I'd say if you can get it done for $500, I'd jump at that. I just replaced the timing belt on my 2000 Golf and I paid $180 for the parts plus $230 for the appropriate locking tools, so that right there is already north of $400. If you factor in the amount of time it takes you to perform the whole task, the other tools you'll need if you don't already have them, and the possibility that you might goof up and have to start over (which I did), honestly anything below $700 or $800 seems pretty fair to me.
In the end though I was able to do it successfully, and I'm glad I did because I learned a lot. Having this site to use as a resource was immensely helpful though, and again, I thank you guys. If you are mechanically inclined and time isn't necessarily pressing you, you might enjoy doing the job yourself.
Whichever route you decide to take, good luck with your vehicle Jeff!
In the end though I was able to do it successfully, and I'm glad I did because I learned a lot. Having this site to use as a resource was immensely helpful though, and again, I thank you guys. If you are mechanically inclined and time isn't necessarily pressing you, you might enjoy doing the job yourself.
Whichever route you decide to take, good luck with your vehicle Jeff!
