Based on the many cases, those who overhauled outside end up paying more cash & more follow up repair due to lack of technical guide. N-brand Sentra 1.6 with blown overheating engine, overhaul at SC cost RM4k whereas those who sent else where end up paying RM6k. RM6k is enough to overhaul 2.0L V6 engine in SC. FYI, X-Trail 2.5L with similar case blown engine, overhaul cost around RM4.5k. Remember 1 con case involving V6 engine, end up paying over RM10k!!!

Japanese & Korean made, the engine overhauling cost for inline4 16 valve engine is in the region of RM4k be it 1.6, 2.0, 2.4L or 2.5L. Never touch RM5k so far unless there is price hike or that Japanese brand involved lots of fully imported spare parts. Number of cylinders is main factor in determine the price of overhauling, not the engine size.

Outside workshop, you'll end up easily conned on the markup spare part price, labour & no guarantee that they really but the new part for you (ori, OEM or imitation?).

SC, whatever they charge, they have the guide and the fixed price to follow. Since more parts are involved, better do it at proper SC and make sure that SC is a big one with more technical knowhow around. Smaller SC or ciplak SC with irresponsible technician could also cause headache.

This post has been edited by jayraptor: Jul 25 2013, 12:02 AM

Which SC are good so far?

Can consider Proton Preve CFE Turbo brand new. Now after discount the price is around RM69k+/-. The claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 9.6s which is better than most 1.6 and 1.8-litre vehicles without Turbo boost.

New Vios is okay, but at RM75k is quite a bit overpriced if compared to others. But you get reliable Toyota quality and good fuel consumption.

2nd hand Altis is okay if you like it but maintenance is slightly higher.

Myvi 1.5, save your money. Only Myvi 1.3 low spec is worth the money. The high-spec Myvi 1.5 although more powerful, not really worth your money considering the body, chassis and handling.

If you want power and acceleration, none of the above will satisfy you at RM70k+/-, even the Toyota Altis.

If you want power and acceleration, you have to sacrifice a bit of fuel consumption. As the poster above has mentioned, the Proton Preve 1.6 CFE Turbo at RM70k is worth it if you want power and handling. But fuel consumption will suffer a bit.

You'll have to check the facility, the technician whether there are many foreman around to find out before you do overhaul there. Must take effort to find out, walk in to counter ask lots of questions and get them to tell you the resources & time they have.