herc269 said:
What would be a reasonable amount to expect to pay for changing the timing belt including the . Does anyone now of a reliable mechanic in the Philadelphia area?
Several tdiclub-registered vendors offer deluxe timing belt kits for about $285-330, with slight variations in the number of extra bolts offered, and with different waterpump brands included.
As for labor, that depends on the person doing the work. There are some fine TDI mechanics who don't run a commercial operation -- they work out of their own garages (barns, driveways, your garage, etc.), on an appointment schedule, and they don't charge as much as...
...the other category, the guys who work on TDIs full-time, and have overhead expenses that must be paid. So they tend to charge a little more.
No one charges as much as VW dealerships.
What you look for in a TDI mechanic is: 1) experience, 2) the proper tools, and 3) an attitude that is professional and inquiring.