2000 S40 with 68,000 miles

You know what? This is an interference engine and you have a timing belt. not a chain. If you are worried about it and have the money and time, get it changed. This is a three hour replacement tops, with a low part cost. It should cost a few hundred dollars to replace. If the belt fails while you are driving the car, your valves stems will be damaged and the head will be ruined, and the repair will be much higher than the extra cost to replace the belt "early" in terms of mileage. Can't help you on a good mechanic in DC. Best bet is ask around or go to the dealer for this repair. I'd just bring it to the dealer, but I have a very good dealer. Angie's list, maybe? Don't replace the water pump along with the timing belt. It's not made of rubber, and should be good for another 60,000 miles, and based on your mileage per year, you should replace both the belt (again) and the water pump at around 120k.

13 years old. Yes no matter what the miles are I would advise to change the timing belt, water pump, tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Water pump is timing belt driven so its smart to replace it all parts associated with the timing belt while you have it all tore apart. No need to have to pay a mechanic two or three times when all can and should be done at once. IMO anyways

www.youtube.com/watch?v=q84-wmC-1NU --- check this out. Not that good of a video but you can see what all has to be removed just to change the timing belt, water pump and associated pulleys. Hope this helps

I wanted to disagree with dandyoun but I can't. He is right, if you do replace the timing belt, follow his advise and replace the whole works. It's more precise than I thought, and replacing just the belt might actually cause the new belt to fail before 120k. maybe. But this whole thing is about your peace of mind and protecting your investment, and you really don't want the timing belt to fail, ever. I don't recommend you do it yourself. This is not a simple parts change.

Thanks jimijobo.

Ok then, I'll replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner pulley and idler pulley. The mechanic wants 600 to replace the belt, or so he said would be the possible cost before he has a look. Is 600 expensive? Should I find another mechanic?

Hard to say. Possible cost is likely to be the final cost. What do you get for the final cost? You are there. Be assertive (not crazy assertive, just asking questions assertive) - do you get for $600 what dandyoun suggested or do you just get a new timing belt? Do more than that. Ask and find out what you are paying for and why. Just keep asking questions, how about the water pump, tensioner, idler pulley. I live in a very expensive area too and $600 sounds right for a complete redo. Way too much for just the belt. Also, remember, you can't verify the work. If you feel up front that you are being had, you probably are being had, Bring the car to a reputable dealer. It costs a little more but in the long run it costs a lot less.

Well, valve job, machine work, timing belt all due to oil leak 2003 S40 1.9L Turbo. Estimate of $2500 parts and labor. Bought car 7 months ago for $2000. Oh, plus towing.