Cost for prev. maint

[Donald]

I just got back truck from the following work:
1) install new front shocks
2) rotate tires
3) fuel filter (diesel)
4) change trans filter, refill with new ATF
5) drain and fill rear diff.

The labor only was $475. I supplied all parts and fluids. I think the price was between reasonable and a little high. But maybe I pay high labor as they make no $$ on parts.

So low or high or reasonable?

 

[zrxkawboy]

High, IMO.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Originally Posted by Donald
But maybe I pay high labor as they make no $$ on parts.

I think you already know the answer.

 

[Revving2Redline]

No alignment?Should have been. Front alignment 70.00 Ten bucks to rotation.Transmission no filter refill 80.00.Rear end with new washer/gasket 55.00.Fuel filtrr if external 55.00

 

[The Critic]

Those numbers look about right to me.

$120/hr is the lower end of average around here; most dealers are in the $150-$200/hr range.

1) 0.8 hours * $150/hr = $96

2) Probably a flat rate of $20-$40.

3) 1.1 hr for both * $150/hr = $132

4) 1.8 hr * $150/hr = $216

5) 0.6 hr * $150/hr = $72

Total = $556

Plus the shop did not get their 30-50% mark-up on the parts so very few shops will be willing to take on the job.

Originally Posted by Marco620
No alignment?Should have been. Front alignment 70.00 Ten bucks to rotation.Transmission no filter refill 80.00.Rear end with new washer/gasket 55.00.Fuel filtrr if external 55.00


Front shocks, not struts. No reason to align after shock replacement only.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

How many of those things couldn't you have done yourself? You had everything you needed to do the work.

 

[bdcardinal]

That sounds really reasonable. My work is $140/hr and from calling other places we are on the low end for dealers in the area.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted by Marco620
No alignment?Should have been. Front alignment 70.00 Ten bucks to rotation.Transmission no filter refill 80.00.Rear end with new washer/gasket 55.00.Fuel filtrr if external 55.00

An alignment on a 3 year old truck that's getting new shocks?

 

[TheLawnRanger]

I agree with the OP. Reasonable to a little high. Not high or really high. Sure, he could have done some of it himself, but probably had good reason not to. Sometimes, just not wanting to is reason enough. As long as all repairs are good, I'd lose no sleep over that price.

 

[dlundblad]

Is it fair to say that complaining (or questioning) about high prices while living in New York is as bad as living in Florida and complaining about the heat? I mean no disrespect and complaining is a bit harsh of a word.

Seemed high to me until I saw The Critic's post. The shop not being able to markup the parts may have mattered too.

I have an odd opinion on parts markup. Cheap junk from the parts store is more than the OE part on Rock Auto a lot of times. I realize there's a markup in retail, but it can be quite absurd at times, hence why I don't buy from them. I guess you could ask for OE parts as some parts stores offer that option, but you might as well go to the dealer at that point because their pricing is even more outrageous, but you may very well pay more for labor. Be thankful you were able to supply your own I guess.

 

[Kira]

If you're polling:
Count me in the "reasonable to a little high" column.

I'm with dlundblad regarding having an odd opinion on parts markup. "We called a parts store and they're delivering a $100 part for which we're charging you $140".
What's the theory behind that?
1) It takes that long to make the phone call to the parts store?
2) Does the markup add to their cash flow in a manner which is better accepted than merely raising the hourly rate?
3) Is it fairer to have an established/posted flat labor rate (which covers pay, rent/mortgage, taxes, electricity, insurance-I get it) for "everyone", including customers who's repairs don't require parts?
Seems false and cheesy to up a price JLT (Just Like That).

Indeed, the OP should be thankful to be able to supply his own parts. On the other hand, doing so eliminates any confusion from unclear parts listings.

Donald, did the shop tell you that supplying you're own parts voided any warranty on their work?...just askin'.

 

[Kage860]

The reasonable garages by me are in the neighborhood of $100 an hour. Being able to bring your own parts is a big plus. And just because you live in ny doesnt mean you're not allowed to shop around for prices, that comment doesnt make sense to me. Thats like saying the labor rate in indiana is more expensive then in china so no one should get more than one quote for anything ever again.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted by JohnnyJohnson
How many of those things couldn't you have done yourself? You had everything you needed to do the work.


I probably could done it all but no time. I need to work full time, get my house ready to sell in April, work on snowcat, pay attention to wife.

I buy the parts to control the brand and quality of parts used. Not to save money.

 

[JMJNet]

Would the cost depend on the location/region?
OP is in NY state, anything in the Northeast area is more expensive than in Kansas or Texas.

For something that we don't want to do ourselves, it may be high but if you are not capable of doing it due to some reason, then it is probably reasonable.

At least the shop allow you to supply your own parts and fluids.
That way you get the parts that you know/like installed.

 

[Pelican]

Originally Posted by Donald
I just got back truck from the following work:
1) install new front shocks
2) rotate tires
3) fuel filter (diesel)
4) change trans filter, refill with new ATF
5) drain and fill rear diff.

The labor only was $475. I supplied all parts and fluids. I think the price was between reasonable and a little high. But maybe I pay high labor as they make no $$ on parts. So low or high or reasonable?


IMO reasonable. You have to break it down in hours and with the current shop cost of $120 hr it looks like 4hrs work

 

[SatinSilver]

I had a shop do the following to an 05 Matrix with about 140k miles at the time in October.

1. Replace original serpentine belt(had cracks in it) with a Bando belt that I supplied

2. Replace Intake manifold gasket. I supplied a new oem one which is a new updated part that's supposed to last longer.

3. Install new brake pads and rotors I supplied via Amazon, Max OE brakes from Canada.

Labor $260 for everything. Parts ran me $85. Shop charges $80/hour for the time it takes them to do the work. Although hard to verify since waiting room is filled with stuff and they like to usher you out of there. Busy place. Years ago they installed some spark plugs in a 99 Accord for $17 or so. Auto parts store recommended them.

 

[SatinSilver]

This was a week or two ago at a one man shop that has excellent reviews.

1. Thorough inspection that he normally charges $65 for which also included a test drive.

2. Remove and clean throttle body with 3M Throttle plate cleaner. He showed it to me before and after which was like night and day. I cleaned it previously but didn't notice much difference. I also wanted the idle air control valve cleaned but it doesn't have one. Since in 05 Toyota did away with it in favor of dbw.

Cost $142 which I traded for 9 jugs of synthetic oil that I picked up on clearance. So no money out of pocket on this one. He asked what I wanted for the oil and I said $15/jug. Then he stated we would be even then so he dropped it down to $135. He said nothing needs to be done today and printed up a list/invoice of things to do in the near future. There were 7 items on the list, new battery being one of them. Battery six years old and an Exide made for Rural King that I purchased for $55. He said how I got that Rural King battery last that long he will never figure out. He suggested a new Bosch battery for around $100 but Exide makes that one also.

I asked him about me supplying parts and he said he would work with me on that. Prob in his mid-thirties with perfect reviews. Different shop than the one I mentioned in previous post.

 

[Donald]

While I understand the markup on parts bringing more profit view, the is a view that says there is no waiting for parts delivery if I supply the parts. No lift tied up.

Of course I am pretty careful to double check part numbers to make sure that I supplied the right parts. Suppling incorrect parts by a customer would be a real PIA for a shop.

 

[StevieC]

Still cheaper than a vehicle payment every month.