im a mechanic and probably could do it in 2 hours but your so right i wouldnt bust my *** around 4 hours should be quoted...2 hours would be flat out but i know when you work fast any stuff up can happen
We normally start at around 3 hours as a ballpark for labour when someone asks for a price on a timing belt kit - and then we go to the VACC times guide for a more definite idea; but my boys know from experience what is roughly required for most cars..
Some service books will even give you the expected times for various work items....they are often very generous.
And, because it is our arzes on the line if it isn't done right, and because of the friggin "ever since" factor
, then none of us is even thinking about a rushed job - and will never rush it no matter what. If that costs you another 30 mins of time - $50 - then too bad, and go somewhere else..
People drive in a friggin' Corolla and want you to make it into a bloody "Roller", for the price of a Mars bar, and done 5 mins ago...."if yer not too busy?" FFS
I'll tell ya what; tomorrow I'll get a price for the kit, and I'll look up the times guide - and I'd recommend a new water pump at 200k's as well (we always do due to the age and mileage - unless it's been done recently), so I'll find out that too, and I'll come back with a realistic price you'd be paying; and done correctly, including road test to make sure the thing doesn't blow up..
Ya think I sound peezed about demanding and ignorant customers who wanna pay bugger all for their shoite box cars to be transforned into a limo? Damned right.
Go to the doc for 5 mins and see the bill, or a specialist for a look see for 5 mins, or go to a lawyer for an hour and see the bill.
But, as stated; the solution is; fix it yerselves.