Ok, so I go to a dealership in Chicagoland to get an oil and filter change ($19 special on all vehicles) they tell me that after checking the Montero, I should change the serpentine belt because it's cracked (I could barely see anything, when they showed it to me!) and that the 60K Timing belt service is 40K overdue!!!(truck has 102K miles on it).

Now they quoted me $1,000 for the timing belt service and $230 for the serpentine belt. After checking the parts prices online, I realized that the serpentine belt is about $25 and the timing belt kit (including the tensioner bearing and Idler bearing) is about $60!!! so they want to charge me roughly $1100 for 4 to 6 hours of labor!!!!( $275 and hour!!!!)....

This seems outrageous to me!!!

 

You would like to think that dealers would be on their best behavior. But yet here is another example of how they continue to shoot themselves in the foot. I understand they are in business to make money but it looks like they are trying to make it all up on you.

 

Now you know why the forums exist...
It's a five minute job to replace the serpentine, but the timing belt quote is about right. I would be concerned as well that they didn't suggest the water pump along with the timing belt.

I have California 2002 LTD, oddly, the timing belt is due at 100K, whereas other states are 60K. Did mine at 130K and the belt was fine, very hard to see cracks without bending it backwards severely. (but I'm in CA with moderate weather).

Be sure and have the water pump done too.

 

Good to know, I am in CA and was under the impression that here the belts needed changing at 60K. Guess I can hold off until 100K and keep that $1000 in my pocket!

 

What kind of driving do you do in your Monty?
If you do any over-landing in your rig, following the factory service schedule is a good idea.
Finding yourself in stranded in the back country with a broken down rig is not worth the saved money in my opinion.
If you DIY, OEM parts cost a bit more, but last.
Good Luck

 

I, for one, drive about 90% city and 10% highway. I seldom get off road.

 

Just did the 4 sets of brake pads, 2 rear rotors, water pump, idler, tensioner, timing belt and serpentine belt all for $590 including parts and labor....so much for the stealership.....!!!!

 

Where in the US are you and what dealership was this??

 

I'm in Chicago, and I got the service done by an independent mechanic, the dealership, well, forget them...(see the top post...they wanted $1,100 for the Timing service and another $1,000 for the brake job without counting the two rear rotors...).