Having worked on my cars for many years I know my limitations. so, I tend to entrust non standard work to respected garages. (No names) Asked them to change Discs and pads on my Excel, not straight forward because of the wheel bearings and using a spring to achieve the correct torque to 'nip' up the locknut. So they call and say calipers seized and rotten on both sides. Fair enough, need to be changed. Then they quoted £175 each for exchange calipers! Quick check with SJ's and for almost a third of that price (£63)they have them in stock. So arrange for them to be sent to garage. I need my Elise serviced and within 6 months a new cambelt on this too and now my confidence in them is lost Rant over...
I don't know who you went to but this is an experiece I had recently.
I too prefer to do things myself, but recently had to get my car back on the road after failing on front springs and brakes on the M.O.T. so the car had to be put in to a specialist who I found very reasonable, easy to talk to, gives advise and not patronizing, he also freed up all my brakes (back ones had seized) while he had my car, and he is only just down the road from you.
For reasons I won't go into I run, a 306(soon to be Seat Leon), the Excel and a Daihatsu Hijet MPV. The Hijet was coming up for a cambelt change, so I thought someone else can do it.
I was quoted £320 +VAT for the job including the £68 for the belt.
I don't think so!
As for the Excel, got the Gates belt part no. it was £18.
The engine on the Hijet is Toyota-based car built by Piaggio.
Someone has done their homework on the cambelt, it has an automatic tension system, based on a spring and eccentric tensioner.
From the time I started to jack it up, (engine is UNDER the car), to finish was one hour.
!!!!
Having worked on my cars for many years I know my limitations. so, I tend to entrust non standard work to respected garages. (No names) Asked them to change Discs and pads on my Excel, not straight forward because of the wheel bearings and using a spring to achieve the correct torque to 'nip' up the locknut. So they call and say calipers seized and rotten on both sides. Fair enough, need to be changed. Then they quoted £175 each for exchange calipers! Quick check with SJ's and for almost a third of that price (£63)they have them in stock. So arrange for them to be sent to garage. I need my Elise serviced and within 6 months a new cambelt on this too and now my confidence in them is lost 
