How much would it cost to have a mechanic replace the spark plugs on a 1997 SE? I was quoted $282 this morning by my local mechanic. The quote is for 1 hour labor and $29 per spark plug for factory plugs. I recall seeing NGK Platinum on the work order. Is this the normal price?

I bought NGK Iridium spark plugs for my motorcycle for $10 each 6 months ago so I feel like there's some disconnect between their prices and store prices.

 

Just get NGK V-Power they cost 2 dollars a peice vs 29 dollarsand do just as much.

but 29 dollars for each plug is pretty rediculious. If i were you i would do it yourself. Its not a hard job by anymeans.

one hour of labor is pretty on. Alldata says .8 hours

 

$282 to replace plugs?

Do it yourself, or if you don't feel confident then buy the plugs and bring them to another mechanic. That guy's a rip off.

 

I'll do it for half that....

 

Seems like this thread would be more at home in the 4th gen section, no?

Anyway, if you feel like paying $282 to someone else instead of spending ~$6 and spending 15 minutes throwing in some coppers...sure, it's a great price.

 

Damn that much for a 10 min job? No way plugs are cheap these days, especially the NGK coppers. Buy them seperate and maybe try to DIY. If not then pay someone else thats cheaper.

 

Damn. 300% markup. NGK Platinums (OEM spec) are about $10 each. You can get away with some other cheaper plugs just the same.

And yea, DIY.

 

I did get NGK V-Power copper for about $13 (for all six) and replaced them for 20 min (as cylinder 1 was giving me hard time). replace them yourself. easy job

 

I used the same plugs - not pure platinum, platinum alloy.

 

That's a ridiculous steep price for some spark plugs. Ask a friend or someone you may know. At least you will save over 75% if not more.

 

I picked up iridiums for about 6 bucks each. Great product and more consistent then the platinum. You can DIY in about 20 minuets with simple hand tools.

As far ast the $29 per plug, that is what they used to cost. Once the iridiums came out the price dropped dramatically. Some places, like napa, still sell them for this premium price. Mechanics don't shop around for you and thus the high quote. You have to do the leg work yourself. I've found Double Platinum Laser Imprinted (Stock Plugs) for around the same price as the iridiums. About 6 bucks. Check with autozone, checker, advanced auto parts, etc. and you should find what you need.

Take a look at the iridiums for a better plug. Stay away from anything Bosh! NGK all the way!

 

put a location to where you are. order spark plugs from dave b. I get the $10-12 one (NGK, platinum, dunno what they cost now) bu prob costs around $75-80 shipped. If you're close to me. I'll change out your spark plugs for $25. And then you'll wind up hitting yourself thinking why did i just give this guy $25. -= )

 

I grabbed some NGK-GP-Platinum from Autozone for 2.99 each. (Part # 7090) If you're going to do it yourself make sure you have a socket with rubber rings inside of it or an infinite amount of patience with the magnetic tool grabbers. Don't make the mistake I did and just try to pull the coil pack off of the spark plugs: untie the wiring first if the wiring is still held down via plastic ties. If you don't you may very well end up with a busted coil pack.

I miss my saturn distributor-less days, at least they didn't have a coil pack on each spark plug.

 

Or, just unplug the electrical connector from the coil pack first.