My 'just out of warranty' Volvo S60 had the alternator poop the bed a month or so back. I dropped it off at my local Firestone shop and left on a business trip. I had a $700.00 invoice for replacing a battery that was fried, a serpentine belt (my request), and an alternator (no remanufactured units available). The car is paid for and is my daily driver, so I figure these things will happen from time to time.
I ask for remanufactured parts if available whenever parts like an alternator need to be replaced. When they are available - usually from NAPA - it's about half the cost of new. NAPA also offers a 15% discount to service members, so I'm not above whipping out my military ID card either just to save some extra.
