Changing timing belt dealer or local mechanic?

I have a 2003 Hyundai, Elantra GT and has 47,000 miles. Apparently it is due for a new timing belt. My first question, should I do it now and if so, is it better to take it to the dealer or to a local guy. Being this is a messy job, my concern is the mechanic will leave some minor detail out. Suggestions appreciated.|||This car is still new and has plenty of life left on the belt. If you do feel you still want to throw your money away take it to the dealer they will certainly rob you blind!|||Are you sure it needs one now? Most cars go at least 90K before they need to be changed.


I would double check that first. I would go to a local mechanic as long as there are certified and reputable. Dealers are usually cost a lot more and their mechanics are not any better.|||Doing a timing belt on a Hyundai isn%26#039;t too hard/complex.|||If your car is still under warranty then I would go to the dealer. You should follow the recommended maintenance schedule or you may void any warranty you have left on your car. Otherwise any competent %26quot;certified%26quot; mechanic can handle that job.


That is something I would not trust a shade tree mechanic with.


Shade tree%26#039;s have the place and can be a good resource for minor things but major repairs I only trust certified mechanics.|||It%26#039;s recommended for your car at 60,000 miles and it is an interference engine, so if the belt breaks you bend a couple of valeves.


I would change it out at around 55,000 or at least another 10,000 miles.


Good luck.


Good local guy would be much cheaper.|||Just checked my service program for your vehicle, and good news you can go one more year (13000 miles) recommended interval to replace the belt is 60K|||Have you actually read your OWNER%26#039;S MANUAL??? There is a section about maintenance schedule. Check to see at what mileage the belt requires changing. You can do this job yourself if you have a little bit of determination. Use only genuine Hyundai parts and Hyundai water pump and COOLANT!!! Having another mechanic do this job is OK, but insist that they use genuine parts. Ask them if they have ever done one of these engines before. If they tell you they use generic parts (to save money) WALK AWAY!!!!