Timing Belt...
 

My 06 S40 just passed the 100k mark, so it's due for a timing belt change. I talked to a mechanic who has (so far) been trustworthy, and he quoted me a price of somewhere between $630 and $700, including tensioner, water pump, etc - but I noticed when he was looking up the parts, he was looking at Autozone website, which didn't exactly sit well with me. So I called the Volvo dealership to get a quote on the same job, and their price was $983 - and that's Volvo parts, 2 year warranty, rental car for the day while they do it, plus a 10% off coupon, bringing the price to $885.

so... $200 - $300 difference...

I'm leaning towards having the dealership do it, but I thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone had any comments...

Thanks

~ K

You can get OEM parts from IPD or FCP Groton for about $200 for a timing belt kit plus water pump.

Quote from a local dealer for timing belt, pulley, tensioner & water pump...$1250, does NOT include serpentine belt/tensioner.
Despite the 2 year warranty and a loaner, very high. About $800 is labor which means approx 6 hrs+ at $125/hr.

It's crazy what dealer prices are these days. Indy shops are better if you find a good mechanic.

buy a Contitech timing belt kit (includes belt, tensioner and idler). You DO NOT need and should not replace the water pump is it is not leaking. It is actually quite rare for them to go bad.

After you get the kit go back to your mechanic and have them install the kit. Autozone/Advance/ect. parts should not be used. They are totaly unreliable. (I worked in aftermarket parts for almost 3 years. They are all crap)

Just got a kit from FCP groton for $84.00
TBKit 331A, plus they have a 10% discount if you purchase $199.00 or more and free shipping (summer 10 is the code)