My Accord needs work...need some price estimates.

[bertoiaj]

Hello,

My 1993 Honda Accord, needs some major work:

New timing belt and resetting of valves.

Possible new catalytic converter.

AC/Heating unit quit....maybe the blower motor is shot.


I am a complete dunce when it comes to car repairs...I want to take the car to a Honda dealership for repairs. Any know what I should expect to be paying for parts and labour? It is my understanding that the timing belt is a major job that may have a very high labour cost.

Also as the car is now 13 years old...are the repairs worth it...or should I bite the bullet and get a new vehicle?

Any advice, recommendations would be welcome.



Thank you.

Jim Bertoia bertoiaj@telus.net

[The General]

Well, maybe what you should do is call a dealer and ask them what they charge for a timing belt job and a catalytic converter (installed). These jobs often have "flat rates". This means that they always charge the same amount. For example: 7.2 hours for the belt + parts and 2.1 hours for the exhaust system + parts. If the A/C is shot, don't get it fixed. It will end up costing you tons of $$.

My guess is that you are looking at between $300 and 700 for the cat (OE vs jobber) and between $300 and 500 for the belt (excluding valve job). A conservative total would be of at least $1 000.

I would not take the car to a dealer. An independent garage will charge less and do the work as well (choose your garage carefully).

What is the condition of the car? Otherwise?

[woohoo!]

Like General said, it all depends on the general condition of the car. If the body is holding up well, it might be wise to get it fixed up and keep it for a little while.