Timing Belt

[sandslady2]

I have a 1999 Toyota Camry 4cyl. and I am getting my timing belt and water pump replaced (it is time) and I was wondering if $375 sounds like a good price. I called around and the prices ranged from $375 (private owned shop)-$540 (Toyota shop). I just thought it was odd that there is such a big difference in prices between places.

Thanks,
Kelly

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by sandslady2

I have a 1999 Toyota Camry 4cyl. and I am getting my timing belt and water pump replaced (it is time) and I was wondering if $375 sounds like a good price. I called around and the prices ranged from $375 (private owned shop)-$540 (Toyota shop). I just thought it was odd that there is such a big difference in prices between places.

Thanks,
Kelly

Kelly,

Toyota shops has allot of over-head and a privately run version doesn't. Sometimes it pays to get a second opinion because Toyota shops always push to get those parts replaced even though it may not need it right away. In other words their job is to bring in revenue and an honest dealership is very hard to find.

rimfire,22

[abrittis]

Hi kelly,

That is a reasonable price. I've change the timing belt and water pump in my 98 camry. The parts are about $100. It also takes about 2-3 hours of labor.

Anthony

[RIP]

I'll agree $375 is reasonable. Not great but, reasonable. The $540 at the dealership is typically high. Any dealership maintenance is going to cost you dearly. Many think dealerships make most of their money from sales. Not true! Their maintenance garage is their cash cow. Overhead is probably one reason for their high fees. IMHO its mainly because most people buying a car don't have a clue when it comes to maintenance. They think the dealership will know the most about the car so they are the most likely to be able to maintain it. Knowing this, the dealership bumps maintenance fees and customers just hand over the money not knowing there are better options. Dealerships consider their car buyers a captive audience so to speak so they get away with high fees on a regular basis. True, there are times when using a dealership is the right move but, overall, the local shop is the smart move.

[xfeejayx]

sounds like a good price to me also. I have a 98 and just got the timing belt and pump done a few months ago. Don't forget to get your cam and crank seals replaced also while everything is apart.