Timing belt change is not that difficult, I've done 3 or 4 of them now. I look for cars with non-interference engines so if the belt breaks, I don't destroy my

Timing belt change is not that difficult, I've done 3 or 4 of them now. I look for cars with non-interference engines so if the belt breaks, I don't destroy my valves. The belt only needs to be changed every 60 - 100k miles (depending on manufacturer). If you get a car with ~100k, you may need to change it twice before your cylinders won't hold compression any longer. Edit: I've had my timing belt changed at shops in the past, for a Toyota Corolla it cost me 300-400 bucks.