auto repair NW Calgary

Hawkeye · #1 04-04-2016, 07:13 PM

I just took the wife's car (2006 Camry, 167K km) in to the shop, 4 cylinder, automatic trans.
They are telling me the water pump is leaking, serpentine belt has some cracks, and the valve cover gasket is leaking

Recommend
replace water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, flush cooling system, just under $1K for all of that

replace valve cover gasket, $200

I think people should be paid for their efforts and I don't have the skills to do this myself. The valve cover gasket is not so bad, but the cooling system work seems high.

Am I out to lunch?

Can someone suggest a reliable alternative that is likely to be a lower price? Located in NW Calgary (close to Crowchild Trail, Nose Hill Drive) but can drive a ways for a better deal.

BTW they also recommended a new battery, which as I recall was about $158 and $58 to install; now that is something I CAN do on my own.

Thanks in advance.
Hawkeye

Clgy_Dave2.0 · #2 04-04-2016, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

I just took the wife's car (2006 Camry, 167K km) in to the shop, 4 cylinder, automatic trans.
They are telling me the water pump is leaking, serpentine belt has some cracks, and the valve cover gasket is leaking

Recommend
replace water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, flush cooling system, just under $1K for all of that

replace valve cover gasket, $200

I think people should be paid for their efforts and I don't have the skills to do this myself. The valve cover gasket is not so bad, but the cooling system work seems high.

Am I out to lunch?

Can someone suggest a reliable alternative that is likely to be a lower price? Located in NW Calgary (close to Crowchild Trail, Nose Hill Drive) but can drive a ways for a better deal.

BTW they also recommended a new battery, which as I recall was about $158 and $58 to install; now that is something I CAN do on my own.

Thanks in advance.
Hawkeye

That seems pretty reasonable actually. How much do YOU think it should be?
Take the total cost of the parts. Then figure out how many hours it will take. Multiply that by what you think a skilled mechanic should make ($30-$40/hour?) Now add his WCB coverage, employers portion of gov't dues, etc. Administration costs. Now add the overhead of the cost of a B&M shop, rent, heat, electric, equipment, etc.

Unless of course you just want some backyard mechanic to attempt to do it without any type of warranty whatsoever.

masalma · #3 04-04-2016, 08:47 PM

Check these guys out

http://instamek.com/

Rates are reasonable.

Water pump, thermostat, and belt are easy and straightforward to swap. Shouldn't take a skilled mechanic more than an hour to do. But they go by book rate.

GeoTrekr · #4 04-04-2016, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

I just took the wife's car (2006 Camry, 167K km) in to the shop, 4 cylinder, automatic trans.
They are telling me the water pump is leaking, serpentine belt has some cracks, and the valve cover gasket is leaking

Recommend
replace water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, flush cooling system, just under $1K for all of that

replace valve cover gasket, $200

I think people should be paid for their efforts and I don't have the skills to do this myself. The valve cover gasket is not so bad, but the cooling system work seems high.

Am I out to lunch?

Can someone suggest a reliable alternative that is likely to be a lower price? Located in NW Calgary (close to Crowchild Trail, Nose Hill Drive) but can drive a ways for a better deal.

BTW they also recommended a new battery, which as I recall was about $158 and $58 to install; now that is something I CAN do on my own.

Thanks in advance.
Hawkeye

Nothing I can offer in terms of an opinion on the first part of your post, but for batteries - Costco is very reasonably priced, and the batteries seem to be good quality. Mine has served me very well, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

recce43 · #5 04-05-2016, 08:12 AM

try allfitz in air dried good shop honest

stob · #6 04-05-2016, 08:16 AM

PAZ Automotive by the airport ... honest and straight up we bring our vechiles down from EDM to him

Garlicmarshmellow · #7 04-05-2016, 08:41 AM

Try Knibbe auto over by the Dennys near you. Heard good things about them

Knownonscents · #8 04-05-2016, 10:43 AM

I've heard nothing but good things of the petro at the bottom of the hill in silver springs. Just up from the value village. Never been there but the locals all swear by them. Also close to you.

JDK71 · #9 04-05-2016, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

I just took the wife's car (2006 Camry, 167K km) in to the shop, 4 cylinder, automatic trans.
They are telling me the water pump is leaking, serpentine belt has some cracks, and the valve cover gasket is leaking

Recommend
replace water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, flush cooling system, just under $1K for all of that

replace valve cover gasket, $200

I think people should be paid for their efforts and I don't have the skills to do this myself. The valve cover gasket is not so bad, but the cooling system work seems high.

Am I out to lunch?

Can someone suggest a reliable alternative that is likely to be a lower price? Located in NW Calgary (close to Crowchild Trail, Nose Hill Drive) but can drive a ways for a better deal.

BTW they also recommended a new battery, which as I recall was about $158 and $58 to install; now that is something I CAN do on my own.

Thanks in advance.
Hawkeye

Price not bad but flushing the rad is not needed just my thoughts

TROLLER · #10 04-05-2016, 10:59 AM

I am wondering why the belt would be cracked. I took my Toyota in at 180K to have the belt replaced as per the service manual and it had little if any sign of wear. That being said if you don't replace it and it breaks good bye motor.

Do not think you need a rad flush you could do your self anyway but a water pump and belt should be addressed Typical cost to replace the belt runs around 4-500 and it should maybe be left to the Toyota guy to do that. Also shop around I found quit a difference in parts cost at various Toyota dealers when I was looking for a windshield res.

propliner · #11 04-06-2016, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TROLLER

I am wondering why the belt would be cracked. I took my Toyota in at 180K to have the belt replaced as per the service manual and it had little if any sign of wear. That being said if you don't replace it and it breaks good bye motor.

Do not think you need a rad flush you could do your self anyway but a water pump and belt should be addressed Typical cost to replace the belt runs around 4-500 and it should maybe be left to the Toyota guy to do that. Also shop around I found quit a difference in parts cost at various Toyota dealers when I was looking for a windshield res.

The 2.4 engine has a timing chain. The belt that needs changed is the serpentine belt.

Bigdad013 · #12 04-06-2016, 07:29 AM

I have found that Montgomery Auto is really good and reasonable. Actually had a problem with the wife car last week, they fixed it, no charge...

andyhall · #13 04-06-2016, 11:38 AM

Fenton Automotive in Cochrane. I know its a drive but they only do whats required and are straight up honest and do great work. 403-932-7114

Hawkeye · #14 04-06-2016, 09:56 PM

Thanks to everyone who replied.
I had a PM from propliner, a very fine AOF member. A big shout out to him for simply outstanding service work on my car, well above the call of duty, at a simply amazing price. He showed me an engine that he had rebuilt and the quality of work and attention to detail were superb.

I will be keeping his phone number, as I will need him again in the future.
I absolutely recommend him to others, too.
Cheers
Hawkeye