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      07-07-2019, 05:20 AM   #1
zestyfesty
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Mechanic charges

Hi All,

Just tried an independent specialist after our normal mechanic couldn't diagnose the engine hesitation.

The indy diagnosed dud coil pack on cyl 3 - ended up doing all plus plugs - happy.

Just returned for a scheduled service and the itemised invoice includes amongst other things

Removal and replacement Air Filter - 30mins /$77.00, same for cabin filter.

Given I can change it myself with a ring spanner in 11mins I'm feeling a bit unhappy about this.

Do others use indies who charge in blocks like this, allocating a min time even for a very simple brief task?

Cheers
Jim
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      07-07-2019, 06:12 AM   #2
Gangplank
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I just always tell them I'll do the filters myself & buy them at the local auto parts store or amazon.

Looks like he is charging $150/hr. To answer your question the dealers & some Indy shops I've used charge book time. Some Indy shops charge actual time.
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      09-06-2019, 05:59 AM   #3
bobowar135
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My indy I think does a good job for a good price. All parts used were supplied.

$385 to replace coils, cabin filter & rocker cover.

$165 to replace OFHG, oil cooler gasket & o-rings.

Just yesterday $220 to replace front control arms on my mate's E60 545i.

As a sweetener, his workshop is an easy 10 minute walk from home.
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      09-06-2019, 08:00 PM   #4
Free_Willy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobowar135 View Post
My indy I think does a good job for a good price. All parts used were supplied.

$385 to replace coils, cabin filter & rocker cover.

$165 to replace OFHG, oil cooler gasket & o-rings.

Just yesterday $220 to replace front control arms on my mate's E60 545i.

As a sweetener, his workshop is an easy 10 minute walk from home.
care to name the business? I'm in Brisbane and need a reliable independent.
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      09-06-2019, 10:43 PM   #5
bobowar135
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Free_Willy View Post
care to name the business? I'm in Brisbane and need a reliable independent.
I probably didn't word my post perfectly, parts were supplied by me, just in case you read it differently. Paul's workshop is at Loganlea, just south of brisbane in Logan City. Not quite Brisbane but who knows where Logan is? Home or Away Mechanical 38053900
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      09-22-2019, 04:24 AM   #6
UR25IO
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You have learnt your lesson. So void it in the future.
People need to stop winging about what workshop charges.. need to remember is a business and not charity. Employees , rent, tools, and expertise/ knowledge all comes at a cost.
Time IS money.
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      10-08-2019, 07:26 AM   #7
juld0zer
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It could also just be a sloppy breakdown of the charges. Eg. Your total major service bill was the $500 you agreed on. The software or admin person may have just done a lazy split.

Dealers go by KSD. Your independent shop can have access to a book which also publishes these estimates. Repco also provides this info on subscription basis.

Since they changed the air filter, did they sting you for another set of plugs at the same time? That happens too. Even in shops equipped to scan the keys.
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