Timing Belt

I heard if you don't replace the timing belt and it goes the engine will be ruined? Is this true? Also on average how much would it cost to get this done? I bought a used 2000 neon and I don't know if this has been replaced. Is it something the average joe can do?

Shodid...dont quote me on this...but i cant be dat far off...I know once a honda goes over 100k miles you need to change the timing belt because it will bend the valves if the belt brakes(I have one) so I'm quite sure it goes for any 4 cylinder!! my mom just bought an 02 sxt for $2800 (a steal) it has 117,000 runs good as hell...but im not taking any chances...im gonna change her water pump and timing belt on it!!!

If the timing belt snaps then yes it can ruin bend the valves. This is because it is called an interference engine (which not all 4 cyl all). It would be wise to change the timing belt, water pump and idler pulley all at the same time.

You can do it by yourself with basic tools. The hardest part is getting the crank pulley off. But with the correct puller, it isn't that difficult at all.

Here is a great write up on how to do the timing belt. It is for a 1st gen neon, but its the same motor thats in the 2000 neon....
http://jball.neons.org/howto/timing_belt/howto.html

A litttle caution to add. When re-installing the dampner bolt, be careful if you are using an impact wrench. The bolt will break if over torqued. Had one do that.

I would just not use an impact drive wrench to re-tighten any bolt. Especially one that is supposed to be torqued to a given figure.
I usually mount/install my own tires, but in the even I get tires installed by a store that uses an impact wrench, then after I get home I loosen them and retighten them again by hand. I dont think Im paranoid. Well maybe only a little.
I dont use an impact wrench to retighten the lug nuts on my motorhome either.

When I get tire work done at a store, I insist they NOT use an impact wrench. No warped rotors for me and no getting stranded by a flat cause I can't get the "monkey fighting" lug nuts off!