Is $1100 too much to replace a timing belt?

[2002AvalonGuy]

New to these forums. I'm a college student, of obvious low financial means, and just took my car to the dealer for a check-up as it hasn't been in for probably 2 years. I have an 02 Avalon that has 135K miles on it. They recommended I change the timing belt as it has never been done before, and want $1100 for parts and labor. This is for the "kit" which includes the water pump and other stuff.

Question is: would I be paying too much, or is this right? It seems from reading this forum and others that they are charging me way too much, and that I should be able to get it for about $600-800. I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.

[05DCLB]

Way way out of line, most 1M and 3M V-6s dont need anything more than a new T-belt and outer belts. Water pumps,idlers,even crank and cam seals rarely need to be replaced. I'm thinking $300.00 should do it.

[kahrta]

Was it suggested that you replace the pump? I have an 03 with 155k and I haven't needed to replace anything. As a college student myself, I do most of the work myself after extensive research. 1100 is WAY overpriced, take it somewhere else maybe? I'd say just the tbelt needs replaced.

[edbro]

I would replace the pump. The pump itself is relatively inexpensive but if it goes out you have to do all the same disassembly as changing the timing belt. So, the conventional wisdom is that while you have it all apart anyways, change the pump.

Having said that, $1100 is way out of line. You could get it done for between $400 t0 $600 at an independent garage.

[ChiTDI]

+1 on what he said.
You've gone a long way on that pump. 6-8 hundred seems more accurate. But spend it once, not twice.

[CraZySteve]

Originally Posted by edbro

I would replace the pump. The pump itself is relatively inexpensive but if it goes out you have to do all the same disassembly as changing the timing belt. So, the conventional wisdom is that while you have it all apart anyways, change the pump.

Having said that, $1100 is way out of line. You could get it done for between $400 t0 $600 at an independent garage.

I just got a quote from my local Stealership for my 03 Av w/97K

$399 For Timing belt / Drive belt Replaced
$249 additional to get Waterpump Replaced stating cost of Water pump is $180! WTF! I can buy a Full blown Hi-po Waterpump for my SB Chevy for $50!

So all in all $650 all said and done -- I feel that is reasonable and will most likely get it done..

But $1100 you are getting Smoked!

[TrailDust]

^^^

Agreed. $600 would have been my estimate for timing belt and water pump replacement costs. Unfortunately, this specific repair, IMO, is one of the most abused among auto repair businesses, especially dealerships.

[CraZySteve]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

^^^

Agreed. $600 would have been my estimate for timing belt and water pump replacement costs. Unfortunately, this specific repair, IMO, is one of the most abused among auto repair businesses, especially dealerships.

Another Stealership in the area wanted $1000 if they did the plugs too... talk him down to $900, but still not getting it done there.. there is a reason I call them "Stealer"ships

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by CraZySteve

Another Stealership in the area wanted $1000 if they did the plugs too... talk him down to $900, but still not getting it done there.. there is a reason I call them "Stealer"ships

Stealerships...right on! Once upon a time I had an Acura Legend that (long story short) I was forced by circumstances to take to a dealership. A simple timing belt removal came out as a $1,400 bill! I blew a gasket, but they would not release my car till I paid. I paid, took my car home, then immediately contacted the state attorney general's office and filed a complaint. The AG office's follow-up, plus my threat of a lawsuit which they would assist, caused the dealership to crumble and refund $800 to me. That was the last time I ever took my car to a stealership for major servicing under ANY circumstances. Lesson learned.

[tundra/tacoma]

Hi, i checked my local dealer and this is what i came up with

t-belt
drive belts
w/pump
t-stat
gskt
coolant

total parts $256.00
labor ??? depends on where you go, my local dealer is $89.00 hour.

so im thinking it should not be more than another $500 in labor.

[supercoupe91]

To the original poster, if you can find the cash it is recommended to replace the timing belt at some point before/if it gives out...it only makes sense to change the water pump also. Like someone above said, pay the labor once not twice.

Having been through a timing belt replacement with an Audi A4, the Toyota timing belt to me is like a walk in the park.

[Budhah]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

^^^

Agreed. $600 would have been my estimate for timing belt and water pump replacement costs. Unfortunately, this specific repair, IMO, is one of the most abused among auto repair businesses, especially dealerships.

Paid $635 IN Marion Illinois... did not replace pump, said it looked good. $1100 way too high. Saying that, I would not let them touch my car any more, as they are trying to get extra money and not above making things go bad.

By the way,, You Sig Pic looks ike the video of my Colonscopy taken last year in Bangkok. LOL

[zythr]

That is expensive. Did they give you a break down on all the costs. For you other posters, remember whether the "stealer" or independents in some states they can charge a "shop" charge ( materials, maintain builiding, utilities, etc) on top of the cost of the parts, labor and taxes.

[maestro123]

LOL reading this thread pretty much reminded me why I would *never* take my car to the dealership for repairs. $1100?! for a timing belt/water pump change? I paid less than half of that.