Okay, I'm new here.

I drive a 2000 Honda Accord EX V-6 Automatic. This is my first Honda. I bought it because of everyone says they are the best cars ever. So far, I haven't been disappointed.

However, I bought the car with 82,000 miles. The local dealer suggested that the timing belt was probably already taken care of by the previous owner, though I seriously doubt that. Is there a way to know for sure? Right now I have 89,000 miles and this little yellow light comes on suggesting "maintenance"... and I'm assuming it's talking about the belt. Right?

My wife does not believe that the belt has to be changed at exactly 90,000 miles. She drives a 1993 VW Fox that has a billion and one miles on it, and we've never done any major maintenance on it. She's been commuting with it 60 miles a day for the past 5 years without a hitch.

So do I need to change that belt right at 90,000? Will the engine be destroyed if I don't? And how much more stuff will the mechanics find wrong with it once they go in to change that belt?

(we're broke... this is why I ask)

Thanks for any thoughts.