Hello.
 

Hey all. I'm brand new to this board. I was prompted to register b'cuz I need some feedback.

My '94 protege DX (138,400 miles) is at some garage in NJ because we got a coolant leak on the way back for Atlantic City.. The shop says we need a new water pump and that the timing belt needs to be replaced because "...coolant leaked all over it..."

I understand it's a good idea to go ahead and replace the timing belt while you're getting the water pump replaced--so I have no problem with that. What concerns me is that we were quoted a price of $400 for parts and labor. Does that sound about right, or are we getting hosed?

Cheers,
Dave

P.S. Thanks in advance for any opinions or feedback.

If the $400 includes all the shop materials, parts, and labor then I say go for it; as its certainly cheaper than going to a stealership. Alternately you could do it yourself and spend about $200 in parts alone.

Now, I've never had to replace my timing belt or water pump on my 94 Protege, and I am going by my experience with my 1993 Accord whereas the stealerships around here (north TX) want $560 to change timing belt, water pump, adjust valves, replace accessory belts, and shop materials, hazardous disposal fee of old antifreeze, and other small odds and ends.

Timing belt
 

For a timing belt and water pump $400 is relatively cheap. It will cost you upwards of $600 at a dealership. The manual says that the timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 miles. I have changed the timing belt three times in my car, and hope to replace it a fourth time.

thnx
 

Thanks for the responses! Picked up the car this past friday. Paid $470.00. These guys treated us pretty good. "Bob's radiator repair and auto transport" in Atco, NJ. Really cool guys. We even stood and chatted with them over coffee & cigarettes for a while.

Cheers,
D