Timing chain replacement

[davehatch]

I've got a 2003 GT with 184k miles on it (bought it new w/ 10 miles on it) and the only thing that has gone wrong on it the whole time was a driver side power door lock switch about two years ago, the clutch needed replaced last year...and now the timing chain. In the driveway the car just would not start....had plenty of battery power, starter/alternator/fuel pump all good according to dealer (who I trust and know would not screw me over). They said the timing chain "jumped time" and needed replaced. Quoted $1100-$1200 for parts and labor...does this sound about right? They said since it happened while starting it in my driveway and being a non-interference engine that it's a good chance nothing else got screwed up in the process. I started it and it tried to run then just quit, then wouldn't start after that due to no compression/chain being broken.Should have it back in a week or so....any thought are welcome! This has been the most reliable car I've ever had and plan to keep it until at least 200k :-)Davedavehatch@embarqmail.com

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by davehatch »Should have it back in a week or so....any thought are welcome! So what were the results of this?

[davehatch]

Turns out the dealer was right, the timing chain just needed replaced. He said this was the first Vibe he saw that needed it replaced...total cost was just over $1300 which included the tow truck from myhouse to the dealership. Majority of the charge was labor but they did a great job. For those in the northern indiana area I would definitely recommend Reeg Pontiac in Columbia City (shameless plug lol).

[ou.grizzly]

Did they replace the water pump while they were at it?

[davehatch]

nah, nothing else was replaced except for the timing chain and any related seals/parts/etc....I suppose I could have had them do it at the time but I'm gonna trade it in once I hit 200k for a 2010 Vibe so I'm sure it'll last.....most dependable car I've ever had!

[star_deceiver]

A 2010 eh!!! Seen any you've liked? And how close are you to 200000 miles?

[ou.grizzly]

Too bad there probably are not any new 2010 Vibes.

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Too bad there probably are not any new 2010 Vibes. Not many, but there are low mileage used ones around! And given the recalls, a good price can easily be haggled!!!

[davehatch]

Sitting at around 193k right now....I hate to get rid of it since it's been so reliable....not even sure if they still offer a stick shift on the new ones....may still offer a five speed instead of the six speed I have now....stick is just more fun to drive. Not sure if they still have '10s or they stopped making them in '09....but I'll probably lean toward another black gt if I can find a decent one with low miles....I just hope the new ones are made as well as mine is!

[star_deceiver]

The base and GT can be had with 5 speed stick (not the AWD). 1.8 or 2.4 on the base, 2.4 only on the GT. The '09's and '10's are practically identical! The only problems I've had are minor annoyances (like taking it in for the recalls...) but anything on a dealer lot should've already have had that taken care of!!!