My VX is broke, and and could use some help!

[deermagnet]

I don't think he's outta line with the cost. That's a lotta money, but that what this stuff costs. $70-90 hr is the going rate. I'm sure you could find a place that'll do it cheaper, but the most important thing is that it's all done right.

I had this stuff done in '06 at 118,000 miles-
-Replace timing belt, tensioner, and water pump- labor=$324.00 parts=$295.34
-Replace radiator and heater hoses, and flush 'n fill coolant- labor=$101.35 parts=$144.85
-Replace serpentine drive belt(3rd time)- labor=$0 parts=$20.83
-Oil change and lube(34th time)- labor=$10.95 parts=$19.30
-Flush 'n bleed brake fluid- labor=$86.40 parts=$8.72
-Change front and rear diffy fluids(3rd time)- labor=$86.40 parts=$54.21
-Change transfer case fluid(3rd time)- labor=$36.00 parts=$5.00
-Flush 'n fill tranny fluid(3rd time)- labor=$64.95 parts=$67.97
-Replace/repack front wheel bearings(3rd time)- labor=$179.95 parts=$98.52
-Front end alignment(5th time)- labor=$49.95 parts=$0

Totals-
Labor=$989.95
Parts=$714.74
Misc.=$4.35
Tax=$136.73
Total=$1845.77

As you can see more than half was labor. It was done at my most very trusted dealer shop by an A#1 Isuzu trained mechanic. I was very happy with everything he did and has done for years with my VX.

I've put a helluva lotta money into preventive maintenance and I'm at 235,000 miles with no complaints. You've gotta spend money and not neglect anything to keep a VX in top shape for 10-20 years.

Try doing the easy stuff yourself and leave the tuff stuff only to him and save a bunch. I wonder if he knows the manifold has to come off to change the thermostat? For that reason I've never had my thermostat changed. I'm still on my original at 235K. When it fails, it'll get changed.

Mark Griffin (a VX lifer)

[Triathlete]

Just a side note...both times my blower resistor went bad my fan completely stopped working. I highly dought you need the blower motor. I definately would not pay the mech to do it. Order the part from Merlin, remove the glove box (4 screws), 2 or 3 screws hold the resistor and a plug. Shouldn't take more than 20-30 minutes and a couple basic tools. Just saved you $200+

[VXorado]

Just a side note...both times my blower resistor went bad my fan completely stopped working. I highly dought you need the blower motor. I definately would not pay the mech to do it. Order the part from Merlin, remove the glove box (4 screws), 2 or 3 screws hold the resistor and a plug. Shouldn't take more than 20-30 minutes and a couple basic tools. Just saved you $200+

OR it's just the blower motor and not the resistor. My blower motor went out last year with not resistor problems. Like others said, highly unlikely its both the resistor and blower motor.

You can actually buy an aftermarket blower at autozone... its cheap, works & like Billy said is a peice of cake to install.

[Triathlete]

You can look at the resistor and tell if it is bad most of the time. Both times mine was bad the copper piece was seperated.

[Zargon]

Might I ask where are you getting vx worked on. Is it at a dealer? I have 130K on mine and thinking about getting the timing belt and water pump replaced.
I have seen kits including water pump, timing belt and gaskets on ebay for $150 but not sure about the quality. Replacing the timing belt if not done
correctly could cause a lot of problems for your engine. So, if you have a good mechanic and OEM parts it might work out better long term.