luther58
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
luther58
Just joined. However, I have access this site from time to time looking for info.
I have a 1997 truck I bought new. It has just about 60,000 miles on it.
I recently retired and I have decided to try and do the repairs and upkeep myself.
I am tired of getting taken on all my repairs.
Examples. replace left exhaust manifold $250.00 for part and $250.00 for labor plus tax. Found part on web mfg, Dormond same as garage supplier. $55.00 including shipping.
Replace tie rod end which wasn't making any noise or steering problems. To past inspection it cost $160.00 plus tax.
I feel that I was taken. What does everybody think?
I have a 1997 truck I bought new. It has just about 60,000 miles on it.
I recently retired and I have decided to try and do the repairs and upkeep myself.
I am tired of getting taken on all my repairs.
Examples. replace left exhaust manifold $250.00 for part and $250.00 for labor plus tax. Found part on web mfg, Dormond same as garage supplier. $55.00 including shipping.
Replace tie rod end which wasn't making any noise or steering problems. To past inspection it cost $160.00 plus tax.
I feel that I was taken. What does everybody think?
No Pain, No Pain!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,825
Likes: 12
From: Baltimore, Maryland
Welcome!
You gotta remember that the repair shop is in the business of making money. They are gonna get their parts from their local supplier, not online or mailorder, and they are gonna mark them up a little too. One thing you can do is to buy the part for less, like you described, then take it to the shop for them to install. That would save $200 alone. If you can do the work yourself then you can save all the labor costs also.
As for the inspection, they are always gonna find something wrong. The licensing authority that controlls the inspection stations will probably not believe that there was nothing wrong on any vehicle, so the inspection station "finds" something wrong. Not much you can do about it.
You gotta remember that the repair shop is in the business of making money. They are gonna get their parts from their local supplier, not online or mailorder, and they are gonna mark them up a little too. One thing you can do is to buy the part for less, like you described, then take it to the shop for them to install. That would save $200 alone. If you can do the work yourself then you can save all the labor costs also.
As for the inspection, they are always gonna find something wrong. The licensing authority that controlls the inspection stations will probably not believe that there was nothing wrong on any vehicle, so the inspection station "finds" something wrong. Not much you can do about it.
