Cost to replace serpentine belt? 99 Escort ZX2 Henderson, NV?

I have a 99 Escort ZX2. I took it to Midas to get the an oil change and coolant flush, and they told me it needed a new serpentine belt. They originally quoted me $105, but I didn't have the money at the time so I came back a couple weeks later. Well, the second time I went, they told me I was 'undercharged' for the belt and they tried to charge me $145 (total). The guy was on the phone talking to a guy from Autozone about getting the belt. When I checked the bill, I was being charged $56 for labor, and $70 for the belt. After doing some research, this repair takes 20 minutes max and the price of the belt on autozone.com was $21.99! I understand they upcharged the parts, but $150 an hour labor and tripling the price of parts in ridiculous.



Was I getting the shaft, or is this typical (or is it typical to get the shaft, lol)? Anyone else know a national chain that would give me better pricing, or a local place that won't screw me over in the Henderson, NV area?
Cost to replace serpentine belt? 99 Escort ZX2 Henderson, NV?
Next time, spend 30 bucks on a 1/2%26quot; breaker-bar and $21.99 on the belt and change it on a sunny day. Labor I can see, but the markup on the part seems a little steep. They probably got it at Autozone
Cost to replace serpentine belt? 99 Escort ZX2 Henderson, NV?
It seems every time I take my car in for an oil change or anything else they say that to me. I discovered recently when my son was a lube tech at Honda that a belt or any other work is considered an %26quot;upsell%26quot; and everyone from the lube tech to the mechanic gets a bonus.

Do you really even need it?

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make a complaint to your local states atty general`s office file a fraud complaint. next time buy the belt and do the job your self, it can be done in 10 minutes and the cost including tools, should be under $40.00. they saw you comming, as stuck it to you but good. when you lift the hood, the replacement diagram and procedure is right on the radiator flange. when in doubt, dont be afraid to ask your friends and or relatives in the area, most would be only too glad to help, and a cold case of soda would be a lot cheaper than what you paid