Seriously! They want $3,000.00 to fix it? Either you live in an area that has labor rates around $400.00 per hour or they are ripping you off. You have about $500.00 in parts and maybe eight hours labor.
I had a feeling it was a head gasket. I do recommend you get another estimate. That is crazy! Please keep in mind, they have to remove the timing belt to take the head off. The water pump is right there so the only labor is to unbolt and re bolt a new one. I looked it up and it calls for 7.5 hours. Add another hour for the water pump, and to recharge the AC. The $500.00 in parts is a close estimate.
Again, I strongly recommend getting another estimate. I would not spend more than $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 max.
Let me know if you have other questions.
Joe
Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:32 PM