The local dealer wants $550.00 to replace the timing belt and water pump. Is this a fair price?

 

I can get just the timing belt done for around $350 here. So, I think $550 is a little steep even with the water pump. You should be in the $450 range for the complete job.

Call around a bit.

 

$550 is too expensive??? :eek: It costs upwards of $1000 to do the timing belt, tensioner and water pump on my Stealth!

 

I couldn't believe how much difference the prices were between each dealer. The dealer that wanted $550.00 didn't offer any loaner cars so I nixed that idea right away. The last time I had work done to it I had to wait 4 1/2 hours after they told me it would be done. I found a dealer that is charging me $499.99 for everything + loaner. I'm dropping it off on Wednesday. Can you believe that some dealers wanted more $$ to replace the antifreeze with new, otherwise they would re-use the old stuff.

 

That still doesnt nullify the point that $550 is too much for a Toyota.

 

The price difference between the t-belt change and addition of the water pump should be minimal and pretty much just cover the cost of the water pump with little if any added labor. When you change the t-belt you remove the same things that are required for changing the waterpump.

 

I suggest you talk one of the mechanics and see if they want to make some side money. I had one of the mechanics do all the work on my truck on his day off, he did all the work at TOyota and used all toyota parts and fluids. He installed SC, changed water pump, flushed ALL fluids (rear diff, tranny, oil, coolant, etc...) Changed all belts and any other maintenance issues for about 550$ plus parts. Parts was about 100$ w/his discount. I now go to him w/all my Toyota needs. He usually charges about 1/2 or less of what TOyota would charge. From what he said a lot of guys do work on their days off. Can't hurt to ask.

good luck,
Dave

 

I never said it did. I was merely stating that by comparison I couldn't believe how much cheaper it is. Sorry if you misunderstood.

 

$149 to replace timing belt on a 1997 4runner. Don't know about the water pump. This was done at Bob Rorman fort wayne IN. Just had it done.

 

FYI - I just had mine replaced ('98 V6 Taco timing belt) and it was a "coupon special" - $30.95 parts and $188.96 labor = $219.91. I had a bunch of other scheduled maintenance work also done. I am not sure how much additional labor and parts $$ for the water pump. You should call some other dealers (even in nearby cities) and get a price just for the pump, and then get a price for the labor.

 

I have been waiting for that coupon! Where the heck is mine?

Not a bad deal!

 

You'd be surprised at how much of that is "negotiable", in a way. Alot of Toyota service depts. (at least in the SF area) will meet or match a deal from someone else. Just tell them the last place you called wanted (fill in the amount) less than what they are quoting. All they can do is say no, right?

dbui27, I'm gonna keep in mind your suggestion. Sounds like an interesting deal.

 

My dealer charged $360 for the timing belt change and just the cost of the part for the waterpump since everything was already apart. I think it came out to about $490 total.
It was Gates Toyota in South Bend, IN... great dealer, great techs... really know the TRD stuff.