90 CRX HF.. is $160-180 a fair price for a tune up

[Ford Man]

Does this person do mechanic work for a living or is it just someone that does it on the side? I think the parts could be bought for about $70.-$75. with the exception of a new water pump. I've never worked on a Honda so I don't know how much work is involved in changing the timing belt on one. I can change the one on my '88 Escort in about 1.5 hours. His labor rate sounds a bit lower than I would expect from a mechanic especially in Charlotte. Even in Mt. Pleasant as small as it is most independent mechanics get $75-$80. an hour and if you go to a dealer most of them now are over $100. an hour. Unless it's someone I knew or I got good references I'd get it in writing and then check to make sure all of the work was done when I picked up the car (before leaving the garage). If that timing belt has never been changed it's time. I like to change them about every 100K miles and manufactures actually recommend changing them about every 60K miles.

[Ryland]

it sounds like a great deal, have him change the water pump when he does the timing belt, as they tend to last around 120,000 miles and add 10 minutes on to the task of changing the timing belt, make sure he gets the timing belt kit, with a new tensioner as well, they tend to cost about $10 more then just the belt, his price on the pugs is a bit high $7 for a set of 4 plugs, but his over all price is low so I would let it pass.

a few years ago I paid $300 to have my timing belt and water pump changed and that was the lowest price in town.

[aerohead]

I paid in the $180 range( at the dealership) back in the 1980s.If he's going to do the water pump(as he should!),I'd say go for it.I recommend OEM parts.A brand new aftermarket(Major US manufacturer) $2 rotar cap from Pep Boys left me stranded once.Some corners aren't worth cutting.