> wrote
> Had a free tune up on my 110,000 mile 1997 Honda Civic
> today at my
> local Honda dealer (extended emissions warranty). They
> also performed a
> complimentary 40 pt. inspection and found the following
> problems:
>
> 1) timing belt may need to be replaced ( bought car at
> 60,000 and not
> so sure this has ever been replaced)

Do this a.s.a.p. It may be past due.

Don't gamble. If it breaks (and they do break), the engine
has a high probability of being destroyed.

> 2) front engine mount broken

Ask the shop how they know this. Ask about the wisdom of
putting this off.

Are you feeling odd vibrations at idle?

This may or may not be urgent.

Google is your friend. See
http://www.autoguide.net/tmm/austin30.shtml for some info
about motor mounts.

> 3) rear trailer arm bushings broken

This can likely be postponed. The car will not handle
optimally, but these bushings on my 91 Civic have been
broken for years. I'm just getting around to replacing them.

If you are handy enough to remove a rear wheel, you can get
a look at these 3-inch diameter bushings yourself. Here are
two sites I am studying now to do the job myself. They'll
help you locate the bushings.

http://marketwareinc.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=3442

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread/1589298

(But doing it one's self means buying a $170 tool.)

If you do have the trailing arm bushings done, consider
purchasing them from Autoway Honda (mentioned at the first
site above). I checked with them earlier this week, and they
wanted about $40 a bushing, and only $6 for shipping. Email:
, I think. Or google for
"autoway honda" in Florida. Your dealer will charge a lot
more for these bushings.

They have to be oriented correctly. I think I'd only trust
the dealer (or myself) to do these.

> 4) oil pan gasket leaking

I agree with Curly.

> 5) weak radiator hose

Have them show you. It's probably not expensive, and since a
loss of coolant can have a catastropic effect on the engine,
if the hose looks worn to you, replace it soon.

> 6) transmission, brake fluid, engine air filter service
> recommended

You should replace the air filter yourself. Very easy. Good
thing to know and help you get acquainted with your car. Ask
if you need direction, or try the link below for a free
online factory service manual for your Civic.

Brake fluid is due every two years or so. Failure to renew
it will cause problems down the road. Pay the $100 or so and
replace it.

What Curly said re transmission service.

> I'm wondering first which of these problems should be my
> main
> priorities to fix and am wondering also the approximate
> cost for each
> of these repairs? I'll be getting some or all of these
> repaired in the
> next couple of weeks so any advice is appreciated,
> thanks!!!

The link at http://www.honda.co.uk/car/owner/workshop.html
has a free online maintenance schedule for your Civic. You
should print a copy and follow it. It says when to replace
the timing belt, among other things.