Timing belt Mitsuboshi or OEM Volvo

I used to always go with OEM Honda parts for timing belt and water pump jobs. But the price of the OEM parts have gotten so high that I went with [this kit] on Amazon for my last TB job on my GSR, in late 2018. Mistuboshi timing belt, NPW water pump, GMB tensioner pulley. Those are all Japanese OEM parts suppliers, so I was comfortable using them. Almost 20k miles on thost parts now and everything is working great.

I've done many timing belts. The locking tool is a "nice to have" but certainly not required. You should be checking your cam sprocket alignment before turning the engine over, anyway, so just take your time and be careful and you'll avoid most issues.

My mother had an '86, then upgraded to a '93 Pajero (so euro) 2.5TDI GLS. Not what you're looking at but I'll share some stuff FWIW. She sold the '93 in 2010. It was a pretty good car. Big and slow, but surprisingly comfortable, especially in the front. These are not as refined as a Range Rover etc, and they feel a bit like farm equipment at times. Got around really well in snow and cold with its advanced 4WD system, could put it in 2WD and get power oversteer too (I managed to smash a fence this way). Interior never felt top quality, but held up really well in terms of wear and tear. Floaty steering feel, squishy manual gearbox, easy clutch, squishy but decent brakes, turbo lag diesel engine. The timing belt snapped (probably because the mechanic did not replace it properly) and the head cracked, which cost a lot of money to replace and was difficult to source. Overall, not a great driving experience, but a decent and solid car that will do whatever you ask of it without grumbling.

my dad has a 97 and that car has been pretty much great to him. never had a tranny issue or a head-gasket. the only problems he has had are have the timing belt snap on him (we think due to improper installation), leaking valve cover gasket (it is a PITA to change) and a heater core leak nothing insane though.