Is it time to find a new mechanic?

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Gooner
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Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by Gooner »

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


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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by jeff »

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?

Post by MRHAPPY62 »

Sounds like a bargain price :D
Think I would buy the guy a beer ;)
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by nick »

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?

Post by S81933 »

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.

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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by Hotrod »

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💸
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by benckj »

Typical problem for those not familiar with MR2 to forget the washer behind idler. Glad he sorted before shredding the belt.

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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by Hotrod »

benckj wrote: 07/08/21 1:40 Typical problem for those not familiar with MR2 to forget the washer behind idler. Glad he sorted before shredding the belt.
I spoke to soon, car not running right, tick over is to low and now it’s also down on power :facepalm:
On the upside he is coming back Tuesday to hopefully sort it.

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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by Hotrod »

Hotrod wrote: 08/08/21 22:53
benckj wrote: 07/08/21 1:40 Typical problem for those not familiar with MR2 to forget the washer behind idler. Glad he sorted before shredding the belt.
I spoke to soon, car not running right, tick over is to low and now it’s also down on power :facepalm:
On the upside he is coming back Tuesday to hopefully sort it.
Sorry hi jacking the thread, my bad.
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Re: Is it time to find a new mechanic?

Post by benckj »

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.

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