Simple Repair Saves Large Bill

I recently just purchased a 1998 Honda Civic. This little gas saver runs like a champ. The interior is practically new like the day it rolled off the lot. The entire overall condition of the vehicle is what I would consider to be very good. However there is a problem.
Even thought regular maintenance was performed on this vehicle every 3,000 miles I ran into something thats has not been done for this vehicle. The care has 176,000 miles on it and the timing belt has never been changed. Now most mechanics will tell you this should be done around 100,000 miles.
When your talking about auto repairs not changing the timing belt is a common problem with small cars today. Its a rather simple repair if you know what your doing and with most automobiles it can be completed in 4-5 hours. Although the price can range from $250 dollars to $700 its good to think about the economical impact of not having the repair done.
If your timing belt teeth break or the belt fails all together your looking at a minimum of a valve job. The pistons will slam up against the valves and cause you numerous problems. Not to mention most likely the car will never be the same again. Needless to say I'm scheduling a trip to a reputable mechanic to this item replaced. One more thing while they are doing the timing belt you also should have them replace your water pump. In most small cars today its located in the same general area and will have to be removed anyway.