Could anyone tell me the parts which must be replaced when changing the timing belt. I've heard different things. For example: some say change tensioner, some say change water pump. My nearby dealer wants $425. for the job. My local mechanic tells me he can do it for $225. Any advice as to what parts should be changed and a fair price to pay would certainly be appreciated.

For the first timing belt change, my local Mazda dealer recommends changing the belt and also the camshaft sprocket seals, and the crankshaft front seal.

It really is a good idea to change all of the driving belts (i.e. alternator, power steering and A/C belts) becuase they must be removed for the timing belt change anyway. The same theory goes for the water pump - you must remove the timing belt to change the water pump so it will be an expensive repair. I changed the water pump preventively on my 92 Mazda Protege when I changed the timing belt on it. The new water pump from the Mazda dealer cost me only about $ 60 so I changed it out.

However, based on my experience, you could just change the belt first time around, but do the water pump, the seals, and tensioner for the second (120K) belt change. Because Mazdas use noninterference engines (valves and pistons do not get damaged when the timing belt breaks), some people wait until about 100K for the first belt change, and then change the belt, the seals, the water pump , and the tensioner, as well as all driving belts. This is a little risky, but if you can live possibility of being stranded and having your car towed, it is your decision. When I removed the old timing belt on my Protege at 65K miles, the belt looked like new. These belts usually will last a lot longer than 60K when properly installed and tensioned.

Here is one advice: Stay with Mazda parts for the timing belt, water pump and the seals, as well as the tensioner. I have read quite a few complaints about people preventively changing their original water pump at the firts timing belt change, replacining them with an aftermarket water pump, only to find out that the new pump leaks in a short time, while the old one would probably last until 120K easily.