda is often cheaper than independents.

. Change the transmission fluid. ATXs often cause vehicles to die prematurely.

smoothy · Feb 25, 2011, 08:59 AM

Hondas are one of those vehicles that can rack up a LOT of miles if they have been properly maintained their entire life. And I've seen a lot that have gone 250K and even over 300K.

Unless its rusted out and literally falling apart. Its probibly got a lot of life left in it. And since its paid off... thats money you are saving not buying a new one.