Have I been overcharged for a timing belt change?

Have just paid for a timing belt on a ford focus 1.6 Zetec TDCi manual and it has cost me €1,650. The mechanic said he had skimmed the head gaskets as well. Have I been over charged? Your answer would be much appreciated, thank you.

David

Jun 2025 Filed under: repair

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Expert answer

Hi David,

Unless the timing belt broke, leading to you getting this work done, then I see no reason why the garage would have removed the cylinder head while replacing it. That is not routine.

It also is not possible to skim a head gasket, so presumably the mechanic said he skimmed the cylinder head itself. If they removed the cylinder head to do that as well as replace all the parts associated with the timing belt then the price doesn't sound unreasonable, but I'd question why the cylinder head was removed if this was supposed to be a regular timing belt change.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor