non-MB question for mechanics
 

Hello paid mechanics-

My best friend just took a job out in Tuscon, AZ, and yesterday was day 1 of his drive there from CT. He made it to VA when his water pump blew. Now he's stuck and the mechanic is quoting him $1500. That seems pretty steep to me. I was wondering if any of you know how much it should be. The car is a 1997 Plymouth Neon. I know, I know... you may be wondering how I could call him my best friend when he drives a Neon. Trust me, I tried to convince him to get an old Mercedes, but he doesn't quite appreciate the finer things in life...like learning how to do it yourself. ;)

He's about to shell out the dough, so quick responses would be really appreciated. Thanks!

That quote is probably doing a timing belt and everything while he's in there. It still sounds high.

BTW, my best friend drives a Chevy pickup but he's still my best friend.

No, thats too high. Where in Va. is he? If he's in Arlington, Va. have him call Rocky at Gray's auto-703-522-3829

I'm pretty sure he's around Richmond, so pretty well beyond a tow back up to Arlington. I'll give him that number to call anyway. Maybe he can get a quote and convince the mechanic he's at to lower the price??

He might argue about demographics....

I'm already searching craigslist in VA and AZ for diesel MB's to replace his pile of crap. :D

Apparently it's the water pump, timing belt, camshaft tensioner, and various other parts involved in this thing. He was driving on the highway, his check engine light came on, and immediately the car started smoking. He stopped right away, so hopefully only the minimum amount of stuff crapped out.

Bent over a barrel
 

A neon is front wheel drive, with little to no room near the water pump. Most of the work to replace the water pump will go on through the wheel well with the tire off. Take into the account that your friend is not a local, its quite obvious that the price reflects that, the mechanic "has him over a barrel" ( So thats where that expression comes from!!!!! ): If his car was a mercedes ,you could change it on the side of the road in less than an hour.:D

For a 97 neon, doesn't 1500 mean its totalled? Thats like half the value.

Thats like all its value, a 1997 Neon wasn't worth anything new.:D

Figure parts are about $200 labor more. Nah they are getting ripped there is no way its that much.

My uncle had the first timing belt done on my 4cy Camry, and that included the water pump. Total bill was like $400, which was high its not that hard to do.

I just looked up the parts on Advanced Autos website.

Water pump $30-$50.
Timing belt $40-$70
Throw in another $30 for gaskets, figure a valve cover gasket at least.

Tell the mechanic to go f**k himself and stop trying to take advantage of your friend.:mad:

check cars. or autotrader.theres a couple diesels on each within 100 miles of richmond.

Those are disposable cars made by Bic.

Waterpump service on those is labor intensive. Not worth $1500 though.

The problem is stated on the trunklid.

Needs
Engine
Overhaul
Now

My buddy's on his 4th engine. Finally realized for a car to go fast it needs a real engine, and now he wants a V8

He's better off to go to the junkyard and get a aux. pump from a 123 and jury rig it onto his Neon. Probably last longer too.

Not only do you have friends, but at least one of them owns a car too. This is good news for you.

Do you one better, I only have one friend, but he's got multiple cars.

I'd throw the keys of the Neon to a charity if you can find one, or the mechanic. Its not worth anything at this point. Then have your friend rent a car to continue the drive, when they get out to where they will be living they can buy a car.

Or they can go into the nearist whatever dealer and buy a new car, I know people who have done that.