Apologies, I know this question must come up time and again...

Just discovered that I'm in need, nae over due a timing belt change. Phone Skoda here in Aberdeen, they want £400 for the job. They'll do the water pump at the same time for the cost of the pump if I want.

I haven't got round to phoning an independent yet, that's this afternoons job, but what would you fine folk expect to be paying for such a job?

Tom

From an independent garage I would expect to pay about £250 inc timing belt kit & water pump.

From an independent garage I would expect to pay about £250 inc timing belt kit & water pump.

That sounds a lot better than £400.

Is that taking what ever kit the independent decides to use, or insisting on kosha parts or... I guess basically, I should I be insisting on certain parts being used so that if it goes pair shaped it's covered?

Tom

Make sure the water pump has a metal impeller. The first generation ones were plastic and broke. Not sure whether new VAG pumps are now metal, too.

Still havent seen a metal one from VAG, but the new ones are modified and carry two year warranty which is why I dont fit metal ones from motor factors.

I just paid £250 for a genuine cambelt kit, metal waterpump and fresh coolant.

I just paid £250 for a genuine cambelt kit, metal waterpump and fresh coolant.

And a boost pipe which popped off

OK, so independent is the way to go on costs. I've had a butchers on eBay for the kit, more out of interest than anything, seems the most common one is Gates, for about £120. Anyone any experience of Gates, any good? They claim to supply lots of people, but I can write that on an advert too.

Tom

OK, someone is having a laugh, I've had 2 quotes today one for a tenner less than Skoda, one for £20 more than Skoda!

Best I've been offered so far is £345, doesn't include the water pump.

Must be someone in Aberdeen who does this at a sensible price.

Tom

To the people that are suggesting £250 all in, LOL, in 1973 perhaps! OP, you'll do well to beat the price you're getting quoted at a reputable garage, with all the bits replaced that should be replaced. It is a lot of work and there is the liability issue should your engine lunch itself soon after belt replacement! No garage is going to do that for peanuts.

I've got to have mine done soon and I'll be getting Skoda to do it - fair one, it's expensive, but at least it's piece of mind... if it goes wrong, you're covered

but at least it's piece of mind... if it goes wrong, you're covered

When you say piece of mind, as far as I can make out it doesn't matter who you go to, or what bits are used, you only get 1 years warranty.

Tom

I just paid £250 for a genuine cambelt kit, metal waterpump and fresh coolant.

When you sat £250, I'm guessing that wasn't fitted?

The prices that I'm, getting from TPS or similar are nearly that just for the components.

Tom

I just had mine changed today for a grand total of £370 which also included a service. I had it done at Volkservice in Blackpool. Awesome garage with a great customer service.

Phil

And a boost pipe which popped off

Haha!...Yeah, he threw that in for free

Are these prices including the damper?