Just bought an 01 accord lx...couple questions...

Question

first off, my biggest concern is the timing belt/water pump replacement that i have heard everyone talking about...does anyone know what the repair cost would be (a roundabout estimate) for a 4 cyl. model, and how pertinent is it that i get it taken care of?

second, it didn't come with an owners manual, as it was a repossessed car, which makes me think that i will need to take care of the above issue, but what kind of oil would be run in it? or is there a website that has a list of stuff like that for me?

and lastly, anything i could do to help improve performance. I'm not looking to make it a racer or anything near it, but something to get a little more juice out of the engine, or better gas mileage, any little thing like that. i've already put a k&n air filter on it, but that is about the extent of my knowledge... thanks in advance guys.

Answer 1

the timing belt is due at 105,000.  it generally runs about $450 at a honda dealer and includes the water pump, coolant, timing belt and all drive belts. it really should be done at 105,000 miles

you also should have the valves adjusted and the platinum spark plugs replaced at that time.  Honda dealers usually charge about $300 to do that on that vehicle.  you can usually go much further on the plugs and valve adjustment; usually to at least 125,000.

you can buy an owners manual from helm publishing at

http://wwwlhelminc.com

the oil should be 5w20 multigrade oil.  your choise on brand as long as its a national one.

the biggest factors in fuel economy are the air filter and tire pressures.  the k&n is a good choics.  keep the tires up to proper cold inflation pressures.  the 5w20 oil will add fuel economy over a 5w30 or heavier oil

hope that helps