does £365 to install a cam belt of 1.6 petrol seem right?

[Pcheaven]

as per title.

Does this seem an appropriate amount ( it includes VAT and a water pump) ?

I haven't done a cam belt myself for a few years now, nor have I needed to pay for any vehicle repairs as I drive new land rovers. So have no real idea on current garage rates.

Just wanted to see what other folks thought before I pressed the button.

thanks muchly

[Kitch]

I wouldn't say it was outstanding value, to be honest, but it's not absurd. The bigger thing to consider is who does it, because really you should be entrusting cars like these to specialists. It's not so much about being capable of doing a cambelt, it's knowing that the person doing it will spot other potential issues at the same time. I can't imagine a specialist would charge more than £365 for a 1.6 belt, either. I know I wouldn't!

[Pcheaven]

I wouldn't say it was outstanding value, to be honest, but it's not absurd. The bigger thing to consider is who does it, because really you should be entrusting cars like these to specialists. It's not so much about being capable of doing a cambelt, it's knowing that the person doing it will spot other potential issues at the same time. I can't imagine a specialist would charge more than £365 for a 1.6 belt, either. I know I wouldn't!

cheers.

Yes, it was a well respected specialist. Just not that close to me. TBH I was expecting around £250. but then I am very frugal.............

[white exec]

Good belt kit (timing belt + w/pump + tensioner) and an aux belt will be about £110 of that, plus new coolant.
Labour 2-3 hours for someone who knows what they're doing.

[RobC]

If it’s who I think it is, then their prices are never cheap. But generally the work is good...
expect a certain amount of “upselling” as well

[Pcheaven]

thanks all. so the consensus is that's its a fair price considering its being done by a respected establishment.

If only they weren't soo far away. which greatly adds to the cost. 2 trips there and back. getting a lift for 2 journeys etc.

Will keep looking for someone further south of London

[RobC]

A cambelt on a 16 is a pretty simple job for any garage worth its salt- and after all these are simple and common engines which have been in plenty of Peugeots as well. it’s not got anything to do with the hydraulic system- other than if jacking up they need to know to put it in highest or lowest position first- but I guess most garages these days use lifts anyway so that’s moot.
Just find a decent well respected mechanic near you and job done.

[Pcheaven]

A cambelt on a 16 is a pretty simple job for any garage worth its salt- and after all these are simple and common engines which have been in plenty of Peugeots as well. it’s not got anything to do with the hydraulic system- other than if jacking up they need to know to put it in highest or lowest position first- but I guess most garages these days use lifts anyway so that’s moot.
Just find a decent well respected mechanic near you and job done.

My thoughts exactly. If I wasn’t flat out renovating a house in preparation for new tenants I would have day free to DIY

[jamescarruthers]

It will be a worthwhile trip though as they know the BX and will give it a good going over while you are there if you ask them.

[white exec]

Belt replacement is one of the standard jobs that Citroen operate on their "fixed price" service schedule.
Might be worth asking how much the job would be.
Pukka parts and job warranty.
Maybe more local, too.

[Pcheaven]

Belt replacement is one of the standard jobs that Citroen operate on their "fixed price" service schedule.
Might be worth asking how much the job would be.
Pukka parts and job warranty.
Maybe more local, too.

good idea, wasn't aware they did a fixed price schedule. Though should have considered it as I knew Landrover do such a scheme for my brothers old defenders and series xx

[Dave_16v]

Belt replacement is one of the standard jobs that Citroen operate on their "fixed price" service schedule.
Might be worth asking how much the job would be.
Pukka parts and job warranty.
Maybe more local, too.

I have a feeling if the local Cit mechanics saw my BX pull up, I'd hear, "You've got the wrong garage.....mate!".

[white exec]

Oh ye of little faith!
24m ago I had our 1996 XM 2.5 re-belted by Citroen here - three belts and tensioners.
Mine is the only XM they see with any regularity these days (and only on average once every couple of years for something I don't want to do myself), and the technicians regard it as a nice change from all the modern stuff.
Last job was injection pump removal, for shipping out for overhaul (pump was leaking).
They were chuffed to see the BX when I went in for some parts.

[rutter123]

I suppose it depends on how much per hour labour, up here in Lincs I found the rates quite reasonable at £40/50p/h whilst further south up to £100.
I had a wheel bearing done on my Boxer van locally (Tears Garage) total bill £135 and £55 of that was the bearing.

[Tim Leech]

I wouldn't take any of my bxs to a Citroen Garage having worked at one, most of the techs are younger than the cars they work on and its a case of fit new parts and don't repair.

£365 for a quality cambelt, tensioner, water pump if it includes VAT and a guarantee isn't bad value.

Personally on such a low mileage car I would pay that bit extra to get it done by someone who knows the mark and are enthusiasts.

If it makes any difference, when I've needed specialist work done on my BXs I've driven over 150 round trip to get the work done, either to Bourne Citroen or Chevronics because I know it will be done properly!

My local garage I know and trust have done the cambelts before without issue, but price wise were about what you've been quoted.

The last one I had done by a mate whos a ex Peugeot master tech, who runs a car resto business and knows his stuff. But if it had involved hydraulics it would go to Rob Moss or Barry.