Timing prices ??? Update

Stuart McB · Post by **Stuart McB** » 23 May 2004, 20:36

As you know I've had my new (to me) Xsara VTR[:D] about a month now. It's got a full history with all the stamps and paper work[:D], but as it's coming up to 5.5yrs old I'm thinking about having the timing belt changed, so far I've been quoted,
1) Main Citroen dealer £280 + VAT
2) Independant Citroen specialist £130 all in
3) Local garage specialising in timing belts £75 + VAT.= £90.90 (£75 for cash)
Now even though all 3 will be using the same parts Citroen or DACO whats going on at the main dealer that the other 2 aren't doing [?]. I'm in no hurry as the Citroen dealer said "as it's only done 40k it'll last to 7 years befor changing,"
I'll probably go with the local guy as he's only around the corner and he'll do a saturday as well.[:D]

paranoid · Post by **paranoid** » 23 May 2004, 20:47

No magazines in reception, at the non citroen places.!!!![:D]

NiSk · Post by **NiSk** » 23 May 2004, 20:49

Glad to hear that the local Citroën dealer has implicit trust in the quality of rubber in thier cambelts! (i'd never let a cambelt go that long without changing it, whatever the milage). Whats going on is that the local Citroën dealer doesn't shift that many cambelts and he has to pay his staff who go on training courses so that the can fit cambelts to all Citroën vehicles. The independant Citroën specialist does the work himself and since he's an experienced mechanic (unlike the snotty youngsters the Cit dealer employs) he doesn't need to go on expensive courses, since cambelts have been around since Bugatti. The Timing belt specialists have got it down to a fine art - they don't do anything else, so they have only the right tools and know how to use them, plus they buy so many cambelts that they get them direct from the manufacturer at a discount.
//NiSk

mikgram · Post by **mikgram** » 23 May 2004, 23:12

I use a self employed mechanic who charged me 20 euros to fit the belt which I bought from the motor factors.80 euros all in ,I think the local Renault Dealer would want about 400+

Stuart McB · Post by **Stuart McB** » 24 May 2004, 02:50

I think your all right it must be the magazines and stuff at the Citroen dealer that make it so expensive. Mind I prefer to look at dolly birds at the Citroen dealer than the grease monkies at the local garge. The local lads who just do timing belts reckon the job doesn't take more that a couple of hours either. So it looks like a call to the local lads this wages day Tuesday)and booked in for this coming Saturday. As for the 80 euros thats about £55 or £60 so that seems about right if my local timing place is charging £75.

paranoid · Post by **paranoid** » 24 May 2004, 03:47

Where do you use for belt changes and stuff like that? I recently had mine done but theres another TD that I know needs doing.

Stuart McB · Post by **Stuart McB** » 25 May 2004, 01:41

If your in the Birmingham area you can get the ZX TD belt done for about £140 at MODERN CITROEN on the Bristol Road South by the Rover factory. Have always found them to be spot on , also have hire cars if you book early enough. I'm going with the local garge as I only work in Birmingham and he's only around the corner from me. Alos the belt from GSF is £8.50 + vat so the local lads will fit for only £65 so not a bad deal in my view.

Post by **philhoward** » 25 May 2004, 01:44

Where's this £65 place, Stu? I guess they're happy to fit a belt you supply; any extra (i guess so) for a tensioner and water pump at the same time?

Stuart McB · Post by **Stuart McB** » 25 May 2004, 01:57

It's in my home town of Kidderminster. I asked about the tensioner and the local lads who just do the cam belts reckon that the tensioner won't need replacing as it's a steel one. A quick call to the Citroen main dealer this afternoon and they confirmed it as well. I do think it's a great deal but I must confess that I mentioned the mates of mine at the local Police station that the garage is next too. This may be nothing but the first price was £75 for cash or plus VAT if on a debit card etc.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » 25 May 2004, 03:02

Just had my Xantia done at a local Cit specalist, cost 100 inc vat, 75 is a good price.

paranoid · Post by **paranoid** » 25 May 2004, 12:17

Got the Xant done at modern citroen services, about 5 weeks ago, very good service, Its just a long way to go, from where I live in Erdington.[^]

Stuart McB · Post by **Stuart McB** » 10 Jul 2004, 18:11

Just got my Xsara VTR back from the local garage as per first post. How this then for a price. took it to him to have a look on Wednesday afternoon. No problems would cost £90. Also said that there was small leak from the crank shaft oil seal as there was a little bit of oil on the crank pulley but if I got the seal he'd charge no more for fitting. The deal was struck and I dropped it off this morning. The following was carried out,
Cam belt changed used Citroen part box and paper work with date shown,
Crank shaft seal removed new one fitted, cost me £5.50 from Citroen
And a new Sump seal / gasket no charge.
I think that a final price of only £80 is a bargin and everything is fine no funny noises nothing. Everything hunky dorey.

paranoid · Post by **paranoid** » 10 Jul 2004, 20:34

Wheren is this place, sounds to goo to be true!!

James.UK · Post by **James.UK** » 10 Jul 2004, 21:09

I get my ZX done in Stalybridge, cost for a cam belt supplied and fitted was £70. [^]
Just had it MOT'd + engine oil and filter changed, wheels balanced and swopped diagonaly, and front suspension given a really good examination to try to find reason for a slight front end wobble when accelerating at about 40mph, nothing was found. Total cost was £60. [:D]

Stuart McB · Post by **Stuart McB** » 11 Jul 2004, 00:07

The placeI used was in Kidderminster, Worcestershire by the Police station, Ferndale Service Center. Only a small place but seems to OK.