Pricing auto repair jobs

[Vicious_Cycle]

What does a $55 thermostat look like? Last one I bought was a good one from NAPA... six bucks.

 

[bmwpower]

What does a $55 thermostat look like? Last one I bought was a good one from NAPA... six bucks.

This is not the right one, but it looks similar. Comes with the plastic housing, molded gasket, and the thermostat permanently mounted in the housing... It's all one unit.

 

[kartracer55]

This is not the right one, but it looks similar. Comes with the plastic housing, molded gasket, and the thermostat permanently mounted in the housing... It's all one unit.

55$ thermostat? Seems like over engineering

 

[bmwpower]

55$ thermostat? Seems like over engineering

Might be, but they seem to last a while. Again, you're getting more for $55 than merely a thermostat.

 

[Vicious_Cycle]

Now I remember why I don't drive one of those 'spensive furrin cars!

 

[74NovaSS]

Here's a link to a $55 160* LS1 thermostat-http://www.exoticperformanceplus.com/performance_parts/index.html?item=12

 

[bmwpower]

Now I remember why I don't drive one of those 'spensive furrin cars!

If you're referring to the cost of the parts...I've seen some domestic parts that cost way more than some of the parts on my cars. Try $20 lug nuts (a piece) for my F250.

 

[russlaferrera]

After reading everyones post. I would think everyone is right in their way of thinking. You have the deciding vote on what YOU feel your course of action will be.

My vote is treat them as they treat you. This is not your regular gig . For what ever reason you choose to do this, You always have the option, do/no do the job and you do not have to explain why.

I have taken a very long time to distinguish between true friends and users. After many years and tubes of KY jelly I now use my system of charge everyone a price that is comfortable with ME. Then I have the option to reduce $ or freebe the job.

Last on my list. Should you run into a job that will be unsafe, is unsafe they say "I am getting rid of the car soon" , No $ for the needed parts. Don't charge and RUN away....russ ps. this is a 5c post

 

[KingPerformance]

Guys, lets remember what this thread is about, and its not about who's brand of vehicle is better. This thread is about being fair to yourself, others, and the definition of what is fair. Lets try and keep it on that subject.

 

[katit]

BMWPower,

I think you right on with $50/hr.

I'm also in similar situation where I have garage with lift (not nice as yours) and friends come over to "check what's wrong"

I do it for free. I don't do oil changes just because of mess it makes. I do to my cars, though

I do help with few hours simple jobs like what you described at no charge. But I would not even try to help friend with clutch job. Because I don't want to charge a friend money. I think I _might_ consider some job just because of sympathy and knowing how much it will cost at dealership. But I will ask for some fancy tool into my collection or whatever AND, I will absolutely ask to clean up garage after that.

With co-workers I work on $50hr deal and only if I find job interesting. Like somebody mentioned above I try to take only newer interesting to me cars. Audi and BMW is what I like to work on. I tell people ahead that they can watch what I do. That I do it for fun. And that I'm not being cheapest around.

I also try to make more then $50hr, but this is rate you should determine. Keep in mind that you will need to redo job sometime... Like I did CV joint(split boot) and it happened that other side was done before by dealer. Dealer re-sealed bad joint so car was making this pop noise even after replacement. Try to explain something like this to regular driver? I had to replace other one for free(they bought parts of course) to prove.