2004 Kia Optima 2004 Optima LX timing belt and water pump

2004 KIA OPTIMA
56,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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WK2N
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I have a question about a 2004 KIA Optima LX (2.7L V-6 engine), which is approaching its 60K maintenance schedule.

Do I need to replace the timing belt AND water pump, or can I just replace the timing belt?

And are maintenance and repair costs expensive for the 2004 Optima LX?

Can most mechanics/shops work on the KIA Optima?
Jul 2, 2009 at 1:41 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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As far as replacing the water pump, most people recommend it because of the amount of labor there is to replace the belt. If your luck is like mine, I'll try saving the money and not replace it, then 2 weeks later it will go out and you'll have to pay all the labor to access it again.

AS far as repairs, I don't see why you would have a problem having the car worked on. Most mechanics should be able to work on it.
Jul 10, 2009 at 9:47 PM