Car repairs - am I being had?

[Galatoni]

I've done some research, but I'm finding it hard to come by any solid answers.

I have a Vauxhall Insignia 2.0CDTI (2009). Its done 100,000 miles just about already, so I'm not under any illusions about the wear. I need the car for work so I was desperate to get it back quickly, so don't judge me.

I noticed a loss of power a few weeks back and some issues with the braking system which (apparently) are being caused by misfires with the underlying problem being a faulty EGR system. Apparently the valves have now been so caked up with carbon that they've blocked pretty much completely. The official Vauxhall garage said that because of their location, cleaning isn't an option and the system should be replaced, this was confirmed by an independent garage as well. So I believed them. Like I said, I need the car back.

Now. Getting to the components isn't easy and required a good deal of the engine to be stripped back, since its close to the time anyway, I asked for the cam belt to be changed too (which in retrospect I would hope they've changed the water pump as a matter of course now!).  They're also performing a full major service. I've been told the work isn't going to be cheap, which is fair enough since there is a good amount of work happening. I've been quoted for this to be around £1200+ as usual I'm expecting this to be more. Does this seem fair? I'm no expert but I'm also keen to know if I'm being ripped off.

[Gone_Away]

100k on a petrol motor will start to cost you money. The carbon build-up you refer to doesn't sound uncommon to me. Mrs. Freak's Golf had to have some significant engine work around the same time. This included work on the valves. In the end our indi recommended replacing the top half of the engine as they could get a sealed unit from VW GMBH with a two year warranty and that from a labour point of view it would be cheaper too.

part's is parts.. you should be able to source the cost of the replacement parts online. Get a quote upfront and confirm what the labour rate is.

Most garages will add 10% onto the top of the parts and then charge their standard labour rate. The latter will depend on the experience and prestige of the garage. Smaller indi's will be cheaper but while they can order the parts (like anyone can from euro parts UK) they don't necessarily have the knowledge to do the job properly.

Good luck. Hope it comes out OK.

[Galatoni]

Thanks. I've just been mulling this over for a while. Will post back here when it eventually gets sorted.