Car work - price check

[saor]

This isn't a name & shame. Don't really want to name them as I've always been happy with their work but this latest quote just seemed very high. Granted this isn't just a service - there's a cam belt replace, clutch replace, disk replace. I'm well aware those items aren't cheap but I wanted to get an idea of whether these prices are generally in line with what you'd pay elsewhere. The labour cost seems quite high but ja - not sure how other places compare. This is for a VW Up.

 

[chickenbeef]

R1.2k labour for an oil change service is mad. Also why 5x 1L engine oil? Can get 1x 5L for half the price.

This quote reminded me why I DIY as much as I can.

 

[WAslayer]

This isn't a name & shame. Don't really want to name them as I've always been happy with their work but this latest quote just seemed very high. Granted this isn't just a service - there's a cam belt replace, clutch replace, disk replace. I'm well aware those items aren't cheap but I wanted to get an idea of whether these prices are generally in line with what you'd pay elsewhere. The labour cost seems quite high but ja - not sure how other places compare. This is for a VW Up.

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Without revealing too much, is this place situated pretty much right next to the R 300..?

The invoice format and font looks familiar, same as the place I use and refer to above.. Assuming it's the same place, their labour per hour two years ago was R 750.. Given how costly everything in life is these days, I am surprised it's not more already..

 

[WAslayer]

R1.2k labour for an oil change service is mad. Also why 5x 1L engine oil? Can get 1x 5L for half the price.

This quote reminded me why I DIY as much as I can.

It's not just an oil service though, it's also a 25 point mechanical inspection..

 

[Stefan.dl]

That actually seems reasonable for the amount of stuff they doing, a clutch, cam belt and brakes plus service for the price isn't bad. To give you an idea, on my previous car just rear discs were R5500

if you want it done cheaper you can do diy but very much doubt you will get it cheaper at a RMI approved mechanic.

 

[saor]

Without revealing too much, is this place situated pretty much right next to the R 300..?

The invoice format and font looks familiar, same as the place I use and refer to above.. Assuming it's the same place, their labour per hour two years ago was R 750.. Given how costly everything in life is these days, I am surprised it's not more already..

Yup. And yeah - I've always been very happy with their service. This is really just a price check.

That actually seems reasonable for the amount of stuff they doing, a clutch, cam belt and brakes plus service for the price isn't bad. To give you an idea, on my previous car just rear discs were R5500

if you want it done cheaper you can do diy but very much doubt you will get it cheaper at a RMI approved mechanic.

Cool. Ja I don't mind if I'm paying a slight premium for good work and a place I can trust.

 

[vastrap1]

Ouch! Not ridiculous I would say for a dealer.
Surely the brake disks can be skimmed instead.
But overall, unless some diy, not saving much on that total.

I'd still ask for a 5% discount or something, all they can say is yes/no?

 

[Brawler]

Doesn't seem bad at all.

 

[handyman007]

How old is the car and do you plan to keep it for a long time?

 

[saor]

Ouch! Not ridiculous I would say for a dealer.

I think it's just the shock of that quote when I was expecting a service and maybe a few little extras.

 

[saor]

How old is the car and do you plan to keep it for a long time?

85k on the clock. City runaround so plan to keep it for a while still - another reason I went ahead with this. Would rather have it in good condition for a long time to come.

 

[Herr der Verboten]

This isn't a name & shame. Don't really want to name them as I've always been happy with their work but this latest quote just seemed very high. Granted this isn't just a service - there's a cam belt replace, clutch replace, disk replace. I'm well aware those items aren't cheap but I wanted to get an idea of whether these prices are generally in line with what you'd pay elsewhere. The labour cost seems quite high but ja - not sure how other places compare. This is for a VW Up.

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Epstein cambelt files?

 

[Ecco]

The rate for Labour seems fair - its a little cheaper to the place i took my car. Cant compare the parts directly, but looks comparable.

So doesnt look too far off the mark.

As posted above, Ask if thats their best price.

 

[saor]

Epstein cambelt files?

Your name is mentioned so maybe check yourself.

 

[handyman007]

85k on the clock. City runaround so plan to keep it for a while still - another reason I went ahead with this. Would rather have it in good condition for a long time to come.

That is quite a bill for a car with only 85k on the clock.

 

[Jan van Riebeeckstad]

This isn't a name & shame. Don't really want to name them as I've always been happy with their work but this latest quote just seemed very high. Granted this isn't just a service - there's a cam belt replace, clutch replace, disk replace. I'm well aware those items aren't cheap but I wanted to get an idea of whether these prices are generally in line with what you'd pay elsewhere. The labour cost seems quite high but ja - not sure how other places compare. This is for a VW Up.

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Hey Girlfriend

Scrap the UP and buy a Land cruiser V8.

 

[Progenix Oj101]

It does seem high. Some recent work I had did as an example - all prices are for labour only, as my mechanic installs what you give him (so you know you're not getting ripped off on parts):

Replace pads and discs: R 250 per wheel
Replace shocks: R 150 per side as they were done at the same time as pads and discs
Oil and brake fluid change: R 150
Replace control arm mounts: "No charge, we're down there anyway"

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

quite excessive IMO, also dont like the language used to say they doing a engine flush,
I think its just necessary to try justify the high prices,

also why are some of the items itemized to the 5 decimal place? while others are to the standard 2 or 3 decimal places,
what is that, to confuse you more?

if this was me, Id walk away and buy the parts myself and see how the prices fall as then the crazy workshop has to try justify insane labour rates, or confuse you with things you dont need like engine flush.

I mean Id get it if this was a VW dealer, but a independent? just ridiculous prices

 

[Neuk_]

Labour rate seems a bit high for an independent, I get charged less on my Touareg, otherwise the rest looks OK. Some might just be unnecessary like the aircon treatment. Doeshe VW Up! have a normal flywheel?

 

[vastrap1]

quite excessive IMO, also dont like the language used to say they doing a engine flush,
I think its just necessary to try justify the high prices,

also why are some of the items itemized to the 5 decimal place? while others are to the standard 2 or 3 decimal places,
what is that, to confuse you more?

if this was me, Id walk away and buy the parts myself and see how the prices fall as then the crazy workshop has to try justify insane labour rates, or confuse you with things you dont need like engine flush.

I mean Id get it if this was a VW dealer, but a independent? just ridiculous prices

I agree about all the wording, seems these places realized that some investment in "psychology" games make the people getting the quote more placid.

I also initially noticed the small charges is what they use to make up the bill substantially, that is where diy saves the most money.

Which professional takes that long to replace brakes?