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Post by scrub-buster on Feb 21, 2016 9:35:07 GMT -5
I have very limited knowledge when it comes to working on cars. We are trying to find a new mechanic to take our vehicles to be repaired. I just had my truck fixed at a new shop and was pleased with how quick it was repaired. What I don't know is if he overpriced the service. I was hoping I could list the repairs he did and see if he charged a fair price. My truck needed a lot of work to the front end and was leaking transmission fluid.
This is what I had done.
Replaced both lower ball joints Replaced outer tie rod end Changed transmission fluid, filter, and the seal around the pan. Changed oil and filter.
The bill came to $900. Was that a fair price or did we overpay?
Thanks for any advice.
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Post by greghopper on Feb 21, 2016 9:44:36 GMT -5
Google "mechanic prices" there are some sites there to get pricing.
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Post by deadeer on Feb 21, 2016 10:26:09 GMT -5
There are standardized labor rates you can look up for specific vehicles and jobs. Any reputable shop should honor those, with exceptions for custom work or worst case scenario problems.
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Post by featherduster on Feb 21, 2016 11:54:51 GMT -5
It sounds like a fair price if your truck was a 2013 Kenworth conventional.
It's hard to say without knowing what make and year of truck you had worked on.
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Post by scrub-buster on Feb 21, 2016 14:23:09 GMT -5
2005 dodge dakota
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Post by scrub-buster on Feb 21, 2016 14:33:16 GMT -5
Going by the cost estimator on cars.com the total price range for the work I had done was $825-$1188. He's towards the lower end of that range at $900.
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seabee
Junior Member
Posts: 34
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Post by seabee on Feb 22, 2016 19:30:10 GMT -5
That was fair.
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Post by nfalls116 on Feb 22, 2016 19:36:32 GMT -5
Doesn't seem over priced. But I am glad that I work on my own
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Post by squirrelhunter on Feb 22, 2016 22:24:12 GMT -5
Glad I work on my own,that price would buy me a new used vehicle .
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Post by nfalls116 on Feb 27, 2016 1:21:48 GMT -5
Going by the cost estimator on cars.com the total price range for the work I had done was $825-$1188. He's towards the lower end of that range at $900. as able as you are to do almost anything else (from what I've seen) you could've bought a whole front end service kit from Detroit axle on ebay for approximately 150$ replaced almost all suspension parts on the front of your truck did a tape measure alignment and make an appointment at a shop for a $70-$100 alignment probably 50$ for tranny filter and seal and fluid And I it pretty much doesn't pay to change your own oil except to look at what drains out If you couldn't diagnose the conditions you could've spent $80+/- to find out what was wrong with your vehicle also so... We are looking at 6hrs of time new front end parts And no more than 450$
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Post by 76chevy on Feb 27, 2016 6:53:35 GMT -5
sounds fair to me. That's a lot of work done.
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Post by scrub-buster on Feb 28, 2016 20:29:24 GMT -5
Going by the cost estimator on cars.com the total price range for the work I had done was $825-$1188. He's towards the lower end of that range at $900. as able as you are to do almost anything else (from what I've seen) you could've bought a whole front end service kit from Detroit axle on ebay for approximately 150$ replaced almost all suspension parts on the front of your truck did a tape measure alignment and make an appointment at a shop for a $70-$100 alignment probably 50$ for tranny filter and seal and fluid And I it pretty much doesn't pay to change your own oil except to look at what drains out If you couldn't diagnose the conditions you could've spent $80+/- to find out what was wrong with your vehicle also so... We are looking at 6hrs of time new front end parts And no more than 450$ Working on cars is something I struggle with. I can do basic stuff but front end work is not something I'm comfortable with. I've never had anyone to teach me and I'm afraid I'll screw something up if I try to figure it out myself.
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Post by nfalls116 on Feb 28, 2016 21:40:05 GMT -5
as able as you are to do almost anything else (from what I've seen) you could've bought a whole front end service kit from Detroit axle on ebay for approximately 150$ replaced almost all suspension parts on the front of your truck did a tape measure alignment and make an appointment at a shop for a $70-$100 alignment probably 50$ for tranny filter and seal and fluid And I it pretty much doesn't pay to change your own oil except to look at what drains out If you couldn't diagnose the conditions you could've spent $80+/- to find out what was wrong with your vehicle also so... We are looking at 6hrs of time new front end parts And no more than 450$ Working on cars is something I struggle with. I can do basic stuff but front end work is not something I'm comfortable with. I've never had anyone to teach me and I'm afraid I'll screw something up if I try to figure it out myself. well, YouTube and Google are your friend. Through lack of funds I had to learn to do a lot of work on my own. Once you do it the first time it isn't as intimidating . I have faith in you!
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Post by 36fan on Mar 3, 2016 12:46:57 GMT -5
I just replaced both upper control arms, both lower ball joints, and all 4 shocks for a little over $300 on my truck. I've tinkered with cars and fixed them here and there before, but haven't done any of this work before. I took my time, watched some youtube videos (which actually had me taking stuff apart I didn't need to), and used the Haynes manual. I would not hesitate to do again.
I saved myself some big $$$ doing it myself. When I took it in to get an alignment a few months ago, I was told that both lower ball joints and one of the upper control arms were bad. The estimate was $1,000!!! I went home and checked RockAuto and all three parts (identical parts, they provided manufacturer and part numbers on the estimate) shipped to me was <$100. (the second upper control arm and shocks sent the price up to $300).
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Post by nfalls116 on Mar 3, 2016 13:17:24 GMT -5
I just replaced both upper control arms, both lower ball joints, and all 4 shocks for a little over $300 on my truck. I've tinkered with cars and fixed them here and there before, but haven't done any of this work before. I took my time, watched some youtube videos (which actually had me taking stuff apart I didn't need to), and used the Haynes manual. I would hesitate to do again. I saved myself some big $$$ doing it myself. When I took it in to get an alignment a few months ago, I was told that both lower ball joints and one of the upper control arms were bad. The estimate was $1,000!!! I went home and checked RockAuto and all three parts (identical parts, they provided manufacturer and part numbers on the estimate) shipped to me was <$100. (the second upper control arm and shocks sent the price up to $300). yeah, the shocks weren't even included so you got extra value. Anyone else looking for steering/suspension parts look for Detroit axle either their website or eBay.
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