Timing Belt Questions
 

My father-in-law (88 years old) is in a quandry re: whether to change
his timing belt on a 1999 Honda Accord V-6. The car only has 53K
miles on it and has been serviced regularly, but the service manual
recommends a change at 7 years. The car is driven on a regualr basis
but not too far and is kept in a heated garage.

When asked about the longevity of the belt basis on age rather than
mileage, the dealer kind of hem & hawed saying that there was about a
33% chance the belt would break if not changed now.

I wanted to survey this group for your recommendations based on your
experience. Also, I have heard that when a belt breaks on a Honda
while being driven, engine damage is likely. Is this true? Finally,
the dealer has quoted $850 to change this belt. Is this a fair price?

TIA - Tom