I have a 99 vw beetle and just took it to the shop and quoted me $550 for my timing belt?

(2012-02-06 15:15:16)

1. Ashley Says: is that the right price? and too they told me that my catalytic converter is loose. What should I do? I need all the help i can get

2. something up my sleeve like an arm and elbow Says: You got a quote from one shop. (This is like shopping for shoes for your feet - you are gonna check out a few stores before you give them your cash for the same shoe. Every store has the right to price them with whatever they feel someone will pay.) Car is no different. Go to another shop and another and get several quotes.

My chick friend goes to 5 different places before she decides on which one.

If The catalytic converter rattles as you drive, then the old one on the car is worn out. It must be replaced with a new one.

3. Motorhead Says: If you have TDI, then that is only a little high for the timing belt.
If it is a normal gas engine, then it is about double what it should be.

The catalytic converter uses a flange with 3 bolts, so is trivial to tighten.
They should do it for free once up on the air, because it is so easy and quick.

4. Eugene Semore Says: Wow - only $550? That's a good price. I had a 99' that I had to do a belt on, let's just say it was far from easy. There isn't hardly any space in there to work with. If the cat was loose you should be hearing some kind of rattling noise from underneath the car midways down.

5. Lonnie Says: shop around for a better price (you may buy the belt cheaper, and find a mechanic to install it) but it is on of the prices to keep 1999 car. if you plan on keeping it for few years. ask them to secure the catalytic converter.

6. Christian Says: Get a price check from another shop

I would take the catalytic converter problem to a muffler shop...

7. Bluto B Says: Get other quotes. you can ball park the repair cost here: http://www.automd.com/
click on the "estimate cost" tab and put in your cars info.