Timing Belt Costs

[tomsimmons]

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

[pauldazzle]

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

[tomsimmons]

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

[will_]

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.

[Tech1e]

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.

[Liam-6]

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

[mbames]

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

And a boost pipe which popped off

[tomsimmons]

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

[tomsimmons]

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

[Kandy]

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.

[RoadWarrior]

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

[tomsimmons]

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

[tomsimmons]

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

[Phil_VRS]

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

[Liam-6]

And a boost pipe which popped off

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

[Liverpool-Lad]

Are these prices including the damper?