liz

For a new water pump and timing belt I had one garage tell me after looking in the book it takes three hours.
I had another garage say they looked in the book
and it takes 7 1/2 hours, including a new thermostat. Is it possible that putting in a new thermostat takes an additional 4 1/2 hours? This is the garage that TAP recommended and is an hour away. Total cost they quoted including parts is: $145.86 for parts, 7 1/2 hours for labor @ $72 an hour = $685.86. The closer garage is a AAA garage but works on everything not just Audis. It would only cost about $400 with them. Which do I choose?

QCRAZY

It doesn't take 4.5 hours to do the thermostat (with the rest). They are not allowing "overlap".

Audios69

Timing belt idler
Waterpump
thermostat
timing belt tensioner
serpentine belt
check serpentine belt rollers, replace if bad

Should take no longer than 4 hours for everything. If it does, you are getting taken. Print this list and hold on to it, it will save you headaches. Trust me. If an idler, tensioner, or waterpump goes bad, it will cost you your engine. $250 is a small price compared to $2500. Right?

Power5

First of all their normal mechanic rate is very high. Most are around $50-$60 per hour.