What can I expect to pay for a thermoststat change at a local repiar shop?

[skyscan]

What should I be expected to pay for a thermostat replacement on a 2004 beetle convertible. Parts and Labor.

For the record, this shop doesn't use the G12 coolant when they drain your system. They refill it with the universal coolant.

[digitalputty]

Don't go there ... I believe that G12 is the only thing that is suppose to go into our cars.

Not sure how much a thermostat is ... cannot remember. Had mine changed recently.

[skyscan]

after a complete drain, its ok to use a different coolant.

You are never supposed to mix anything with G12 while its in the car however.

[Smileybug]

G12 is still better for the car. I would find somewhere that either uses G12 or allows you to buy it and then they'll fill it for you with it.

Since it looks like you already have a shop, have you asked them how much it costs? Will they let you source your own parts?

[akasha1963]

Buy your own G12 and have the shop use it.

[boogety boogety]

Buy your own G12 and have the shop use it.

/\ This.

More than a hundred for a thermostat change, and you're getting hosed.

[oceanjoe89]

bahaha i paid 154...

[Evanrude]

<--- in a VERY sad case of affairs, my Beetle actually BROKE DOWN in front of the VW parts department when I was going in about 5 months ago to pic up some parts they had ordered for me. I was spewing antifreeze all over the place because the thermostat popped and my car was super overheating.

VW being the.... well, overpriced techs that they are, charged me $485 to replace it, claiming that it takes TWO technicians almost 4 hours to do.

Anyway, you can get it MUCH cheaper at a qualified technician who can do the work in about an hour and a half or so.

[oceanjoe89]

wow. my dealer quoted me 184 to do it... but the local shop wanted 154 so i went with them bc, quite frankly, i dont trust my dealer!

[skyscan]

ok, sounds like if its under $200 it should be average.

Thanks.

[70autostick]

Takes about 45 minutes,do it yourself,you need a new shop if they refuse to use proper coolant,they are prolly not the smartest or best of quality if they cut corners,especially on Nbs... Shop=...