Rocca Motors for a Timing Belt change?

[sly17]

Hi all

I'm looking to get my timing belt changed.

I was wondering if you guys know anything or have any past experiences dealing with "Rocca Motors" in Thornbury. I received a quote from them for $800.
I called Lance Dixon and they quoted me $1100.

Also, if you guys have any information on prices on reputable mechanics in Victoria that would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Simon

[sly17]

By the way, I own an Alfa Romeo 156 JTS 2004.

[Anthony Miller]

Hi Simon, there is a link to our club sponsors on the aroca website, personally I can recommend Maranello-Pur Sang in Brunswick for northside,Monza in Bayswater for north east, or Mauceri in Clayton for south east.
Good Luck
Anthony

[Evan Bottcher]

$800 sounds in the ballpark for an independant specialist - this should include the balancer shaft belt as well, and tensioners.  I'd recommend to at least get a quote from one of our club sponsors (see here).  They are all very experienced specialists, with a dedication to the marque and great supporters of the car club.

See Anthony's post below - you'll find one of our sponsors nearest to you.

[sly17]

Thanks for the help guys. I called up the following mechanics and was hoping if you could tell me what is probably the best.

Maranello: service + belt changes: timing belt, balance shaft belt, drive belt, tensioners and idler pulleys: $1200

Monza: service + belt changes: all the same as Maranello but doesn't include drive belt

Mauceri: belt changes, no service: $770 - same belts as Maranello but doesn't include drive belt (They did say the drive belt replacement would be $30-$40)

And of course Rocca Motors - $800 not inclusive of drive belt.

From what I can see from above, Monza would definitely not be a choice. Maranello appears to be on the pricier side but is it warranted?

Mauceri seems to have the best price alongside Rocca Motors. Rocca Motors is not a sponsor if this site, so is Mauceri more reputable in that sense?

Any help would be extremely appreciated

Simon

(P.s. I am due for a service soon too. Any tips on haggling or combining belt changes with service and reducing the price?)

[Paul Gulliver]

Any tips on haggling or combining belt changes with service and reducing the price?)

I'm sure you could find someone to do it for $100, but you would get $100.00 worth.

The fact that all the providers have quoted a  similar price for the work surely must tell you something.

If your a first time Alfa owner, instead of haggling over $10.00 on a belt invest a bit of time investing in a relationship with a shop / mechanic who is going to do the work.

Saving $10.00 on a belt is pretty stupid if the cheaper belt puts the $1,200 service at risk. I have had a belt drive break on an Alfa and i can tell you it will make a $1,200 service look cheap.

Gully 

[Andrew156]

Also consider that it may be worth changing your water pump as well. It's only a precautionary step, but you have already invested 90% of the labour. Factor in @ $250 from memory.

I did mine recently and did the same. Car only had 63,000kms. Whilst many may consider it over servicing, I think of it as insurance!

[John Hanslow]

If the car needs servicing soon, get it done as well.  As per previous posts, develop a good relationship with a specialist and you will have a more rewarding longer term Alfa experience.

[sly17]

Yer I understand where you guys are coming from.

I think I may head to Mauceri though, because I am a student so can't afford a $1200 bill.

Does anyone have any past experiences/heard anything about Mauceri?

Cheers
Simon

[John Hanslow]

They are one of many well respected Club sponsors.

[Andrew156]

Yer I understand where you guys are coming from.

I think I may head to Mauceri though, because I am a student so can't afford a $1200 bill.

Does anyone have any past experiences/heard anything about Mauceri?

Cheers
Simon

Just be conscious that when spending money on a car that there is the little things that you can't see before starting work that will blow the quote out by some amount. Don't be naive and don't cut corners. I am a firm believer that "the poor man pays twice"

[MOERO]

I used Rocca Motors for my cam belt change 1 year ago, same price and happy with work carried out.

Next service I did at Zagame who asked where I got cam belts changed and said they would check it out to ensure job was done properly and they found nothing wrong either.
Rocca would buy same cam belt replacement kit as anyone else, its just you dont pay sky high labour to cover costs of hot receptionists, parts advisors, tools, person to drive your car to the workshop area, fancy showroom, etc...

[Jekyll and Hyde]

I used Rocca Motors for my cam belt change 1 year ago, same price and happy with work carried out.

Next service I did at Zagame who asked where I got cam belts changed and said they would check it out to ensure job was done properly and they found nothing wrong either.
Rocca would buy same cam belt replacement kit as anyone else, its just you dont pay sky high labour to cover costs of hot receptionists, parts advisors, tools, person to drive your car to the workshop area, fancy showroom, etc...

How do they get any work done?  Especially if they don't buy tools.....

Seriously though, if you were happy with the job Rocca Motors did, why did you go to Zagame for your next service?

[MOERO]

haha, i mean most (possibly all) dealers add tools costing to job price, so you effectively pay for the use of their tools on your car.

Only reason i went to dealer next service was to try out and get the dealer stamp in book. Next service I won't be. But honestly as long as you take it to a specialist of the brand, the work should be fine.

[156oro]

Hi.

I use ROCCA Motors all the time. Frank is pretty clued in with the Alfa's & has always done good clean work for us.
Never tries to sell you something unless you really need it.

He put me onto the Penrite SIN 5 oil as well...very good dosn;t burn as much.

Cheers