I've been leaking radiator fluid for a while now and took my car in. The mechanic said I have a bad water pump. He quoted me $560 to replace it and said its a good idea while hes in there to replace the timing belt for an additional $175. I have a couple questions, first do i need to replace the timing belt? I want to sell this car ASAP so the least amount of work I have to do the better. OK second part of the question.... I called a mechanic all of my coworkers and our company uses, they quoted me $200 more than the original price but the accounting girl slipped me a name and number of a competitor under the table. She said she used to work for them and they would do it much cheaper because they are REALLY slow right now. They said if i bring it in tomorrow they'll do it for $300 (inclusive of pump, belt and labor). Does this sound too good to be true? I know it came from a good source but I'm nervous! Thats a HUGE price difference. Help!!
2006-12-19 11:13:04 · 12 answers · asked by Ash 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
OK i get to answer this one twice that lower price you was given,was a real good deal,,i own a repair shop,and there charging a fair price for there work,good luck hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.
2006-12-19 11:20:37 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If the water pump is driven by the timing belt (ex: Honda) then the labor is to replace the belt is free - it already has to come off anyway. This means you don't have to worry about the T-belt again for another 60k miles and if your like most people, you are probably overdue for it anyway. $175 seems high for just the belt unless they are doing the tensioner and pulley's too. If you've got high miles that is a good idea.
If a shop is so slow they will cut the normal price of a job in half just to get work I would be nervous about going. Usually there is a reason why a shop is slow.
2006-12-19 21:16:31 · answer #2 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, we would definitely have to know what car are we talking about?? how many miles on it? the timing belt is not changed that often, but if it's about due (check manual for milage) you should change it now. $175 EXTRA for that is too much, imo. Also consider: if you are trying to sell the car and it has a substantial number of miles on it, a GOOD SELLING POINT is that the water pump AND timing belt are new, have receipts.
for a common american car, the 560 to replace the pump sounds like a dealer price. if its a common japanese car, it's too much again, you can find a lower price. For either of these type of cars, a good deal on this labor should not be over $400
$300 sounds like a good deal, yes, something you may get when times are slow for a shop. check out this shop a little bit, make sure it has a license and decent mechanic
good luck!
2006-12-19 19:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by myscrapemails 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well as a technician i know that if the leak is in the right spot and coolant got on the belt some how you made need to replace however this is highly unlikely do to the fact that they are normally covered depending on the mileage of the vehicle is depending on whether you should replace the belt it is always agood idea to do so. The price difference all varies depending on the place you go labor rates are getting high however just think of the saying you get what you pay for and if you pay alot and they mess it up then they fix it again for free
2006-12-19 20:08:01 · answer #4 · answered by chicco18 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok here's how it works. Fist I don't know the make of car you are talking about so the first price may be a reasonable one...just depends on the car and the shops labor rates.
Now if you can get it for $300 and the shop is a reputable shop...then go for it...just be sure to get a labor and parts agreement in writing then go for it. On most cars...even $300 to me sounds like a very hi price...however if it is a vehicle in which the water pump is part of the integral routing of the timing belt...well they have to remove the timing belt anyway...so the only additional cost on that should be the cost of the belt...and maybe a small fee if they have to remove the crank pulley ...that is if they don't have to remove it anyway.
Id take the lower one and go with it.
2006-12-19 19:30:58 · answer #5 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well first how come the gal doesn't work for the cheap place anymore. and why would she undersell her company?
I guessing that you have a honda car generally when you replace a water pump you do the timing belt to save the cost of labor. sort of a 2 for 1 thing. And if you are doing a waterpump did anyone suggest a thermostat? just for preventive maintenace. As for the cost, are you getting a rebuilt part or a new one. call the dealer see what they would charge to do the job also call around to parts dealers like kragan and autozone . if you do your homework you will find an answer to this question. good luck . also try a AAA approved shop.
2006-12-19 19:25:09 · answer #6 · answered by jack 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if they are really slow they are looking for business.....also if the person that used to work there they might be giving you a hookup to get you happy......personally while your in there doing the water pump it is a good idea to replace the timing belt. especially if the water pump is leaking....causing the antifreeze to leak on the belt which is very bad for the belt. basically you would be selling the car KNOWING that the belt is in need of a replacement.....and if you do not tell the potential buyer that it needs a timing belt replacement......well they can take u to court for it and youll have to pay more anyways.....so the call is your. personally 300 bucks for everything....do it
2006-12-19 19:27:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well, if things are realy "slow" as you put it.
Consider, if you have a few mechanics standing around doing piddly stuff, the garage is loosing money.
If they can get you in, at least they'll be making something.....even if at less the book rate.
2006-12-19 19:24:33 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
lady, I say lady cause you shop like one!!! you wanna pinch pennies with a vehicle that could kill any of us should you have a major componet fail like a wheel flying off ... listen closly... you get what you pay for...there is a reason he is "cheap" and not making 40 an hour at ANY dealership...if you deal with a reputable firm then don't worry but if you are bargain shopping like ... like buying a big screen TV for 100 dollars out of the back of a big rig in some big parking lot,...don't expect a warranty!!! and you'll pay or he'll keep your car.. in the end, you can slap a guarantee on a piece of crap and still,... all you have is a guaranteed piece of crap!!!
2006-12-19 19:27:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋
Supply and demand . If you have a personal reference go for it .
2006-12-19 19:18:42 · answer #10 · answered by 1diputs 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋