Is it time to find a new mechanic?
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Many subjects will have been discussed before. Please try the search function before starting a new thread.
Check in the Know Your 2 as the information you need may already be there.
Important ! - Please make your topic title as descriptive as possible . titles with just "help" generally dont get as many answers as a title that points to the problem
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Topic author - Full Member
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Is it time to find a new mechanic?
I have a 1998 MR2 SW20 n/a, and have just had a new CAT and Timing Belt and Water Pump installed, and received a bill from my mechanic of £825.74 - is this a bit lumpy?
The breakdown is as follows:
Timing Belt Kit £164.77
Water Pump £86.93
CAT (Standard OEM) £130.42
Gaskets £ 9.00
5.5Hrs Labour @ £54ph. £297.00
VAT £137.62
TOTAL £825.74
I know he had some issues with corroded bolts for timing belt, hence slightly higher labour time, but overall, would people consider this bill reasonable for work done?
If not, can anyone recommend a reliable and cost effective mechanic in Chelmsford, for an old beauty?
Thanx
The breakdown is as follows:
Timing Belt Kit £164.77
Water Pump £86.93
CAT (Standard OEM) £130.42
Gaskets £ 9.00
5.5Hrs Labour @ £54ph. £297.00
VAT £137.62
TOTAL £825.74
I know he had some issues with corroded bolts for timing belt, hence slightly higher labour time, but overall, would people consider this bill reasonable for work done?
If not, can anyone recommend a reliable and cost effective mechanic in Chelmsford, for an old beauty?
Thanx
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
sounds a fair price to me, i guess you have to ask whether the mechanic performed the task to a good standard and could you find a mechanic in your area that charges less per hour and still does a good job
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
Sounds like a bargain price
Think I would buy the guy a beer
Think I would buy the guy a beer
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
Looks fair to me. Difficult to find reliable garages willing to look after cars of this age. You might save a bit sourcing parts yourself and just paying labour, although prices look reasonable
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
Ref finding a mechanic in Chelmsford, try Clark and Ortiz. They did a clutch and timing belt on mine and charged about the same as you've paid.
Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
My mechanic is outside now finishing off my timing belt change, he started yesterday, did 8 hours in the pouring rain until it was to dark and he was soaked to the skin, came back today at 3:30 still going at 23:17
All because he couldn’t get the belt to run true.
Finally figured it out though, apparently there is a washer behind one of them which may or may not have been there before?
He was charging me £350, ( mates rate) I think I will have to dig a little deeper
All because he couldn’t get the belt to run true.
Finally figured it out though, apparently there is a washer behind one of them which may or may not have been there before?
He was charging me £350, ( mates rate) I think I will have to dig a little deeper
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
Typical problem for those not familiar with MR2 to forget the washer behind idler. Glad he sorted before shredding the belt.
Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
I spoke to soon, car not running right, tick over is to low and now it’s also down on power
On the upside he is coming back Tuesday to hopefully sort it.
Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
Sorry hi jacking the thread, my bad.
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?
At least the engine is non-interference so apart from replacing a couple parts and redoing work it’s not all bad. Even experienced Mr2 mechanics (cough-cough) have made mistakes like this.