Can't answer the cost question, but a good mechanic that you or a friend have used and trust is almost always better than a dealer. However, not all mechanics are better than dealers and some are much worse. There is no universal right answer.
I be careful about who's recommending this to you. I assume you have the 2.5L, which has a factory recommended timing belt replacement interval of 105,000 miles. For what it's worth, I faced no problems waiting until 105,000 with my 99 OBW with the 2.5L.
There is a *ton* of discussion on this in the archives. If you do a search, you'll find it pretty easily.
Sorry I can't answer your question, but I'm curious: what's to apologize for about living in Central CA ?
John
The water pump on my 1990 Legacy broke at 140000km (some 85000 miles). Coolant was flooding on the street through the timing belt cover seams. Right in between two "milestones" for the timing belt job. To change the pump you have to do two-thirds of the job that is needed to change the timing belt (remove fans and radiator for access, then open the timing belt compartment, where the pump is hidden). Not a cheap operation. Unless anyone heard about an improved water pump in the more recent subes, given the cost of the pump, I'll have it changed at the next timing belt rendez-vous. If you ever hear a "metal-to-metal" screeching noise when you quickly accelerate, it might well be the water pump. Get prepared, cause it won't live long after you start hearing the noise. I'm not sure if your local mechanic will have the data to properly align the belt, I'd go to the dealer for it.
Felix
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