Head gasket + timing belt (full engine job) cost

I have a very slightly leaky head gasket and I figured I would just get it over with and fix it. The local shop that specializes in Subarus quoted me $2700 (inc. labor and tax) for replacing the head gaskets, timing belt, and whatnot. Is this considered overpriced? Below I've attached the list of parts that they'll replace:

^You dont hold a warranty. Soft parts are one time use.

^^$3800 is legit price.

Some of the parts are overpriced. I'd ask them to match partsouq for the parts.

For example, the 2x idler pulleys 13073aa142 on partsouq would be $80.52 (28.82$ each), but the price listed in that invoice is $153.90.

They shouldn't charge you for a new oil pan ($147.57), is yours damaged?

But 100% agree that the heads should be taken to a machine shop before bolting back on, even if not overheated. That will eat up the above savings.

Some of the parts are overpriced. I'd ask them to match partsouq for the parts.

 

 

For example, the 2x idler pulleys 13073aa142 on partsouq would be $80.52 (28.82$ each), but the price listed in that invoice is $153.90

The shop has to mark up the parts if they want to stay in business, especially with that stupid low labor rate.

That's what I was thinking. If I were the shop, I'd want to replace the belt too, so I completely understand where they're coming from. However, saying it's "one time use" is sort of misleading in my opinion though..

You can "see it" and think about it however you want. 30 years as a professional mechanic, you replace the soft parts. You dont risk a 6k engine for a 50 dollar belt. It has been a mechnical industry standard for far longer than I have walked the earth.

You DO NOT reuse soft parts. It is never worth the risk. They are not intended to be reused. Do you reuse oil filters and toilet paper too? Theres a clean spot on the corner of the piece covered in sh#t... you should save it and reuse it.

Some of the parts are overpriced. I'd ask them to match partsouq for the parts.

 

 

For example, the 2x idler pulleys 13073aa142 on partsouq would be $80.52 (28.82$ each), but the price listed in that invoice is $153.90.

 

 

They shouldn't charge you for a new oil pan ($147.57), is yours damaged?

 

 

But 100% agree that the heads should be taken to a machine shop before bolting back on, even if not overheated. That will eat up the above savings.

So you dont respect the work they do and feel they have no right to make a profit. They buy the parts for the prices you see online. Parts is profit. Labor covers overhead. You should take a business course before you and others take America and turn it into a 3rd world sh#t hole. No online parts whore is going to fix your car.

Do you reuse oil filters and toilet paper too? Theres a clean spot on the corner of the piece covered in sh#t... you should save it and reuse it.

Dude, don't be judging. Not everybody is made of money and can just run out and buy a new roll whenever they feel like it.

I'll have you know I wash my hands thoroughly with soap stolen from McDonalds bathrooms whenever I get poopy on them.

I also felt like the "one time use" comment was odd. I get the point, but I would have figured it was like any other belt. I don't replace a serpentine belt when I change a pulley or replace an alternator. I certainly understand gaskets, filters, o-rings, etc., as being one-time use, but I've never viewed belts that way.

Interesting update for me. I called another dealership in a smaller town about 2 hours away and they are quoting $1,800 - $2,100. She said $2,100 would include all seals and machining the heads. Driving 4 hours to save $1,700 is worth it, IMO.

Belts stretch and degrade from use, the atmosphere, exposure to oil/coolant/chemicals, etc. If it comes off, it should be replaced. A $40 serpentine belt or a $20 accessory belt is far less expensive than the alternative. Many people dont replace their belts often enough as it is.

Do the job right, the first time.

I would ask for a break down/written estimate on the lower price. Its too low. Low enough to raise suspicion.

So you dont respect the work they do and feel they have no right to make a profit. They buy the parts for the prices you see online. Parts is profit. Labor covers overhead. You should take a business course before you and others take America and turn it into a 3rd world sh#t hole. No online parts whore is going to fix your car.

As a consumer I have a right to shop around and ask for a price match or negotiated price.

As a business if you don't like that I'll take my business elsewhere.

I've worked in the past at a Subaru dealership, as a business manager. From experience I can tell you that customers who don't ask for a discount won't get one...

Either way I do all my own work on my cars so couldn't care less if mechanics go out of business.

And I'd actually be happy to see dealerships go out of business and have cars sold online.

I'm not from America so don't stress.

Not everything is negotiable. I for one don't want to piss off the one I need for assistance.

You feel entitiled and seem at odds.

You dont want to be a contributing member of a capatalist society.

You also dont want to live in a socialist/communist society as you dont care if others are out of work.

Plenty of like minded individuals in America. But at least we have a Constitution that guarentees our liberties and the right to vote out those we dont agree with. No 2A in aussieland.

I also felt like the "one time use" comment was odd. I get the point, but I would have figured it was like any other belt. I don't replace a serpentine belt when I change a pulley or replace an alternator. I certainly understand gaskets, filters, o-rings, etc., as being one-time use, but I've never viewed belts that way.

 

Interesting update for me. I called another dealership in a smaller town about 2 hours away and they are quoting $1,800 - $2,100. She said $2,100 would include all seals and machining the heads. Driving 4 hours to save $1,700 is worth it, IMO.

A serpentine belt takes 5 minutes to replace and may cost a tow and some inconvenience if it fails. A timing belt takes hours to replace and can cost an engine if it fails. You’re comparing mandarins to grapefruit here.

$2100 is too cheap, proceed with caution and plan on the bill rising.

Also, synthetic blend? I’d ask for proper synthetic for that price.

Ask for synthetic oil at 2.25/qt? They are giving away blend cheaper than I can buy a quality conventional oil!!

A serpentine belt takes 5 minutes to replace and may cost a tow and some inconvenience if it fails. A timing belt takes hours to replace and can cost an engine if it fails. You’re comparing mandarins to grapefruit here.

I've never owned a car with a serpentine belt. If it runs the power steering pump and fails, that could be a lot more than an inconvenience. That is potentially worse than an engine failing. Yet, people have no problem taking off and reusing power steering belts all the time.

I've never owned a car with a serpentine belt. If it runs the power steering pump and fails, that could be a lot more than an inconvenience. That is potentially worse than an engine failing. Yet, people have no problem taking off and reusing power steering belts all the time.

If an engine fails it stops running and loses power steering anyways. Your argument is invalid.

Ask for synthetic oil at 2.25/qt? They are giving away blend cheaper than I can buy a quality conventional oil!!

I guess it’s a moot point. I wouldn’t run the oil after machining the heads for more than 1000 miles.