1999 Buick Century Pricing

CAUFENKAMP

MEMBER
1999 BUICK CENTURY
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

I need to have my Water Pump, Shift Solenoid A, and Gas Intake valve replaced in my car. I knew about the first two but the gas intake was new to me. The mechanic said it would cost me over 1200 to fix it. Im pretty sure that is really high. I was wondering if I am correct in thinking its a bit high or does it sound just about right?

4 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Are you sure he said fuel intake and not fuel pump? Because it is in the gas tank which has to be dropped. I would have a trans guy check the shift solenoid because it could be something in the trans however. The fuel pump can run anywhere from $50-175 plus the cost of labor dropping the tank and installing the water pump is around $30 and same there. To me it does sound on the high side but it depends on what he will add otherwise and what his labor rates are. Or if it's at a dealer as they tend to be higher priced. You can always get another price form another garage and see what they say to compare. We haven't much of an idea as prices vary all over. And we don't have access to that area any longer in our manuals. That is about all I can say.

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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 10:48 AM

CAUFENKAMP

MEMBER
3 POSTS

He did say Fuel intake. Now if he meant something else, that is out of my hands. It is at a dealer as well. I went ahead and had them replace the Water pump due to it overheating a lot as well as changing the oil. The car runs fine except that it would overheat and when it is cold out, it would have a bit of trouble shifting out of first. When it warmed up though, it would shift perfectly. As for the fuel intake, I haven't noticed anything about the car that would signify running badly. The consumption of gas has been the same as before, filling up once weekly.

I also went ahead and called another place to see what they would charge for changing out a transmission solenoid and they priced it at 375 including parts and labor. He was also concerned if the guy was sure it was the gas intake and confirmed he would look at it while changing the solenoid.

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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 12:28 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Ya the gas intake kinda threw me as I think it was the fuel pump bu tif your car seems to runok then let it go til it breaks(fuel pump) but change the filter anyhow that is on the frame. Like I said dealer prices are invariably higher and check with a local trans shop for the solenoid thing. It may be cheaper still. I know they get about $100 for a trans fluid change at a shop so have them check it as it may be something else besides the solenoid. It may be a seal going bad and at this point put up with it until it needs a rebuild. But get an opinion first.

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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 12:34 PM

CAUFENKAMP