Subject: Re: Flat Rate Question by Danspeed1 on 2008/7/10 3:28:38
Quote:
CentralCoaster wrote: Couldn't be any worse than the motorcycle dealerships that don't do test rides and instead tell you to go test ride something off craigslist and then come back when you're ready to buy.
Actually I bought mine from the local race supply shop and paid extra for it. They're the only one in town so I prefer to give them business.
If the dealers weren't doing shoddy or overpriced work in the first place, then people wouldn't be paying me to fix their cars.
Last week I fixed a nissan, dealer charged $75 to pull codes and wanted $700 more to change two sensors. I pulled the codes with a screwdriver, spent an hour doing research, verified the bad knock sensor and tps with a multimeter, got new OEM parts for $150, and replaced them in about 2 hours.
Two weeks ago I fixed a Subaru, repair shop wanted $500 for a new column harness to fix a shifter lockout problem. Problem was a sticky solenoid that took an hour to check and 10 seconds to lube. I did that one for free.
You think its bad out where you are, you should see some of the shit that fly's by at the dealers by me. That is more one of the reasons I gave up on my Automotive Career. The other was the beating I took on the flat rate time each week.
Its amazing to me. You go to the dealer because you want to have the car fixed "right" and what do they do,? They throw parts at it like the local mechanics shop.
Right now I need the $$, and I don't mind working at my own pace without a service manager breathing down my neck. These people are looking to save some money, and want the job done right, and done once. I think we both have something gain.
Thanks for the advice,... I don't know how my local dealers will take to me asking how much "flat rate time" they charge for the job, but I can give it a try.
