What year and engine is it?

How can someone quote a fix when they don't know what the problem is!
It's no good putting money into peoples guesses, you need to know exactly what the problem is and any damage before deciding your next step.
I'd check the chain/timing and go from there.

 

What year and engine is it?

How can someone quote a fix when they don't know what the problem is!
It's no good putting money into peoples guesses, you need to know exactly what the problem is and any damage before deciding your next step.
I'd check the chain/timing and go from there.

It's a 14 plate 1.3 diesel. Garage tell me they've inspected it and are sure as they can be without extensive work it's the timing chain and associated problems. I did ask are they 100% that is the problem and they said yes. So they quoted me the above price to put the car right. I do feel he's being a bit disingenuous, he even offered to buy it off me for £200. As I said they want £1600+ to do the timing chain.

 

Take it to another garage for second opinion don't tell them what the other garage said.

 

If the chain has broken, there is a good chance that the pistons have survived, due to the engine being at idle speed when it happened.
If you are able, suggest you take off the top cover and check if the chain has broken, but even if it has 'only' jumped teeth, it will still have caused damage.
Do have someone else quote for the work - There is only one thine worse than an estimate, and that's a guesstimate.
Regular oil and filter changes are always good insurance - use the correct oil though.