Does this repair sound reasonable?

[cleogrl]

A few weeks ago I posted about an oil leak in my 1997 Camry LE, 4cyl. My mechanic had told me about it and my repair invoice mentioned something near the oil pump. The leak seems to originate from about 12" inside the front passenger tire. I took it to another shop that's closer to me and cheaper and had them look at the leak. Well, it's leaking from some seal behind the timing belt and I knew I was in for a big repair when the mechanic came out to ask me whether I had ever changed the timing belt. I haven't, it's the original and my car has 87k mileage, I know it's due. So, they're recommending a full timing belt repair which would include the VC gasket, cam seal, crankshaft seal, oil pump seal, oil pump o-ring, tensioner pulley, idler, timing belt and water pump and maybe something with the oil pan (I can't remember). The estimate is for $850-$900 and they're using quality parts. Does that sound reasonable?

Another thing, after the manager gave me the estimate, he told me if I do this repair I wouldn't have to do anything else to my car. Is he right? I'm trying to determine whether I should hold onto the car or think about replacing it. In the last year I've replaced the rack & pinion steering assembly and the radiator, now I'm going to do the timing belt. The year prior I replaced the starter and the ignition assembly. Is there anything major that I should look at before making this investment? Thank you in advance for all comments.

[Mister_Perkins]

I think that sounds like a high estimate. Try to get an Estimate sheet with a price run down and post it up on here

[fenixus]

it sounds way too high. not sure where they get their "quality" parts from, maybe from dealer?

I think they meant something like oil pump seals and gaskets and not oil pan (unless it's leaking too). as mentioned above, get the break down of parts they want to replace.

I would ask them how much they charge for labor (both time and hourly rate) and ask them if they would agree to do the job if you bring your own new OEM parts.

parts you could get cheap on internet from online dealers for not much than $300 all included. or you could try aftermarket parts, but using the same manufacturers that make parts for Toyota (pretty much still considered OEM) at less money involved.

[zythr]

They probably have high mark up

[cleogrl]

Thanks for the responses. As far as the parts, the guy didn't go into detail accept for saying that I think he called them first quality. You know how people get insurance work done on their cars and they're angry b/c the insurance company tries to only pay for lower quality parts? That's what I thought he was talking about. He said he thought the only part he would skimp on would be the water pump and the price difference isn't even that great between OEM and non-OEM on that.

I can go around to the shop and get an estimate break down. I'll ask what the labor rate is and whether they would consider doing the job if I bring my own parts. I live in South Florida. I don't know if that makes a difference in estimates.

[Entrical]

$850-$900 for a timing belt/water pump/tensioner, oil pump gasket + seals is not bad at all. Labor isn't cheap.

Make sure you see your old parts when the job is done, and find out what brand parts they're using.

If they're not using Aisin or Conti parts...get them to use those.

[71Corolla]

Originally Posted by cleogrl

He said he thought the only part he would skimp on would be the water pump and the price difference isn't even that great between OEM and non-OEM on that.

Red flag to me. Can't skimp on a water pump, essential component.

[Silent Runner]

It probably tough to make comparisons, but my 3VZ-FE, was about $1100 for replacing everything, (at the dealer) while doing the timing belt. A few years ago my Mazda 626 with a 2.2 turbo was about the same at a local independant shop. These prices don't seem out of line to me. From what I've heard you can expect this engine to run well for.. Ida know but definitely alot more miles. But, you have to pay attention to certain critical milage intervals and service requirements to make it happen.

[71Corolla]

$1100 to do a 3VZ-FE, I'm in the wrong business, I can do that job in a few hours easily. But I agree, the prices are not out of line.

[zythr]

Repair facilities have expenses which are passed onto the consumer, hence the high repair quote

[Silent Runner]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

$1100 to do a 3VZ-FE, I'm in the wrong business, I can do that job in a few hours easily. But I agree, the prices are not out of line.

Your right 71Corolla, I was just getting familiar with these cars, and today I would probably take on the job myself. But at the time I was learning about the cars and engines I would now be playing with. I was really busy with work, I looked at the last time this job had been done and freaked a bit. I didn't know at the time that these were non-interferance engines, so I stuck it straight into the shop and got messed around. (They just did the belt, and didn't replace the other stuff I said should be done). The job actually cost me another $450 to get done right a short time later. (total for taking it apart twice, 2nd belt replacement, new seals, tensioners, idlers, waterpump, etc, $1250)

But to the original post: Unless this car has been really beat on, this maintanance should carry you through to many reliable miles on your car.

[fenixus]

the OP's car is an easy to work with 4cylinder 5s-fe. come on ... 1 grand for a timing job using "first quality parts" and skimping on the water pump? hahaha

labor on water pump per book is 3.5hrs and that is the time they count when doing everything else they touch.
if you want oil pump seals done that's 5.9hrs, so with valve cover gasket, nuts and cam/crank seals let's say 7 hours tops. they would need a $100/hr labor rate to get up to $1k with that.

[71Corolla]

Originally Posted by Silent Runner

Your right 71Corolla, I was just getting familiar with these cars, and today I would probably take on the job myself.

I 100% understand where you are coming from. The first time I did a timing belt it took me forever, but that's part of learning. Now the whole process to me seems so simplistic! I actually find the V6's easier for some reason I don't know why, or maybe I just like the engines more. To people doing these repairs themselves, do yourself a massive favour and get a timing belt with marks on it. It makes it 100 times easier to do the job, especially on the V6 you don't even have to bother with exactly lining up the cams to the marks on the engine, just lineup the marks on the belt to the gears and you're done, it's impossible to get it wrong.

But yea what fenixus said, doing the math, the amount of labour is pretty high. But that's about the going rate from what I've been quoted.

[Mister_Perkins]

Holy crap, Its hard to believe there are so many shops out there who are charging so much for a simple task. Sickening really..

[cleogrl]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

Red flag to me. Can't skimp on a water pump, essential component.

Actually he said he wouldn't recommend skimping on the water pump b/c the price difference wasn't even that great.