What are costs to replace a timing belt on Nissan Maxima 97?

I'm considering buying a Nissan maxima 97 with 90K miles. Owner has everything original on it except tires (including timing belt, battery, muffler etc.) and has maintained it well. I'm not a car guy, but wondering what expenses / or parts I would have to consider changing or replacing? I've heard the timing belt is a must cause it can ruin the engine. Is that true, can I drive it till it breaks and then replace it? How much does that cost, and any other things that I should consider? Thanks



ThanksWhat are costs to replace a timing belt on Nissan Maxima 97?ok dont listen to anybodys answer except mine cause these people are stupid and dont even know how to start there own car listen i had a 97 maxima is was a good car and prety fast and it has a timeing chain whitch dose have to be replaced at like 120 thousand miles or less sometimes people get lucky and they go 180 thousand miles and it dosent break but when it dose it causees motor damage and valve damage which mean ur car is buted so ur best bet is to spend extra money and take it to the dealer and for 800 bucks you get the timing chain done and all the other bels plus water pump whgich needs to get done any time timing belt is replaced anyway plus it will get done rightWhat are costs to replace a timing belt on Nissan Maxima 97?In 1995 Nissan went to chain driven camshafts on the VQ-30 motor. Most the time if there is no chain rattle it is maintence free, except for oil changes and air filters. Almost any Maxima will run 300,000 miles the motors are that good. 12 year old radatior and hoses need to be looked at for replacement. Don't overheat any motor and they will last a long time.What are costs to replace a timing belt on Nissan Maxima 97?if a belt breaks at 70 mph bad things can happen even to a non interference engine...350 to 450.dollars.....you may want to change plugs and wires...look at hoses..flush coolant and tranny...you have to figure on 100 dollars a month for repairs...some months nothing some...200/400 dollars .waterpump serpentine belt .starter,alternator,battery...many things to go wrong..What are costs to replace a timing belt on Nissan Maxima 97?The 97 Maxima has a timing chain that does not need to be changed.What are costs to replace a timing belt on Nissan Maxima 97?figure 400 plus parts and taxes for a new timing belt