What should it cost for a new distributor parts and labor?

[Freeze Time]

Yesterday, my car broke down on the freeway. Long story short, I had to tow it to my mechanic. Today, he says it needs a new distributor. I already paid for it and the car is running great but was wondering what some of you had to pay or what your local mechanic charges for parts and labor before I say what I paid. My family has been going to this mechanic for over 20 years so I always trust him to give me a great deal. I thought the price was high but I am not a car person and trying to find answers on google is proving next to impossible. My car is a 98 Infiniti QX4 with 129,001 miles on it.

[atraudes]

Distributors go for up to $320 at local parts stores near me. Then you figure on an hour or two (maybe three) at $100 an hour to install it and get the timing dialed in. So, as a quick estimate, I'd say up to $600 is perfectly reasonable.

An excellent reminder of why I like doing these things myself

[Freeze Time]

^^^Keep in mind that my mechanic had to find out what the problem was first so that was included in the labor. I called around to some shops and was quoted anywhere from $428-$500 telling them what the problem is. I can't be too sure what they would have cost if I just brought the car in with no one knowing what was wrong with it.

[CanuckQx4]

Yep they dont work for free as much as youd like them to....

[Freeze Time]

Only one estimate huh? I guess it's not a very fun game haha.

[Freeze Time]

I guess hardly anyone here as had to deal with getting a new distributor. Lucky ducks. My mechanic charged me a total of $390.

[atraudes]

Not bad. If he does good work for that price I wouldn't stop going back

[Freeze Time]

Yes he does. Every time I have ever had a car problem, he will fix the part for way cheaper if it doesn't have to be replaced. He even let me leave a truck I used to have there for 2 weeks because he put in a new radiator and I couldn't afford to pay him until then. He even used to do payment plans until he got a new partner. I am glad that most here have not had to deal with getting a new distributor.