Auto repair costs, time, n parts estimates ~ how to confirm quotes?

[Glockster69]

Many have seen my Si repair problems however, this thread is about dealing with the business of getting the repairs done, not the details of the actual repairs.

Backstory, all with nearest Honda dealer in Conroe:

1. Spoke to a male service writer several days ago and he gave me a quote of $960 to replace the timing chain including 6hrs labor at $100/ea. Other specific parts not discussed but he did mention $300 of quote was parts. The chain is $110 & the tensioner is $95 at same dealership.
2. Received by mail a $495 coupon for timing belt replacement. Spoke to a female writer Friday evening asking if coupon could be used for timing chain replacement with an adjustment for the difference in parts costs. She would have to look into it.
3. Spoke to same female writer Saturday and she said the coupon would not apply because the labor was completely different. She mentioned $1200 in labor plus $500 in parts including chain, tensioner, guides, AND sprockets. I told her valve cover is off and sprockets are visible and in good condition and asked for a price w/o sprocket replacement. She skirted the issue by saying the technician recommends replacing sprockets with the chain because they are all part of the timing system.

How do you deal with such variances even at the same shop?

 

[Tejano Scott]

Move up the chain of command

 

[Shotgun Jeremy]

Get with the mechanic and have him explain things. A lot of times, the service writers may not know exactly what's going on mechanically. So have the mechanic tell you what he thinks and then go from there. All you have to do is ask to speak with the mechanic, and then it SHOULD be the shop supervisor that comes and talks to you...since a specific mechanic isn't usually picked until a service packet is drawn up. The mechanic you speak with should be able to tell you what he recommends you do...but then what you can get by with for now if you're tight on money. They'd rather get some of your money than none of it at all if you can't afford to go all out.

You can also always go take it to another shop....

 

[Dredge]

I would deal with that variance by choosing a different shop. Maybe in The Woodlands or closer to 1960 if that's not too far.
Everybody's heard the horror stories about "dealers" but is there any place closer that you trust?

 

[RandomHero]

you may try a honda forum. i think there is a few EP3 dedicated forums too. see what they have to say. hell, some of them honda kids could tear the car apart and rebuild it for you in a day if given the chance and a case of beer.

clubep.com
ephatch.com

 

[Glockster69]

Move up the chain of command

Exactly my plan come Monday! Service manager or general manger. I told the female writer Saturday I was getting uncomfortable with the dealership since her labor quote was double someone elses there. She said 'well just bring it in, we'll diagnose it ($50) and work with you on costs'. WTF!!!

 

[Dawico]

Go up the ladder if you want them to do it.

Personally I would go with an independant shop. They seem to care about your business more and usually have better rates and part prices. But as you know that can backfire also.

I generally prefer the better personal service at an independant once the warranty is over.

 

[orbitup]

I would hit the Honda forums too. I'm on Mini, Acura, and Chevy truck forums and when I have an issue I research the hell out of it.

 

[Mikewood]

Ask for a quote in writing. most small shops will be glad to give you one. Buisness over be phone is subject to change without notice as its your word against theirs.

 

[M. Sage]

Many have seen my Si repair problems however, this thread is about dealing with the business of getting the repairs done, not the details of the actual repairs.

Backstory, all with nearest Honda dealer in Conroe:

1. Spoke to a male service writer several days ago and he gave me a quote of $960 to replace the timing chain including 6hrs labor at $100/ea. Other specific parts not discussed but he did mention $300 of quote was parts. The chain is $110 & the tensioner is $95 at same dealership.
2. Received by mail a $495 coupon for timing belt replacement. Spoke to a female writer Friday evening asking if coupon could be used for timing chain replacement with an adjustment for the difference in parts costs. She would have to look into it.
3. Spoke to same female writer Saturday and she said the coupon would not apply because the labor was completely different. She mentioned $1200 in labor plus $500 in parts including chain, tensioner, guides, AND sprockets. I told her valve cover is off and sprockets are visible and in good condition and asked for a price w/o sprocket replacement. She skirted the issue by saying the technician recommends replacing sprockets with the chain because they are all part of the timing system.

How do you deal with such variances even at the same shop?

Go to a different shop. $1200 is way high for that job, based on the research I did last week.

 

[Glockster69]

Everybody's heard the horror stories about "dealers" but is there any place closer that you trust?

Short answer, No!

you may try a honda forum.

2003 Si jumped timing, possible piston/valve damage - Honda-Tech
Don't bother looking, one response that didn't help

Go to a different shop. $1200 is way high for that job, based on the research I did last week.

Yeah, since she's doubled her co-workers labor cost I can only assume they work at least partially on a commission basis. Yes/No?

But going back to the title, how can I confirm the labor quote?

 

[RandomHero]

lol, honda tech. those kids only know b/d series motors. try a k-series forum like k20a or something.

 

[matefrio]

Most shops use estimation software. They plug in the make, model, year of the car and the repair and it spits out a rate.

 

[TheDan]

But going back to the title, how can I confirm the labor quote?

Look up the estimated time for the job in the factory shop manual or autodata. Most shops will charge you the "book rate" regardless if it takes them less or more time. That's actually a pretty fair way to do it...

I'll check when I get home but I don't think I have the data for anything as new as 2003 for Honda. I bet Sage does, tho

 

[mroper]

Call another Honda or Acura dealer in the Area ask for a quote from them.

 

[Dcav]

Here is how I do estimates over the phone.

Parts cost
plus book time labor
equals blind repair cost. ie not having seen the vehicle, no technician diagnosis etc.
If you want a solid accurate number without anyone looking at it, your not going to get it. There is a reson people are histitant to give out estimates on the phone. People come in saying one thing, check the vehicle and it needs a bunch of other things. Usually makes a pissed off customer.
Most shops use alldata for estimating labor times.

 

[Glockster69]

I hear you on the bad info by customers and then them being pissed at the shop.
The two independents I got over the phone quotes from I gave little info to except 'how much $$ to change the chain'. Both were within $100 of the dealer so my guess is all the software has tightened up in the last few years.

I saw the lack of compression comments from y'all earlier. Thanks

 

[Rangerscott]

First thing I buy with anything is a factory service manual so I can read of on what I have. Even if you don't do you're own work, it's nice to have one so you know what the mechanic is talking about and you can see for your self.

 

[Glockster69]

I've already tried that. I was told they're not available.

So I'm suckin on the brains of people around here

 

[Rangerscott]

You can always get a FSM. Haynes makes one. Usually not as detailed as a FSM.