1. Is this a good deal. It's a really low end shop that only takes cash.
This is an 89 SE, about 170k.

$270 for:
6 spark plugs
wire set
cap and rotor
oil filter
fule filter
motor oil
bypass hose
antifreeze
heater hose
labor



2. I'd like to fix the back left power window. From the posts here it appears that I could buy the regulator for about 50-60 mail order. What should the typical labor charge be for this.

3. What should be the cost of timing belt replacement; how often should it really be done. Any difference if the car is not driven much.

 

yeah the top seems about right, gotta learn to do it yourself, couldve saved acoupel bucs

 

I am fairly hopeless but I guess I could start learning.

He did not separate labor. What would I have saved if I did it myself.

Also since this is a crummy shop that only takes cash; mechanics don't speak english too well, etc., this should be a better deal than if I took it to the dealer or a high quality good service shop. Is that the case?
Is there a faq or a good resource for finding out typical labor/parts costs.

 

Low end shops generally do low end labor. They only take cash because anything else would be traceable.
The whole tune up deal is easy enough to be a beginner project.
Check the stickies. there are on-line parts catalogs, chilton manuals, and all sorts of other useful info.

There is a step by step direction for replacing the window regs. in the stickies actually a link.

The question also is what type of cheap parts did they use?

Timing belt every 60k like clock work or risk major valve damage.

 

yeah spark plugs, wires and fuel filter is common sense and fairly easy

 

ok, got it.

I still need to know approximate costs (esp. labor) if I have someone else do it.
I am in Los Angeles and have access to a variety of dealers, independents, and very low end shops but don't know which ones are good.

I was also in an accident recently (not my fault) and need a good body shop. 21st century will be paying for it hopefully. It'll be the trunklid and headlight.