timing belt replacement update
 

Went to the garage and looked over the shoulder of the mechanic as he
did timing belt and water pump replacement. He ran so long doing the
job he gave me a free oil change.

Total cost: $400.

Old timing belt was immaculate. No cracks at all. Flexible, strong and
all the teeth were present. Probably would have lasted another 50K
miles (I had 155K miles on the car).

Water pump looked like it just came out of the box. No corrosion, and
spun like brand new.

Probably could have gone another year...BUT the alternative...if the
belt broke...would have been worse.