Recommendations for 180k mi Service

[NoTempoLimit]

The job basically ties up one of the shop's techs for an entire day

A service business makes more money that way, keeping a tech busy with a large job that takes 8 hours - unless they are over-billing hours worked, in which case many small jobs will be more profitable.

 

[rexington14]

A service business makes more money that way, keeping a tech busy with a large job that takes 8 hours - unless they are over-billing hours worked, in which case many small jobs will be more profitable.

I'd imagine most automotive work ends up being over billed based on labor book guides / quotes. If the tech gets it done quicker than the book number they are still paid for the full job, and they get to move on to the next job. Of course there's probably times where this can backfire as well - rusty parts, mistakes, training, etc. The bigger the job the higher likelihood of complications.

Just take a look at your service department's waiting room. Mine is always pretty packed.

 

[NoTempoLimit]

I spoke to someone at the service department at Walnut Creek Toyota yesterday. Here’s the generic verbal estimate I got for a timing belt replacement:

Parts $103 (timing belt, likely coolant replacement, NOT including water pump)
Labor $1275 (not including WP replacement)
Labor rate $255 hr !!! (I had to ask twice as I though I mis-heard)

 

[David310]

I would add tensioner pulley and idler pulley as they have to be removed anyways.

New fan, bracket, and clutch as well.

Clean or replace radiator with new upper/lower hoses and OEM clamps. Clean condenser and transmission cooler fins.

Otramm has 2 sets of timing belt replacements if you can tackle it on your own.