 Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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OP
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
There was an ad just on for some car repair insurance plan. They said, "Sounds like the alternator, that's an $800 repair..."
Eight hundred bucks? (400 quid) A replacement at the autoparts store costs maybe $60 and the thing is attached with 2 wires and 2 or 3 bolts. Anyone who is not disabled that can't fix it themselves should be ashamed.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Actually, they're probably exagerating a little, but on the other hand, I've had some friends with Japaneese cars that had $400+ alternators. And some of them can be a bugger to unbolt and replace, so I could see a garage getting at least a couple hundred dollars for labor. But I think the all time biggest rippoff in automotive, currently, is the rebuilt automatic transmissions for Dodge trucks, years 2001 through about 2004. Dealers are getting $4,000 dollars to $6,000 for these trannies, depending on the dealer.  I'M NOT MAKING THIS UP! My Uncle went through this last year.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Half hour job. So that's what a $1400 an hour shop labor rate?
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Yep they market to the stupid...But then i put a new alternater in my my wifes(now my chevy) just under 200 bucks for a rebuilt at NAPPA. But still a 1/2 hour job.
You should have heard the bullcrap lines I got from the salesman at my Toyota dealer when he tried to get me to buy the extended warrenty on the OL's Yaris, He pulled some pretty wild numbers out of his butt.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
Actually, they're probably exagerating a little, but on the other hand, I've had some friends with Japaneese cars that had $400+ alternators. And some of them can be a bugger to unbolt and replace, so I could see a garage getting at least a couple hundred dollars for labor. But I think the all time biggest rippoff in automotive, currently, is the rebuilt automatic transmissions for Dodge trucks, years 2001 through about 2004. Dealers are getting $4,000 dollars to $6,000 for these trannies, depending on the dealer. I'M NOT MAKING THIS UP! My Uncle went through this last year.
Being in the trans. rebuilding industry, my advice is don't go to the dealer if you're out of warranty. There are plenty of options available to the public that result in repair bills averaging half or less than what the dealers will charge. Just make sure to do your homework, checking with the BBB and other consumer advocacy groups for unresolved complaints. I cannot emphasize this enough! There are also internet sites with complaints and horror stories pertaining to individual shops with poor reputations. Just Google the name of the shop you're thinking about using. As with any business, there are good and bad shops within any franchise system. Just because someone had a bad experience with Joe Blow in Pocono, it doesn't mean every shop with that name results in a bad experience. And of course you have to consider that some customers want something for nothing, and there are some folks who just cannot be pleased!
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 323
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 323 |
I just looked up the cost of my alternator (which would be covered under waranty if it went ka-put) and its $381.17. Parts.com
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 277
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 277 |
******, thats spensive. Wife and I have a couple of Euro cars, bmw and volvo, neither exactly in the spring of their life. Both close to 150000 miles. But I have to say, if you do your shopping for parts and have a good mechanic it aint all that bad. My volvo when I bought it needed the timing belt, waterpump, belt tensioner, upper motormount, and total pcv system replacement. All inclusive at $800 at a shop we go to. Not bad if I do say so myself. Wife's beamer needed h2o pump, thermostat housing and thermostat right after she got it and it came in under $300. Estimate so far is that both should be good well past 200000 miles now. ( except for brakes, oil changes etc ) I havent looked at alternator prices yet though.
Mark
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 Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
The problem is with the dense packaging of new cars (and bikes), there are 97 things in the way of the alternator which must be unbolted first.
And an alternator for a new Civic is $256 (NAPA).
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 874 |
The problem at our work is the price of parts that go in the rebuild its usually not the labor rate.Replacement parts are getting higher and higher and most of the stuff is made in China..
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
Although I do remember the days of a $60.00 alternator...they are long gone...gone too are the $70.00 starters (rebuilt of course) unfortunatly I am all too often stunned when actually PURCHASING parts from the auto part stores...given that I use those "older" figures still trapped in my head from days gone by...and gone too (in most cases) are the days of a quick 'two bolt' repair...just to change the frikin AIR FILTER in the brides Sebering is a federal project...and open the hood and point to the Battery...you can't...it's jambed up under the fender somewhere...(I have yet to actually see it) However I DO think $800.00 for an alternator is a bit much...but then I think $900.00 (dealer price) for a catalytic converter is insane also...and my truck has TWO)
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
I have one !!!!
Try replacing the therostat ($42.00) in a 1998 Chevy Venture Van even better the pre oxygen sensor. ($106.00 at NAPA)
Better set aside at least a half day and be prepared to pull the top half of the engine down and you better have a manuel.
John
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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OP
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
The problem is with the dense packaging of new cars (and bikes), there are 97 things in the way of the alternator which must be unbolted first.
And an alternator for a new Civic is $256 (NAPA).
Think I'll be sticking with my '51 Plymouth and '69 D100 for a while.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
My 'just out of warranty' Volvo S60 had the alternator poop the bed a month or so back. I dropped it off at my local Firestone shop and left on a business trip. I had a $700.00 invoice for replacing a battery that was fried, a serpentine belt (my request), and an alternator (no remanufactured units available). The car is paid for and is my daily driver, so I figure these things will happen from time to time.
I ask for remanufactured parts if available whenever parts like an alternator need to be replaced. When they are available - usually from NAPA - it's about half the cost of new. NAPA also offers a 15% discount to service members, so I'm not above whipping out my military ID card either just to save some extra.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
We had a '98 Malibu that needed a new starter.
$325!!! (Eight years ago no less)
Fortunately I know a great rebuilder in South Florida (Startech), $60 for the rebuild.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179 |
I rent a room from the proverbial "little old lady from Virginia" when I travel. Real nice person, late 60's, husband passed away sometime ago. I stay with her every-other week.
Anyway, god bless her, she is one of the folks who wouldn't know how to change an alternator. Recently, "the sharks" got her for $150 to replace a corroded battery cable on the old beater she drives.
I hate to see or hear of it, but they're out there preying on good people to make a buck or two whenever possible. Poor thing is an easy target whenever the old vehicle breaks down and I'm not around.
So ... If the insurance is legit, maybe it's not a bad idea for some.
Regards,
Tom
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I had a 1992 Dodge Caravan 3.3L V6. The parts for that van had to be the cheapest of any car I have owned. Water Pump cost $27.00, starter motor cost $65.00, Front rotors $15.00 each, and the entire ignition system (computer, cables and spark plugs) cost a total of $150.00. I got just over 170,000 miles out of that van, when I traded it in for my 2005 Dodge Dakota.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
We spent 1400 to get a new intercooler in the jetta. 500 for me to do a timing belt change myself that was just parts.. And the coolant is 75 bucks a gallon.
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 211 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 211 Likes: 2 |
I just replaced an alternator on a 1994 Ninja 750. The dealer price was $900. for a new one not installed. I got one from a salvageb bike shop for $300.
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Quote:
I rent a room from the proverbial "little old lady from Virginia" when I travel. Real nice person, late 60's, husband passed away sometime ago. I stay with her every-other week.
Anyway, god bless her, she is one of the folks who wouldn't know how to change an alternator. Recently, "the sharks" got her for $150 to replace a corroded battery cable on the old beater she drives.
I hate to see or hear of it, but they're out there preying on good people to make a buck or two whenever possible. Poor thing is an easy target whenever the old vehicle breaks down and I'm not around.
So ... If the insurance is legit, maybe it's not a bad idea for some.
Regards,
Tom
There are a lot of younger poeple who dont know a darn thing about cars also.
My sons girlfriend works at auto zone (nice kid mechanically inclided did my brakes and does car oil changes for me, hope he marries her).
But a couple stories she's told me about customers makes ya wonder about some of the people out there driving cars.
Best 2 I can rmemeber was a guy in a Mercedes came in and wanted to buy radiater stop leak to put in his air conditioner. He got all huffy when she told him it wasnt made for that and would not work. That he'd have to go to a dealer for service.Puffed up in typical yuppie fashion. told her he'd have her job, demanded to see the manager.
Manger came out heard the story. Told the guy to get the f--- out of his store before he called the EPA and told them he was spewing toxins into the atmosphere.
Second was a very lucky woman in a Ford Explorer. Had all of her lugnuts stolen off one of her front wheels. Drove the thing five miles to the store to buy new ones.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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OP
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I think they had the right idea in the old USSR. To get permission to buy a car, you had to graduate from a state run driving school, pass a course on basic mechanics and prove that you have a place to keep the car inside. Then, you qualified to be added to the 5 year waiting list to get the mechanical twin to a Traubant.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Quote:
I think they had the right idea in the old USSR. To get permission to buy a car, you had to graduate from a state run driving school, pass a course on basic mechanics and prove that you have a place to keep the car inside. Then, you qualified to be added to the 5 year waiting list to get the mechanical twin to a Traubant.
It was much easier if you where on the Polit Bureau.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Say what?!!
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 37 |
Luckily for me, I work in the parts department at a Jeep dealership.
After having a part pass 3 or 4 hands (vendor, company, depot, dealership, customer) the cost goes up due to everyone having their own piece of the money pie.
I'm not above purchasing a part in the aftermarket to help a good customer out. Better to have them spend a little money at my work than none at all.
People are loyal to a place that goes the extra mile to help good customers save a little $$$.
Most common question I get asked:
"Do you think I can install this?"
Answer I want to give:
"I don't know. If you came over to my house, would you be able to crawl under my TJ and help with a 5.5" long arm install or would you sit on my toolbox and drink all of my beer while I busted up my knuckles?"
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me" Hunter S. Thompson
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