Volkswagen Repair: VW beetle ac compressor issue, ac compressor, heater core

Question
Hello,

I had questions about what might have caused my AC compressor to go bad. I have a 1999 VW beetle. Love it, but its buggy just like its name..

I had a problem with the heater core and the timing belt and got them both replaced, following which I had been hearing some noise, which got worse recently. I was thinking it is the new timing belt, but turns out it is the ac compressor.

I have 2 questions=>

1. Is 1100$ a reasonable amount for this kind of work?
2. Could it be that they did something wrong with the installation of the timing belt/waterpump/heater core/freyon for ac ???

As for the car, I am thinking of getting rid of it. Its just one thing after another with it, and seems like VW didn't train the dealerships to do quality work on them.
Can't think of another car I'd like in exchange, but honda civic might be a good low maintainence car...  

Answer
Hi Deepa;
I don't understand everything you are saying completely but think your question is about $1100.00 for the water pump, and timing belt?  That seems a little high to me, even at a dealer.
I don't if they could have done something wrong or not. I suppose it's possible, but you don't even have to move the A/C compressor out of the way to get to the timing belt, covers, and so forth.  I will add that the Beetle is the most restrictive to work on however, and as I said, anything is possible.
Regarding training...it really is up to the individual manager of the service department to get his/her technicians trained.  If your dealer happens to be far away from a training center, and the costs are high to send them, and the costs of NOT having them in the shop working are high too, then maybe your local dealer doesn't have the trained technicians he/she should.
Regarding another brand of car, or even another car...Beetles appeal to certain people...you obviously are that type of person.  However, if you believe that it is costing more to own it than it should..then test the waters elsewhere...Hondas are very good cars..they also have a service department.
Deepa, these are difficult questions, and decisions.  I wish I had been there to look over the shoulder of the technician that worked on your car, and I might be able to say..."he/she did this wrong, or this was questionable, or any number of things."
I work on lots of brands of cars.  I worked on a Ford today, and I worked on several Volkswagens today, and I worked on a Chevrolet, and a Honda.  They all have their strong points, and their weak points.  I guess it all boils down to preference.  Let me ask you a question, Deepa.  What do you prefer?  Good luck.  I hope, in some small way I have helped you with your question.