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[jenharts]

I was just quoted "around $1,800" by my Saturn dealership to replace a timing belt and spark plugs.

No, seriously.

My car just hit 100k, and that's the recommended service. I'm a little suspicious (!) that they might be overcharging me here, though.

Anyone have an idea of what that SHOULD cost me, and somewhere I can go to get it done that's

Comments

[delathi]

Well, if it's a Saturn, it shouldn't have a timing belt. They use a chain and it's a bit more complicated to replace than the standard serpentine belt.

I used to work at a Saturn dealership and I was under the impression (at that time) that they didn't need replacing as a general maintenance issue.

[jenharts]

Whoa...

http://www.saturnclassaction.com/

http://www.geocities.com/lafire000/

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/saturn_engine.html

Not good. :-(

[pontus]

last time I had timing belt & its related updates for my 98 Toyota it cost me $600 and I felt overcharged.

Of course, if I get billed at all by a car shop I tend to feel overcharged.

[arcstone]

If you feel like driving a good bit, Steph's dad runs a great garage and he's worth the drive, since I actually trust him.

He runs a Big 10 Tires off L'ville Hwy up in Gwinnett. email me if you want exact address.

[jenharts]

Sure, shoot me an email. Always good to keep this kinda thing in the family. :-) Besides, I suspect I know where that is -- and it's just around the corner from Brian's so it's not out of the way at all for me. :-)

Thus far I haven't had good luck finding anywhere but the dealership that does timing chains for Saturns, but I'm crossing my fingers.

[technoir]

he is correct they should have a timing chain. It involves taking the top half of the engine off so it is expensive. As to recommended service on the chain I don't have the manual in front of me but a lot of gm cars did include the recommendation.

I used to deal with mechanics a lot as I was the one telling them if they would get paid by the customers service plan or warranty.

Parts prices....

[morgnthehated]

Jen,

The timing chain shouldn't cost more than about 80$ and spark plugs are about 4$ each x the number of cylinders. So all total I see about 96$ in parts here. If I lived up there I'd help you out, but unfortunately I'm in Augusta. I can't recommend anyone to help. Even if the top half of the engine comes off, you'd only have to replace the valve cover seal to replace it and that part should cost around 15$. So you have a 111$ parts list. How many hours are they planning to spend fixing something that a competent mechanic could fix in three hours tops. Thats a 1689$ labor bill, which seems beyond unreasonable to me. Find an aftermarket shop and avoid the dealer at all costs.

Re: Parts prices....

[ladylilo]

Yeah, you really need to work on that whole "I'm in Augusta" thing.

Can't help, Jen. Sorry.