wish I got this much for changing plugs (on i4)

[cutter]

Last week, I went in for #2 of my lifetime alignment deal I purchased about a month ago. The first time, they suggested to replace ball joints. So I did them shortly after and took the car back for an alignment last week. This time, they call and ask if I wanted new plugs, coolant, injector clean, balance.. based on the mileage of my car at 108k. Knowing that I did all of those things (always doing the injector clean) when I bought the car at 102k, I declined. They kept pushing until I decided to amuse myself and asked for a quote but don't do anything. This is what I get back.

Whoa $24 for an IR plug? I called individual family members throughout the day to remind them to DENY service until they call me first.

Granted, the balance they have is Roadforce and at $47, I'd pay that.

 

[sasha]

jesus [censored]!!

the only thing i agree with on that paper is the labor for the plugs. chain shops are huge rip offs just like stealerships.

 

[dparm]

Those exact plugs can be had at an auto parts store for about 1/3 that, and even less with a coupon.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Iridium spark plugs are around $12 a piece.

Nice markup!

With prices like that, how can anyone afford to maintain an older vehicle?

Guess that is why people lease cars all the time.

 

[panthermike]

I had a similar experience at the same place. Went for a rear brake job quote and they wanted $200 for the drums(parts only) and almost $100 for the pads. Needless to say, I declined.

 

[SLCraig]

Great business to be in if even half your customers say yes.
I am so glad I know about cars enough that I can do most maintenance on my own, save jobs that require specialty tools. (like an alignment)

 

[dparm]

Iridium plugs last a really really long time though, so it's not like you're shelling out $24/plug every year or even every other year.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Iridium plugs last a really really long time though, so it's not like you're shelling out $24/plug every year or even every other year.


That is true, but 100% markup is a bit insane. Plus labour. Which is probably 10 minutes on a 4 cyl.

 

[whip]

I bought my tires at Firestone, and I get free rotation. Evey time I go, they find something wrong with the car. Every time I look at it, the item is fine. Buyer beware.

 

[EricF]

those parts prices are actually fair.
We buy parts ourselves from the parts stores. We don't pay MSRP/List price. It's how the parts stores make it look like you're getting a discount already.

But a shop, which gets a discount (usuall) on the parts from the same store, will charge the list price (sometimes more) for their profit.
Sometimes though, shops go way overboard with marking up parts and only a smart consumer will challenge that. the shop is allowed to make some profit, they have payroll & rent & overhead to all take into account.

I would've told that firestone to pound rocks. an hours labor for a 4cyl motor, not a chance.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Denso lists IK16 at $9.99, Firestone markups minimum 240% because they pay Denso whole sale price not retail.

One hour labor to change spark plug for an I-4 engine is a little too much. I took my time and I can change 4 plugs in my S2000 in 25-30 minutes.

 

[Hermann]

I sure want Destination LS/2 for my Tacoma, but I sure don't want to deal with Firestone. Nuff said

 

[silverrat]

I like how the coolants called Khameleon and one of its selling points on the sell sheet mentions "neutral color, wont change coolant color when topping up"

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: silverrat
I like how the coolants called Khameleon and one of its selling points on the sell sheet mentions "neutral color, wont change coolant color when topping up"

Just like many "All Makes All Models" labeled coolant sold at many auto part stores, hardware stores, and Wal-Marts.

 

[hattaresguy]

This is why people buy new cars. Most people don't know how to pop the hood so bills like this drive them right into dealerships.

 

[djb]

The "EK10T" is their brand name for a fuel system cleaning additive.

I wouldn't mind being paid $50 to pour an additive into the fuel tank. It probably takes 15 minutes to change the plugs for $84, but under a minute for the additive. Actually, getting $39.99 for what's most likely 5 ounces of alcohol is a pretty good revenue stream as well.

And the best thing about it... it probably makes no difference if you pour it in or not. Unlike spark plugs, where you have to at least wipe off the wires or the customer will get suspicious.

 

[Lyman]

And you wonder why people don't maintain their cars. Sheesh I would have laughed in the guys face.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
This is why people buy new cars. Most people don't know how to pop the hood so bills like this drive them right into dealerships.


The sad part is that only one of those services (spark plugs) were probably necessary. The rest of those were probably unnecessary.

On many late-model import cars that are operated under normal service, the plugs will need replacement between 100-120k, and the coolant will need replacement between 120-150k. The transmission is lifetime fill, and from the few that I've seen, they've lasted 150-180k on the original fluid, so the claim is valid.

So, all that shops should be selling are oil services, air filters, cabin filters, brakes and tires. Anything else should be questioned.

 

[951Indy]

Amazon has the plugs (set of four) for $30. Fuel injection cleaning IMO is the biggest scam in automotive service. I've never used any on my highest mile car, a 300K mile 03 Pont Bville. No misfire codes ever...knock on wood.

 

[cutter]

I just noticed it's even the wrong heat range for my engine, 2zz-ge takes Denso IK20 not IK16.