My 2011 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GT 2,5l Diesel has almost 200,000 km on the odometer, and the timing belt needs to be replaced. My authorized Mitsubishi garage is asking 30,000+ baht for it. Far too expensive and, in my opinion, a complete rip-off (perhaps because I'm a foreigner?).

Can anyone recommend a good garage in or around Hua Hin? I would be very grateful for any suggestions. I'm a car mechanic myself, so please, no endless discussions about the pros and cons of authorized dealerships versus independent garages; I'm very familiar with that. I've lived here for over 20 years. Thank you for any recommendations!

Edited June 3Jun 3 by 241195_1469957797

What engine, and how old?

Are you sure it has a belt and not a chain?

Is it an interference engine?

What all is included for the B30?

Timing Belt, Engine No 4D56 (B20 diesel capable), says it all.

So it has two timing belts and it's an interference engine, yes?

30,000 baht = $1,000 which to my mind is cheap for a main dealer, does that include parts?

2 belts, tensioners and water pump, needed.

Edited June 3Jun 3 by Jeff the Chef

39 minutes ago, Jeff the Chef said:

OK. That's absolutely doable if you have the infrastructure for it... which I unfortunately don't. Thanks.

1 hour ago, Jeff the Chef said:

30,000 baht = $1,000 which to my mind is cheap for a main dealer, does that include parts?

2 belts, tensioners and water pump, needed.

In Europe, I can get the same service for 40,000 Baht, with labor costs starting at €100 per hour. In Thailand, the hourly rate is 200-250 Baht! I received a detailed quote, and when I look at the individual items, I have to say: absolutely not. They're offering timing belts and accessories, all brand-name products, at double the market price. The water pump kit is at three times the price. The total price includes an oil change, but that's it. I've been in Thailand too long to know what reasonable prices are. At an independent specialist garage, I can get the whole package for 10,000-15,000 Baht.

Edited June 3Jun 3 by 241195_1469957797

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

So it has two timing belts and it's an interference engine, yes?

Of course, as you can see from the engine number 4D56!

2 hours ago, 241195_1469957797 said:

In Europe, I can get the same service for 40,000 Baht, with labor costs starting at €100 per hour. In Thailand, the hourly rate is 200-250 Baht! I received a detailed quote, and when I look at the individual items, I have to say: absolutely not. They're offering timing belts and accessories, all brand-name products, at double the market price. The water pump kit is at three times the price. The total price includes an oil change, but that's it. I've been in Thailand too long to know what reasonable prices are. At an independent specialist garage, I can get the whole package for 10,000-15,000 Baht.

I know what you mean, did my Focus timing belt and water pump at main dealer for under 7k baht, which would have cost over 20k baht in UK.

Another Brit up here did his Honda belt and pump at a specialist Honda place for about 1k baht cheaper, 25000kms later he had a bag of spanners and needed a new engine, so you pay the money and take a chance, sometimes its good sometimes it isn't.

18 hours ago, Jeff the Chef said:

I know what you mean, did my Focus timing belt and water pump at main dealer for under 7k baht, which would have cost over 20k baht in UK.

Another Brit up here did his Honda belt and pump at a specialist Honda place for about 1k baht cheaper, 25000kms later he had a bag of spanners and needed a new engine, so you pay the money and take a chance, sometimes its good sometimes it isn't.

Changing a timing belt is an everyday job for a professional. It's not rocket science, especially for everyday cars like the Pajero. I have no concerns about it. Automotive mechatronics technician is a standard apprenticeship even in Thailand, and I think success depends not on the price, but on the reliability of the business! As a car mechanic myself, I have a good sense for this when I look at a garage and its staff!

7 minutes ago, 241195_1469957797 said:

Changing a timing belt is an everyday job for a professional. It's not rocket science, especially for everyday cars like the Pajero. I have no concerns about it. Automotive mechatronics technician is a standard apprenticeship even in Thailand, and I think success depends not on the price, but on the reliability of the business! As a car mechanic myself, I have a good sense for this when I look at a garage and its staff!

Why not just do it yourself? I think the belt & tensioner kit is less than B2K for the Gates kit, which includes both belts and both tensioners.

The last car I owned that needed the belt changed took less than an hour, and I did not even have to get under the car.

This place correctly diagnosed a blocked particulate filter on a Pajero some years ago when the main dealer could not. Name is Chang Na Garage.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xmtHnfL84tvBcT4K6

11 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Why not just do it yourself? I think the belt & tensioner kit is less than B2K for the Gates kit, which includes both belts and both tensioners.

The last car I owned that needed the belt changed took less than an hour, and I did not even have to get under the car.

I've considered doing it myself, but the problem is that it's practically impossible with the Pajero's engine installed, even with the radiator removed. The crankshaft bolt is extremely tight. You usually need a powerful impact wrench or a suitable holding tool to loosen it, which brings us back to the space issue. I can't remove an engine without the proper equipment... I'd rather not risk it!

10 hours ago, bigupandchill said:

This place correctly diagnosed a blocked particulate filter on a Pajero some years ago when the main dealer could not. Name is Chang Na Garage.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xmtHnfL84tvBcT4K6

Thanks for the Tipp!

On 6/3/2026 at 12:39 PM, 241195_1469957797 said:

In Europe, I can get the same service for 40,000 Baht, with labor costs starting at €100 per hour. In Thailand, the hourly rate is 200-250 Baht! I received a detailed quote, and when I look at the individual items, I have to say: absolutely not. They're offering timing belts and accessories, all brand-name products, at double the market price. The water pump kit is at three times the price. The total price includes an oil change, but that's it. I've been in Thailand too long to know what reasonable prices are. At an independent specialist garage, I can get the whole package for 10,000-15,000 Baht.

Fof you Pajero at brand garage good luck to get the price under 20k

500-800 baht is hour prices at brand garages, not 2-300

In Europe you have chain non brand garages who do it for half price,

2 minutes ago, 241195_1469957797 said:

The crankshaft bolt is extremely tight.

I changed the timing belt on a Honda V6 after watching a YouTube video and saved $1,500. It’s not a difficult process, but it can be time-consuming. To get the main balancer bolt off, you will need a breaker bar and a long pipe for added leverage, as well as a way to prevent the engine from spinning. Additionally, you’ll need a heavy-duty torque wrench to tighten the main balancer bolt; mine required 230 ft-lbs of torque.

8 hours ago, Effective altruism said:

I changed the timing belt on a Honda V6 after watching a YouTube video and saved $1,500. It’s not a difficult process, but it can be time-consuming. To get the main balancer bolt off, you will need a breaker bar and a long pipe for added leverage, as well as a way to prevent the engine from spinning. Additionally, you’ll need a heavy-duty torque wrench to tighten the main balancer bolt; mine required 230 ft-lbs of torque.

If you have a decent breaker bar, you can use a pipe and a spring-scale for a torque-wrench.

Why the hell don`t folk give an answer to his initial query instead of banging on about DIY as the OP has clearly stated he does not want to do.

Good luck OP with your query and hopefully someone will come along with the info you need 👍

7 minutes ago, petermik said:

Why the hell don`t folk give an answer to his initial query instead of banging on about DIY as the OP has clearly stated he does not want to do.

Good luck OP with your query and hopefully someone will come along with the info you need 👍

Why the hell don't you answer his question rather than banging on everyone else?

Maybe no one knows a great mechanic in Hua Hin that works really cheap.

Because the OP has the knowledge, I suggest he order the parts and tools from Lazada, and then just grab a few guys from the closest motorcycle taxi stand and supervise them. When he's done, he can return the tools for a refund.

On 6/3/2026 at 9:37 AM, 241195_1469957797 said:

Far too expensive and, in my opinion, a complete rip-off (perhaps because I'm a foreigner?).

Perhaps some perspective.

6 years ago I had the belt on my Triton (same year as yours and engine 4D56) changed and a 100k service. Initial quote was a bit more but bill ended up at at 16k and a bit. This was a main dealer and labour charge then was 540 baht plus Vat per hour. There was a 10% discount on that and many parts.

13 hours ago, Hummin said:

500-800 baht is hour prices at brand garages, not 2-300

Agreed. My last service was 590 baht per hour plus Vat but again with 10% discount.

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

Because the OP has the knowledge, I suggest he order the parts and tools from Lazada, and then just grab a few guys from the closest motorcycle taxi stand and supervise them. When he's done, he can return the tools for a refund.

What an excellent suggestion....I,m sure the OP will consider it....well done ☹️

On 6/3/2026 at 9:37 AM, 241195_1469957797 said:

My 2011 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GT 2,5l Diesel has almost 200,000 km on the odometer, and the timing belt needs to be replaced. My authorized Mitsubishi garage is asking 30,000+ baht for it. Far too expensive and, in my opinion, a complete rip-off (perhaps because I'm a foreigner?).

Can anyone recommend a good garage in or around Hua Hin? I would be very grateful for any suggestions. I'm a car mechanic myself, so please, no endless discussions about the pros and cons of authorized dealerships versus independent garages; I'm very familiar with that. I've lived here for over 20 years. Thank you for any recommendations!

I have a 4D56 in my Triton. It's a good strong engine.

I asked AI about this. It recommended doing the balance shaft belt and the water pump at the same time as it's easy to do when the belts are off which I am sure, as a mechanic, you'd agree with:



It would appear that 30,000 baht isn't too wide of the mark. I'd check by getting another quote from a second Mitsubishi dealer.

6 minutes ago, IsaanT said:

and the water pump

yes mine included the water pump.

Garage locations - Pattaya.

On 6/3/2026 at 12:39 PM, 241195_1469957797 said:

In Thailand, the hourly rate is 200-250 Baht!

Jeez thats cheap at a main garage, little wonder Mitsubishi are basically dead in Thailand.

Ford Pattaya charge Bt.750.00/hr.

On 6/2/2026 at 8:44 PM, 241195_1469957797 said:

Timing Belt, Engine No 4D56 (B20 diesel capable), says it all.

If they warranty the work it might be worth the extra cost. does seem a bit steep to me considering the cost of labor in Thailand…..good luck and kudos for getting it done before blowing up the engine!!

We have started to use Tyre plus now after our warranty ended for all services and repairs.

Try them

https://www.tyreplus.co.th/en

Edited June 6Jun 6 by Hummin

When I queried, got mixed pricing, <20k, to as shown above, 30k not to far off the mark.

Aside from that, if you plan on keeping long term, I'd get these recommended items done also ....

You may try Sawan Prani Kanyang (it’s on Google map).

220 Moo 15, Hin Lek Fai.

Tel: 092 545 3928.

It’s on the road #3218 before the Wat Nong Khon which is at the intersection of #3218 and the road going to the Hua Hin Immigration office (the old road to Pranburi.

It’s on the south side of the road almost opposite the Prachiya pharmacy.

Very knowledgeable and honest garagist.

Worth the 10 minute drive from the Big C supermarket.

Cheers