Thanks for all the tips. So here's the latest. I called the dealer and said I wasn't going to get the work done because I couldn't afford it. They called me back a few hours later and said they were willing to do the work for $700 because they wanted to retain my business. So factoring in that the parts are around $400, is $300 in labor rate reasonable? I would like to take the car to an independent mechanic, as someone suggested, but after calling about three of them, nobody could fit me in within two weeks. Since my wife and I have to take a trip next Wednesday, should I just go ahead and accept the $700 offer?