I need to get the timing belt to be replaced. Do I really need to go to the Honda service center? or would it be ok to go to a cheaper place and get it done with comparable aftermarket timing belt?

 

what type of engine?

 

If you can lift up the engine, then do it.

I'll go for the shop.

 

If you could afford it, go to a Honda service center. Sometimes some Honda dealers have coupons which reduce the price alot. Unless, you are willing to tackle it yourself. But the crank bolt is tight, and the shops I went to, used a special crank bolt removal tool.

I went to an independent shop, thinking I would save some money since my car had over 180,000 miles, but the car had problems afterwards. (It was trouble-free before that.) I had to bring it back and spend more money. Also, the independent shop didn't replace the oil seals like I requested. The mechanic said the seals weren't leaking, but I prefer preventative maintenance over repair. The car also is louder now.

I figured if I went to the dealer with the coupon I had, I would have came out ahead, and it would have been about the same, price wise. The dealer would have replaced all the seals and used OEM parts.

 

Go to a HONDA dealership with any coupons available is my recomendation.