If $1800 is for labor only then you need a new shop without question.

 

Kinda thought so but this is my 1st timing belt job so I had nothign to base it on.

ANyone else concur?

 

This is more than just a timing belt job, but certainly isn't 18+ hours of labor. Shop rate should be $75 to $100 per hour and time required should be on the order of 10 hours +/-

 

too bad you are in VA...I'd do that job for 300 labor

 

i paid 600 for a new belt, front seals, a WP check/replace depending on its state (it was only about 5k miles old), plus another 150 for a brand new rad (split the cost with the shop). i'd say i got a good deal , oh, and don't forget the fan relay too. btw, that was total cost, not just parts.

 

i'm in florida, but that seems outrageous to me. you could always swing by a volvo shop in town and see if they'll do it. the late model 960s had a similar timing belt set up, in fact, porsche pretty much entirely designed that 6 cyl motor for the 960 if i remember correctly.