window regulator 2000 impala

Anyone had any experience with the power window regulators on these cars? I came out from work yesterday to find my pasenger side window down...I was kinda shocked since I knew it was up when I went into work, because it was raining that morning..... So, I go to roll it up and thats when I heard this terrible noise and the window wouldn't go up. So, it must have just dropped at some time in the day... The local Chevy dealer wanted over 250 for the part itself not to mention any labor to actually install the thing. I'm pretty mechanically inclined...but I have no idea how to get in there and replace that thing. So, a few phone calls later and the Buick dealer said they'd put one in for me for $320... So, I did that... I guess my question is this... Is this a common problem on these cars and if so, is there any way to get GM to help float the cost of the repair? Heaven knows this car has been nickel and diming me to death... I'm ready to send it to the old cars home.