I had some smoke coming from my 97 Outback wagon after driving the turnpike. The car has just turned 60,000. While in for inspection/emissions I asked them to look into it. They said oil was leaking from a seal and the timing belt needs to be replaced.
They are quoting me $359.00 Is this reasonable ?
Also, what has the timing belt got to do with the oil leak at a main bearing ?
Please help.

Thanks,
Jason C.

 

It's most likely your front main seal. That, in turn, can leak onto the timing belt, and having your timing belt slip is a BAD thing. Also, most of the cost on a T-belt or a seal like that is labor; if you're in the area, it makes sense to do both.

 

That price isn't *that* out of line. I've seen T-belt specials as low as $230 for our cars, but figure $20-30 for the seal, and labor, and that's pretty reasonable. Going rate for just the belt around here is like $280-300. The belt itself is like $80 of that....