In regard to Saturn mechanics at the GM dealer... My Saturn Dealership now sells Buick/ GMC's. They still do good work but the prices reflect the expensive models they sell now. I am tired of refusing the 100K service whenever I go in for an oil change. The price of the timing belt is about what the car is worth! Even though the service involves, timing belt, thermostat and plugs and coil packs, I think over 2 grand is a bit much!

 

what model you referencing? S cars have timing chains which are not a consumable.
In general neither are a thermostat or a coil pack. 2K for ANY "routine" maintenance on a Saturn is pretty funny -- not.

I'd be very careful what I took to them to fix......

 

I guess I am kinda with Derf here. It used to be that a dealer was more or less a viable alternative to a local mechanic and affordable. Buying a car or even window shopping was not only acceptable but encouraged.
Now it is what can I do to sell you a car today (mostly show me something I like not some kinda wanna be truck or a 4 door sedan) or a quick introduction to the GPS or how many air bags the damned thing has.
As to service? Todays car literaly will go 100,000 miles requireing little more than an oil change but to do that a kazaillion variations of motor fix it in a can are poured through it at $50.00 a pop.
A timing belt? I am convinced that the sole reason the things were designed was to cost a ton of money to replace at the dealer.
When they first came out, and I drive high mileage, they were pricey, replacement labor was out of sight.
The last one I changed on my 2nd car that required a belt was the 3rd one at something close to 300,000 miles. The only serious repairs the thing required during the entire time I learned to hate the damned thing. I did get good at changine them though and the parts cost was $38.00 for the belt.
I will not buy another car with one and if you ask a salesman about it they are clueless, but have how many air bags memorised.

 

Metose does not answer any questions asked of him, but rest assured he'll want an answer when he asks a question.

The V/6 3.0L has a rubber timing belt.