had my 2006 elantra done this year for about the same - $250 or so. It was bundled with some other work so I don't have the breakdown handy.
I will also go back the the point that he needs to check his warranty and get a better explanation. It may well be time. If he only has
14000 on in in 4 years driven every day he is beating the car to a slow death. It's either heavy traffic or he is not staying on long enough to burn out the water and other assorted nastiness. Either way is hard on the engine.