I'm a guy working out of his back yard looking for an idea of what to charge people for **** sakes. Mitchell One is 184 per month, with a minimum of 12 month subscription. Alldata is 179 per month. Identifix is 199 per month.

I don't need anything BUT the hours part. Not worth paying for those services for just that. But thanks for finding it lil funny.

 

yea those services are not cheap. its kind of ridiculous actually

 

I need to know what to estimate. Whether I'm under or over that time, people like to know what to expect. Especially people with no concept of how long it takes to make repairs.

 

I wish it were like the old days when you could get a Chiltons every couple years for that stuff.

 

I'll have to go check the library, Manic. That's a good idea. Tooele City's library is weird though, so I'm not 100% sure if they'll have it - but a great idea! I do miss the SL County system.

This Ranger that I am doing... things have been added as I am going along. Like for instance, I found the PCV valve was bad, the belt tensioner is wobbly as hell, the lower intake is leaking like a sieve, a couple hoses need replaced, etc. I am going off another mechanics recommendations for them (he works at a dealer in SLC), and there is more wrong than he had told them, or they interpreted. Not sure which.

Actually, he told them the TC cover had a crack in it (she sent me the text message). I told them that was pretty unlikely, and it indeed was not cracked.

 

Yeah, but only industry insiders care. A rate from the guy up the street helping someone out can be decided by whatever means the 2 parties agree to.

 

Frankly, I wouldn't do a job for someone who expected a precise estimate. I'd direct them to the dealership.

 

All or almost all stuff is made to sell to the big guys with 20-50 mechanics. A foreman does estimates for all of them so the cost is amortized. There is rarely fairness for the lil guy. You need some buddies to form a clique under some umbrella name where 5 of you chip in on the monthly cost.

 

They aren't asking for a precise estimate. I'm trying to make sure I'm covered. Lord almighty, I don't have many regrets... but asking that question is definitely in there.

 

Ok, well good luck then.