You're WAY overdue!

Dealers usually want too much. On the other hand, that mechanic's bid
sounds too low.

Are there any independent shops specializing in Hondas in your area?
Or at least specializing in Japanese cars? Check with a local car
club, they usually know who can be trusted.

Always use Honda parts.

I quoted out the timing belt job on my '94 Civic back in 2003. Dealers
wanted between $450 and $600 at that time. This is in Northern
California. Your dealer sure is in the high end of that, so you might
want to check other dealers. Ask the Acura dealerships too, they know
Honda engines.

On some cars (like my brother's '87 VW) a timing belt change is easy, no
special tools or skills needed, and easy access. For that car $185 at an
independent shop would be reasonable. The Civic is a little harder,
access is very limited and it takes some skill. I am concerned that your
independent shop is not aware of the amount of work involved with a
timing belt change on your car, and that they perhaps are not very
familiar with Hondas. Around here there are a large number of
independent shops specializing in Hondas and Acuras. Quotes from the
independents ranged from $372 to $584 in 2003

All the above prices include water pump replacement. Most people suggest
changing the water pump together with the timing belt. At least on my
engine (D16Z6) replacing the water pump involves all the steps needed to
replace the timing belt. Replacing the water pump by itself will cost
more than a timing belt change, the incremental cost of doing the water
pump now is small. If you don't replace it now, your are making the
gamble that it will last until the next timing belt change.

The $185 quote sounds like a scam.  Changing the timing belt correctly
on a 97 Cvic is labor intensive.  Access is tight, special tools are
needed, motor mounts are in the way, and the belt must be installed very
carefully to get the tension and alignment right.  It takes a mechanic
several hours or a DIYer all day.  A Honda dealership with a good
mechanic will charge about $600 USD for the belt and pump.  I've heard
of independent mechanics charging $450 - $550 USD.

ehhhh... thats kinda on the low side. personally id offer em the whole
$185 in labor IF i could give them the parts as well. then id go online
to majestic or slhonda and order a timing belt and a water pump. id also
buy a couple gallons of the honda premix coolant, and give it all to
them. dont expect a warranty, though.

if i was a mechanic, id be thrilled. all the money for labor, OEM parts
supplied for free, and coolant too.

as to whether theyd use the stuff? who knows. hopefully. maybe theyd be
offended you dont trust their parts source.

or ask em how much it would be if they used original honda parts, and
coolant. the parts alone would likely be a bit over $100.

another option would be shopping it around to more honda dealerships.
that $665 should include a water pump, as well.

$665 isnt *terribly* outrageous, but its no deal, either.

You have already received some solid advice; here are a few more thoughts
to consider.  If you get a water pump failure on a Civic it might break
your new timing belt and cause your pistons and valves to collide......Big
Expense.  So, change the water pump along with the belt.  While your
getting the timing belt done, you might want to consider getting all your
belts replaced.  There should be no labor charge for that because the
belts have to come off anyway.  As a certified Honda Motorcycle guy, I
know dealers sometimes charge full book time for replacing the water pump
even though they are already charging you for replacing the timing belt.
You might be paying for taking off the timing belt twice? Have the dealer
break out the labor for each portion of the job and act savey.  You will
pay a lot less. Good luck.

The Dealer wants to rape you...without any lube.

The belt and pump can be bought for $75. Its the labor (and the tools)
that cost you. Buy OEM parts and have the wrench do the work.

Let the Dealer suck the blood from a different victim.

would you use OEM parts at a grease monkey garage? is that grease monkey
"Honda Trained"? "you get what you pay for" is my favorite saying. i would
go to the dealership to do it. is that grease monkey going change the front
crank and cam seal? ive seen aftermarket water pump crap out in a matter of
months.

Go to the dealer locator at hondacars.com and check the 'Service Specials'
of all proximal dealers.  You can almost always find a coupon for a timing
belt special.  Then I bet you can use such coupons for leverage at other
dealers.