Nissan Repair: 1998 Maxima, timing belt replacement, nissan maxima

Question
I drive my 1998 Nissan Maxima (6/3.0) daily, have 187,000 miles on it and keep it in good running condition. I have not replaced the timing belt and don't want to push my luck. I took it to my local mechanic who started "whinning" when I mentioned a timing belt replacement. What's the story on replacing the timing belt on that engine and what price  range should I expect?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
the 1998 Nissan Maxima 3.0L does not have a timing belt it has a timing chain.  The timing chain is NOT a maintenance item.  there is no maintenance interval on a timing chain.

Engines with a timing belt should have the belt replaced approx every 100 000 miles if not it could result in a major engine failure.  the average price to have a timing belt replaced is appox $400.00 - $500.00  

Marc