Expert: Van - 11/16/2005

Question
Hi,
I have a 98 Chevy Cavalier 2-door coupe. There are 114,000 miles on it. The coolant started leaking now I'm having to replace almost 2 gallons of coolant fluid per day. The Chevy dealership gave an estimate of $960 to replace pump and cooling hoses. Does that sound reasonable? Should I "shop around" for a better deal? Seems quite excessive. Thanks!

Answer
Hello Barbra,
Shop around. I think that is way high.
You didn't say what engine, but the 2.4 engine water pump costs just under $50. at Autozone, with a lifetime warranty.
Check to see for sure what engine you have, and then just call some parts houses like OReillys, and Auto Zone, and see what the pump and hoses cost where you are.

Armed with those prices, find a good independent garage that someone you know has had good luck with, and ask them what they would install it for.

Van