college student has heart attack - valve cover gasket price
So my local mechanic in town (small shop) told me about this earlier that my engine was leaking oil, but that it wasn't an immediate repair since it wasn't too bad. I just took it now, like 5 months later to check for a power steering leak and they did an oil change today, as well as a curtesy check and told me the engine was "gushing" oil. I trust this guy, I've had him do a good amount of work before, but the price they quoted me for the valve cover replacements today was like....$600 something. Is this too much? I've been googling around, and it appears to cost around (400-500) that much for most other cars, but it just seems like a lot. Crap.
Any opinions?
Any opinions?
Actually they can. One of my friends that is the lead A/V installer at best buy had to sign an agreement that he would not do any side work. Same goes for a buddy that works at Ford.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 254
From: ne philly
local shops are around the same price lol ..your gonna find all around shops are expensive yeah i know dealerships are a different story but i talked to a service writer yesterday and he that it would be under 500 so i guess its not that different
wish you were local could help ya out for pretty cheap
wish you were local could help ya out for pretty cheap
Last edited by fignewtin88; Sep 16, 2011 at 06:49 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
for his expertise, yes, i do think he is sellin himself short, but why the hell wd i argue with low pricing lol.
IIRC he did my boy exhaust and struts for 600. All my boy bought was the struts.
he replaced my tranny on my previous 4th gen for 300. Did all four struts for 200.
He did the engine swap for my boy and it was 300-400, i dont really know. I do know for everything my boy didnt pay over 1000 bucks. That was last yr and my boy still driving the car no issue.
My mech hella cool man
. Im well aware this isnt the norm and a shop can charge whatever they want for labor rates.
But 100/hr is dealer rates. If the OP gonna pay 500 for a 4 hr job, he might as well go to the dealer. At least then he get dealer warranty.
Last edited by cashoit; Sep 16, 2011 at 08:20 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
I always tip him man. Since day one.
Short story...
I remember the first time i went to him. I had jus moved to the city and had a 3rd gen max. Freaking brake lines were leaking and something else had broken, I cant remember. All i remember is the price. My mech comes into his office and starts crunching numbers...he's literally sitting there squirming and groaning...then says everthin for 200
!!! In my head, i was like, is this guy for real?? cuz thats wicked cheap. I expected to pay close to 400. Ever since then, I throw him an extra 20 and never saw anyone else again for repairs. That was 3 yrs and 2 maximas ago 
. My bad for being OT.
Honestly man, with parts and labor def 200-300 for VC job. He charges 50/hr and does good work and warranties his work too. I recommend him to everybody i know. never one issue.
for his expertise, yes, i do think he is sellin himself short, but why the hell wd i argue with low pricing lol.
IIRC he did my boy exhaust and struts for 600. All my boy bought was the struts.
he replaced my tranny on my previous 4th gen for 300. Did all four struts for 200.
He did the engine swap for my boy and it was 300-400, i dont really know. I do know for everything my boy didnt pay over 1000 bucks. That was last yr and my boy still driving the car no issue.
My mech hella cool man.
Im well aware this isnt the norm and a shop can charge whatever they want for labor rates.
But 100/hr is dealer rates. If the OP gonna pay 500 for a 4 hr job, he might as well go to the dealer. At least then he get dealer warranty.
for his expertise, yes, i do think he is sellin himself short, but why the hell wd i argue with low pricing lol.
IIRC he did my boy exhaust and struts for 600. All my boy bought was the struts.
he replaced my tranny on my previous 4th gen for 300. Did all four struts for 200.
He did the engine swap for my boy and it was 300-400, i dont really know. I do know for everything my boy didnt pay over 1000 bucks. That was last yr and my boy still driving the car no issue.
My mech hella cool man
. Im well aware this isnt the norm and a shop can charge whatever they want for labor rates.
But 100/hr is dealer rates. If the OP gonna pay 500 for a 4 hr job, he might as well go to the dealer. At least then he get dealer warranty.
And thats why I do all my own work now from oil changes all the way too suspension work
And if I get a welder I'll do exhaust work too
Why do you guys seem to think everything is done by some kind of "book" 
Yea some shops you go in and they sit down and do a calculation by hours, etc but some shops the mechanic just gives you a price based on his opinion of how hard the work is, etc, etc
Cmon Ive seen people go to the same shop and get charged different pricing based on a number of reasons (shady mechanic, small/big shop, owner owns or rents, owner does work or pays an employee, etc etc) These mechanics are not "doctors" or "dentists" or whatever, they dont go by some kind of mechanic bible, most of them are business owners so they do as they see fit for their business.
Yea some shops you go in and they sit down and do a calculation by hours, etc but some shops the mechanic just gives you a price based on his opinion of how hard the work is, etc, etc
Cmon Ive seen people go to the same shop and get charged different pricing based on a number of reasons (shady mechanic, small/big shop, owner owns or rents, owner does work or pays an employee, etc etc) These mechanics are not "doctors" or "dentists" or whatever, they dont go by some kind of mechanic bible, most of them are business owners so they do as they see fit for their business.
Last edited by 2000_MAXIMA_KING; Sep 16, 2011 at 09:31 AM.
I got my rear and front valve cover gasket for $22 each at the Nissan Dealership. I suggest you find a local orger. That's what I did and he charged me $60 for the rear and $40 for the front. In total I spent around $150
This also works to.
http://www.amazon.com/Fel-Pro-VS5049...1997&carId=004
This also works to.
http://www.amazon.com/Fel-Pro-VS5049...1997&carId=004
Last edited by Shift_A32B; Sep 16, 2011 at 09:22 AM.
Mechanics charge $70+ per hour, depending on where you are. As Tyutyunnik said, it doesnt all go into their pockets. Shop I just worked at, we charged between $80 and $95/hr, diesel work, and the technicians themselves only made about $20 of that $80.
There is NO markup in parts. You keep the doors open and the lights on with the labor rates.
You guys gotta think about all of the overhead in a shop. Rent, electricity (dont think its much? a/c, lots of compressors, lifts, tons of lights, lots of computers) not to mention scan tools can be several thousand dollars, plus computers, tens of thousands in tools, specialty tools, equipment, shop supplies, whatnot whatnot. Its expensive.
There is NO markup in parts. You keep the doors open and the lights on with the labor rates.
You guys gotta think about all of the overhead in a shop. Rent, electricity (dont think its much? a/c, lots of compressors, lifts, tons of lights, lots of computers) not to mention scan tools can be several thousand dollars, plus computers, tens of thousands in tools, specialty tools, equipment, shop supplies, whatnot whatnot. Its expensive.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
I feel u man.
If i got the tools then im doin it myself. I paid my mech to do my brakes and my rad.
Then one day i decided to try myself. I really cannot believe i paid someone to do those jobs for me. WICKED EASY
just to illustrate, a LIM gaskets on our cars takes about 1.5 hours. the same job on a 2004 Grand Prix books at 6 and actually takes that long.
What Im trying to say is that the "same" job isn't always the same job.
I feel like I need to write a novel here. Everyone is comparing apples to oranges to bananas and rotten freaking fruit.
There are several different types of "mechanics". There are Dealers, Privately owned shops, Franchised shops, shade tree shops, and side work guys.
Here is a breakdown of these types of mechanics.
Dealers- We all know about these. They charge really high labor rates, always go by the book (yes, there IS a book) and usually do good work. I say usually, because everyone is not perfect, and more importantly there are not always absolutes when it comes to diagnosing and repairing automobiles. If you can afford it, and dont mind some of the hassle, go to the dealer. They usually have the most experience, offer the greatest warranties and are always willing to try and fix a mistake for the sake of their reputation.
Franchised shops- These are your places like Tire Kingdom, Midas, Firestone etc. They go by the book 99% of the time. They're usually reliable and do decent work. The mechanics have experience, but can sometimes be hacks. They're cheaper than the dealer, but usually have all of the resources (Shopkey, Alldata, Identifix, all subscription based software used for auto repair) and equipment for any car, because they work on any car. They almost always have good warranties and will try to fix mistakes, again, they have a reputation as well.
Privately Owned shops- These shops are your locally owned businesses, and sometimes specialize in a specific area, such as European imports, Fords, etc. (I worked at a Ford/Diesel shop). They go by the book most of the time, but sometimes will work with the customer. Customer base and word of mouth is key. Its what keeps the lights on. Labor rates are less than the dealers, and they should offer a warranty (12 month, 12,000 miles is an example, and what we offered). Often they dont have all of the capabilities of the dealers, but will subscribe to some of the online resources, and usually have a variety of vehicle specific equipment. They will almost always work with customers on price/warranties, to keep that customer base strong.
Shade tree shops - are just that... they are people that work on cars. They usually are very cheap because they can do it that way. They rarely have the resources and supplies of the actual "auto repair" places. Some are great at what they do, some are not. Buyer beware, I would equate this to the "craigslist" of auto repair, they're cheap but there are inherent risks. Usually no warranty is offered, if something goes wrong, you pay up again.
Side work mechanics- Usually these are guys in franchised or privately owned shops that will take on work on the weekends or at night for a bit of extra money. They're usually good at what they do, because they have the experience and understand what it means to take care of a customers car and diagnose and fix it properly. They wont have all of the tools their shop does, like the scanners and computers, but you're also not paying the shop rates. You're usually paying whatever they get paid $15-30/hr. Oh yeah, and no warrranty with them either.
I will add this... If you are not capable or do not have the tools to tackle a repair, there is nothing more important than finding a reliable, well-backed mechanic. Someone who is professional, presentable, takes care of you car from start to finish. They need to have resources, like scanners, computers and online subscriptions. Get to know them, see how they treat you. You want someone that can give you an estimate upfront. Sometimes these will be free, but dont be surprised if they charge you, its part of the profession. Shops have a huge overhead, our Verus scanner alone cost $10K, let alone the bosses toolbox which was valued at over $50K. Tools, equipment and software are all very expensive, they have to keep the lights on and charging customers is how they do that. Understand, however, that when working on something, the price may change. It may go up, or down, depending on what happens during the repair, or if something else needs replacing. Keep an eye on the warranty(time and miles) and ask them what kind of parts they use. You want someone you can trust.
Jeebus.
There are several different types of "mechanics". There are Dealers, Privately owned shops, Franchised shops, shade tree shops, and side work guys.
Here is a breakdown of these types of mechanics.
Dealers- We all know about these. They charge really high labor rates, always go by the book (yes, there IS a book) and usually do good work. I say usually, because everyone is not perfect, and more importantly there are not always absolutes when it comes to diagnosing and repairing automobiles. If you can afford it, and dont mind some of the hassle, go to the dealer. They usually have the most experience, offer the greatest warranties and are always willing to try and fix a mistake for the sake of their reputation.
Franchised shops- These are your places like Tire Kingdom, Midas, Firestone etc. They go by the book 99% of the time. They're usually reliable and do decent work. The mechanics have experience, but can sometimes be hacks. They're cheaper than the dealer, but usually have all of the resources (Shopkey, Alldata, Identifix, all subscription based software used for auto repair) and equipment for any car, because they work on any car. They almost always have good warranties and will try to fix mistakes, again, they have a reputation as well.
Privately Owned shops- These shops are your locally owned businesses, and sometimes specialize in a specific area, such as European imports, Fords, etc. (I worked at a Ford/Diesel shop). They go by the book most of the time, but sometimes will work with the customer. Customer base and word of mouth is key. Its what keeps the lights on. Labor rates are less than the dealers, and they should offer a warranty (12 month, 12,000 miles is an example, and what we offered). Often they dont have all of the capabilities of the dealers, but will subscribe to some of the online resources, and usually have a variety of vehicle specific equipment. They will almost always work with customers on price/warranties, to keep that customer base strong.
Shade tree shops - are just that... they are people that work on cars. They usually are very cheap because they can do it that way. They rarely have the resources and supplies of the actual "auto repair" places. Some are great at what they do, some are not. Buyer beware, I would equate this to the "craigslist" of auto repair, they're cheap but there are inherent risks. Usually no warranty is offered, if something goes wrong, you pay up again.
Side work mechanics- Usually these are guys in franchised or privately owned shops that will take on work on the weekends or at night for a bit of extra money. They're usually good at what they do, because they have the experience and understand what it means to take care of a customers car and diagnose and fix it properly. They wont have all of the tools their shop does, like the scanners and computers, but you're also not paying the shop rates. You're usually paying whatever they get paid $15-30/hr. Oh yeah, and no warrranty with them either.
I will add this... If you are not capable or do not have the tools to tackle a repair, there is nothing more important than finding a reliable, well-backed mechanic. Someone who is professional, presentable, takes care of you car from start to finish. They need to have resources, like scanners, computers and online subscriptions. Get to know them, see how they treat you. You want someone that can give you an estimate upfront. Sometimes these will be free, but dont be surprised if they charge you, its part of the profession. Shops have a huge overhead, our Verus scanner alone cost $10K, let alone the bosses toolbox which was valued at over $50K. Tools, equipment and software are all very expensive, they have to keep the lights on and charging customers is how they do that. Understand, however, that when working on something, the price may change. It may go up, or down, depending on what happens during the repair, or if something else needs replacing. Keep an eye on the warranty(time and miles) and ask them what kind of parts they use. You want someone you can trust.
Jeebus.
Last edited by MOHFpro90; Sep 16, 2011 at 01:07 PM.
Very well put MOHF0 (May I call you that?). I have worked in all five of your scenarios and can attest to every aspect of your novel. I am currently out of the profession, however I do the occasional weekend side job.
That's exactly what they do. The times are determined by the National institute for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), and a number of companies publish it in either book, or electronic form. Mitchell and Aldata are just two of those publishers. The purpose of this is to level the playing field and treat every customer equally. You must go to some shady shops to be throwing out different prices for the same job, unless they were on other cars.
just to illustrate, a LIM gaskets on our cars takes about 1.5 hours. the same job on a 2004 Grand Prix books at 6 and actually takes that long.
What Im trying to say is that the "same" job isn't always the same job.
just to illustrate, a LIM gaskets on our cars takes about 1.5 hours. the same job on a 2004 Grand Prix books at 6 and actually takes that long.
What Im trying to say is that the "same" job isn't always the same job.
SO how are you going to tell me that they all go by some book
maybe some big franchise shops do but not all other type of shops do. Think about it your theory of the "mechanic bible" isn't even valid when it comes to an oil change 
I feel like I need to write a novel here. Everyone is comparing apples to oranges to bananas and rotten freaking fruit.
There are several different types of "mechanics". There are Dealers, Privately owned shops, Franchised shops, shade tree shops, and side work guys.
Here is a breakdown of these types of mechanics.
Dealers- We all know about these. They charge really high labor rates, always go by the book (yes, there IS a book) and usually do good work. I say usually, because everyone is not perfect, and more importantly there are not always absolutes when it comes to diagnosing and repairing automobiles. If you can afford it, and dont mind some of the hassle, go to the dealer. They usually have the most experience, offer the greatest warranties and are always willing to try and fix a mistake for the sake of their reputation.
Franchised shops- These are your places like Tire Kingdom, Midas, Firestone etc. They go by the book 99% of the time. They're usually reliable and do decent work. The mechanics have experience, but can sometimes be hacks. They're cheaper than the dealer, but usually have all of the resources (Shopkey, Alldata, Identifix, all subscription based software used for auto repair) and equipment for any car, because they work on any car. They almost always have good warranties and will try to fix mistakes, again, they have a reputation as well.
Privately Owned shops- These shops are your locally owned businesses, and sometimes specialize in a specific area, such as European imports, Fords, etc. (I worked at a Ford/Diesel shop). They go by the book most of the time, but sometimes will work with the customer. Customer base and word of mouth is key. Its what keeps the lights on. Labor rates are less than the dealers, and they should offer a warranty (12 month, 12,000 miles is an example, and what we offered). Often they dont have all of the capabilities of the dealers, but will subscribe to some of the online resources, and usually have a variety of vehicle specific equipment. They will almost always work with customers on price/warranties, to keep that customer base strong.
Shade tree shops - are just that... they are people that work on cars. They usually are very cheap because they can do it that way. They rarely have the resources and supplies of the actual "auto repair" places. Some are great at what they do, some are not. Buyer beware, I would equate this to the "craigslist" of auto repair, they're cheap but there are inherent risks. Usually no warranty is offered, if something goes wrong, you pay up again.
Side work mechanics- Usually these are guys in franchised or privately owned shops that will take on work on the weekends or at night for a bit of extra money. They're usually good at what they do, because they have the experience and understand what it means to take care of a customers car and diagnose and fix it properly. They wont have all of the tools their shop does, like the scanners and computers, but you're also not paying the shop rates. You're usually paying whatever they get paid $15-30/hr. Oh yeah, and no warrranty with them either.
I will add this... If you are not capable or do not have the tools to tackle a repair, there is nothing more important than finding a reliable, well-backed mechanic. Someone who is professional, presentable, takes care of you car from start to finish. They need to have resources, like scanners, computers and online subscriptions. Get to know them, see how they treat you. You want someone that can give you an estimate upfront. Sometimes these will be free, but dont be surprised if they charge you, its part of the profession. Shops have a huge overhead, our Verus scanner alone cost $10K, let alone the bosses toolbox which was valued at over $50K. Tools, equipment and software are all very expensive, they have to keep the lights on and charging customers is how they do that. Understand, however, that when working on something, the price may change. It may go up, or down, depending on what happens during the repair, or if something else needs replacing. Keep an eye on the warranty(time and miles) and ask them what kind of parts they use. You want someone you can trust.
Jeebus.
There are several different types of "mechanics". There are Dealers, Privately owned shops, Franchised shops, shade tree shops, and side work guys.
Here is a breakdown of these types of mechanics.
Dealers- We all know about these. They charge really high labor rates, always go by the book (yes, there IS a book) and usually do good work. I say usually, because everyone is not perfect, and more importantly there are not always absolutes when it comes to diagnosing and repairing automobiles. If you can afford it, and dont mind some of the hassle, go to the dealer. They usually have the most experience, offer the greatest warranties and are always willing to try and fix a mistake for the sake of their reputation.
Franchised shops- These are your places like Tire Kingdom, Midas, Firestone etc. They go by the book 99% of the time. They're usually reliable and do decent work. The mechanics have experience, but can sometimes be hacks. They're cheaper than the dealer, but usually have all of the resources (Shopkey, Alldata, Identifix, all subscription based software used for auto repair) and equipment for any car, because they work on any car. They almost always have good warranties and will try to fix mistakes, again, they have a reputation as well.
Privately Owned shops- These shops are your locally owned businesses, and sometimes specialize in a specific area, such as European imports, Fords, etc. (I worked at a Ford/Diesel shop). They go by the book most of the time, but sometimes will work with the customer. Customer base and word of mouth is key. Its what keeps the lights on. Labor rates are less than the dealers, and they should offer a warranty (12 month, 12,000 miles is an example, and what we offered). Often they dont have all of the capabilities of the dealers, but will subscribe to some of the online resources, and usually have a variety of vehicle specific equipment. They will almost always work with customers on price/warranties, to keep that customer base strong.
Shade tree shops - are just that... they are people that work on cars. They usually are very cheap because they can do it that way. They rarely have the resources and supplies of the actual "auto repair" places. Some are great at what they do, some are not. Buyer beware, I would equate this to the "craigslist" of auto repair, they're cheap but there are inherent risks. Usually no warranty is offered, if something goes wrong, you pay up again.
Side work mechanics- Usually these are guys in franchised or privately owned shops that will take on work on the weekends or at night for a bit of extra money. They're usually good at what they do, because they have the experience and understand what it means to take care of a customers car and diagnose and fix it properly. They wont have all of the tools their shop does, like the scanners and computers, but you're also not paying the shop rates. You're usually paying whatever they get paid $15-30/hr. Oh yeah, and no warrranty with them either.
I will add this... If you are not capable or do not have the tools to tackle a repair, there is nothing more important than finding a reliable, well-backed mechanic. Someone who is professional, presentable, takes care of you car from start to finish. They need to have resources, like scanners, computers and online subscriptions. Get to know them, see how they treat you. You want someone that can give you an estimate upfront. Sometimes these will be free, but dont be surprised if they charge you, its part of the profession. Shops have a huge overhead, our Verus scanner alone cost $10K, let alone the bosses toolbox which was valued at over $50K. Tools, equipment and software are all very expensive, they have to keep the lights on and charging customers is how they do that. Understand, however, that when working on something, the price may change. It may go up, or down, depending on what happens during the repair, or if something else needs replacing. Keep an eye on the warranty(time and miles) and ask them what kind of parts they use. You want someone you can trust.
Jeebus.
My point, just conveyed in a better well thought out response instead of my jibberish of a response
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 26
Read this just a minute ago on a blog: http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2011/09...-fix-your-car/
Read this just a minute ago on a blog: http://www.inflexwetrust.com/2011/09...-fix-your-car/
I feel like I need to write a novel here. Everyone is comparing apples to oranges to bananas and rotten freaking fruit.
There are several different types of "mechanics". There are Dealers, Privately owned shops, Franchised shops, shade tree shops, and side work guys.
Here is a breakdown of these types of mechanics.
Dealers- We all know about these. They charge really high labor rates, always go by the book (yes, there IS a book) and usually do good work. I say usually, because everyone is not perfect, and more importantly there are not always absolutes when it comes to diagnosing and repairing automobiles. If you can afford it, and dont mind some of the hassle, go to the dealer. They usually have the most experience, offer the greatest warranties and are always willing to try and fix a mistake for the sake of their reputation.
Franchised shops- These are your places like Tire Kingdom, Midas, Firestone etc. They go by the book 99% of the time. They're usually reliable and do decent work. The mechanics have experience, but can sometimes be hacks. They're cheaper than the dealer, but usually have all of the resources (Shopkey, Alldata, Identifix, all subscription based software used for auto repair) and equipment for any car, because they work on any car. They almost always have good warranties and will try to fix mistakes, again, they have a reputation as well.
Privately Owned shops- These shops are your locally owned businesses, and sometimes specialize in a specific area, such as European imports, Fords, etc. (I worked at a Ford/Diesel shop). They go by the book most of the time, but sometimes will work with the customer. Customer base and word of mouth is key. Its what keeps the lights on. Labor rates are less than the dealers, and they should offer a warranty (12 month, 12,000 miles is an example, and what we offered). Often they dont have all of the capabilities of the dealers, but will subscribe to some of the online resources, and usually have a variety of vehicle specific equipment. They will almost always work with customers on price/warranties, to keep that customer base strong.
Shade tree shops - are just that... they are people that work on cars. They usually are very cheap because they can do it that way. They rarely have the resources and supplies of the actual "auto repair" places. Some are great at what they do, some are not. Buyer beware, I would equate this to the "craigslist" of auto repair, they're cheap but there are inherent risks. Usually no warranty is offered, if something goes wrong, you pay up again.
Side work mechanics- Usually these are guys in franchised or privately owned shops that will take on work on the weekends or at night for a bit of extra money. They're usually good at what they do, because they have the experience and understand what it means to take care of a customers car and diagnose and fix it properly. They wont have all of the tools their shop does, like the scanners and computers, but you're also not paying the shop rates. You're usually paying whatever they get paid $15-30/hr. Oh yeah, and no warrranty with them either.
I will add this... If you are not capable or do not have the tools to tackle a repair, there is nothing more important than finding a reliable, well-backed mechanic. Someone who is professional, presentable, takes care of you car from start to finish. They need to have resources, like scanners, computers and online subscriptions. Get to know them, see how they treat you. You want someone that can give you an estimate upfront. Sometimes these will be free, but dont be surprised if they charge you, its part of the profession. Shops have a huge overhead, our Verus scanner alone cost $10K, let alone the bosses toolbox which was valued at over $50K. Tools, equipment and software are all very expensive, they have to keep the lights on and charging customers is how they do that. Understand, however, that when working on something, the price may change. It may go up, or down, depending on what happens during the repair, or if something else needs replacing. Keep an eye on the warranty(time and miles) and ask them what kind of parts they use. You want someone you can trust.
Jeebus.
There are several different types of "mechanics". There are Dealers, Privately owned shops, Franchised shops, shade tree shops, and side work guys.
Here is a breakdown of these types of mechanics.
Dealers- We all know about these. They charge really high labor rates, always go by the book (yes, there IS a book) and usually do good work. I say usually, because everyone is not perfect, and more importantly there are not always absolutes when it comes to diagnosing and repairing automobiles. If you can afford it, and dont mind some of the hassle, go to the dealer. They usually have the most experience, offer the greatest warranties and are always willing to try and fix a mistake for the sake of their reputation.
Franchised shops- These are your places like Tire Kingdom, Midas, Firestone etc. They go by the book 99% of the time. They're usually reliable and do decent work. The mechanics have experience, but can sometimes be hacks. They're cheaper than the dealer, but usually have all of the resources (Shopkey, Alldata, Identifix, all subscription based software used for auto repair) and equipment for any car, because they work on any car. They almost always have good warranties and will try to fix mistakes, again, they have a reputation as well.
Privately Owned shops- These shops are your locally owned businesses, and sometimes specialize in a specific area, such as European imports, Fords, etc. (I worked at a Ford/Diesel shop). They go by the book most of the time, but sometimes will work with the customer. Customer base and word of mouth is key. Its what keeps the lights on. Labor rates are less than the dealers, and they should offer a warranty (12 month, 12,000 miles is an example, and what we offered). Often they dont have all of the capabilities of the dealers, but will subscribe to some of the online resources, and usually have a variety of vehicle specific equipment. They will almost always work with customers on price/warranties, to keep that customer base strong.
Shade tree shops - are just that... they are people that work on cars. They usually are very cheap because they can do it that way. They rarely have the resources and supplies of the actual "auto repair" places. Some are great at what they do, some are not. Buyer beware, I would equate this to the "craigslist" of auto repair, they're cheap but there are inherent risks. Usually no warranty is offered, if something goes wrong, you pay up again.
Side work mechanics- Usually these are guys in franchised or privately owned shops that will take on work on the weekends or at night for a bit of extra money. They're usually good at what they do, because they have the experience and understand what it means to take care of a customers car and diagnose and fix it properly. They wont have all of the tools their shop does, like the scanners and computers, but you're also not paying the shop rates. You're usually paying whatever they get paid $15-30/hr. Oh yeah, and no warrranty with them either.
I will add this... If you are not capable or do not have the tools to tackle a repair, there is nothing more important than finding a reliable, well-backed mechanic. Someone who is professional, presentable, takes care of you car from start to finish. They need to have resources, like scanners, computers and online subscriptions. Get to know them, see how they treat you. You want someone that can give you an estimate upfront. Sometimes these will be free, but dont be surprised if they charge you, its part of the profession. Shops have a huge overhead, our Verus scanner alone cost $10K, let alone the bosses toolbox which was valued at over $50K. Tools, equipment and software are all very expensive, they have to keep the lights on and charging customers is how they do that. Understand, however, that when working on something, the price may change. It may go up, or down, depending on what happens during the repair, or if something else needs replacing. Keep an eye on the warranty(time and miles) and ask them what kind of parts they use. You want someone you can trust.
Jeebus.
Thank you.
Ok for instance when I got my radiator support replaced, I went to one shop and they sat down with there "bible" and in electronic form and drew out a nice estimate and it was around $1k. I drove down the street and this shop looked at the problem and quoted me $500 and did the job and I paid the 500 or around that since prices change sometimes for various reasons.
SO how are you going to tell me that they all go by some book
SO how are you going to tell me that they all go by some book
Obviously if shop A charges a higher rate, multiplied by flat rate, they will be more expensive than shop B, who charges a lower rate multiplied by the actual time spent. Now if the SAME shop had two prices according to who you are, that would be BS.
You are comparing apple to oranges and your point is moot. Now, if your point is the same as MOHF0, you conveyed your message poorly, and noone here is arguing against you.
FYI; flat rate= hours spent, rate= Dollars per hour
Last edited by asand1; Sep 16, 2011 at 09:54 PM.
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Wow, when I started this thread, I had NO idea it would get this popular haha. I ended up having a shop do it on Friday. Got a discount for being a university student. They did it for $378. Much better than the $600+ my "trusted" shop charged me.
Sounds reasonable, glad you were able to get it done without breaking the bank man lol.
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Now, to figure out why my power steering pump is always wining.....lol
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