Pricing auto repair jobs

[bmwpower]

How much would you guys charge a friend do the following:

- Oil and filter change: I made a special trip to get the right oil for him from the dealer
- Oil level sensor: in the oil pan, unscrew from below.
- Coolant change: flush out old coolant 3x due to unknown **** coolant in engine. Refill with proper coolant from the dealer (out of my stock)
- Diagnose leaking power steering fluid leak.

Already did the job - took about 2.5 hours with alot of bullshitting around and showing him what I was doing and cleanup.

I wanted to see what you guys would charge.

 

[Deafautotech]

which one shop dealership or independent shop?? i work in Chrysler and Jeep Dealership AND Mercury and Lincoln dealership that which my work have two service shops.

14.95 for tires rotate
34.95 for tires balance and rotation
19.95 for oil change and 16 points inspection
99.95 for aligment as front drive or rear drive but 124.95 for four wheel
drives(4X4)
automatic transmission flush is 109.95
coolant flush is 99.95
that all prices are dealership's.

for me as side job... depend to what kind of vehicle that friend want me to fix or service. i always show the prices before my friend approval my service to do the work.

all my friends need to pay for parts and when i finish the repair work they pay me what they want to but most they ask me for how much charge of my labor as between 10 to 20 dollars. they have choice how much they want pay me but i dont care how much they want pay me but i want they have safe vehicle to drive and maintance their vehicles regulation times.

 

[bmwpower]

I did the job for my friend in my home garage. THe work was done on a 2000 BMW 323i.

 

[SuperKid]

If you wanted, you can look around for the manuals that have the flat rate times in them. You can find both book and CD forms of these. The books will tell you how long it should take you to do a particular job. Then, come up with your hourly rate and do the math. If you have to do special parts runs, add in a fuel surcharge fee, say $0.50 per mile.

But, since this is a friend, I'd say charge him for a case of your favorite beverage and call it even.

 

[TNToy]

Most of the time, I charge $50/hour plus parts for anything I work on at home. That's book time, not actual time turning wrenches... and that's half the cost of most dealerships... but those aren't my best friend's prices.

I'd probably ask the man for $100 if he was a really good friend.

What was the power steering leak? The rack?

 

[Vicious_Cycle]

I wouldn't charge a friend anything for working and bullshitting for 2.5 hours.

 

[trovato]

I too would not charge a friend anything for this. The most I would even consider accepting would be my actual expenses for the oil, coolant, parts, etc. If you want to keep having friends, and you are entering into a job you expect to be paid for, it is best to have the details agreed to in advance.

 

[toolfreak]

I have always just charged my friends for the parts and usually they take me out for supper or a night of drinking.

 

[wilbilt]

I always seem to sell myself short when doing work for acquaintances. It just doesn't seem right to charge a ton of money.

I always figure it will work itself out, but that isn't the case, either. Did brakes all the way around on a truck, he paid what the parts cost. Pads, rotors, hardware, etc. I didn't charge him a dime for my labor, and I even bought the beer.

Asked him to help me frame a couple of small decks (he's a carpenter). He said he'd help...for $20/hour.

I've been too busy to work on his vehicles lately.

 

[wythors]

I wouldn't consider charging a friend anything but the cost of the parts. There's a big difference between a friend and a customer.

 

[Coach James]

I've helped friends by working on their vehicles and charged only for parts. I enjoy doing it and friends help each other out. The guys I helped with their cars also helped me move and do other things. If I see it is going to only be a one way street, then I would start to charge for labor or just be too busy to help them out.
Coach

 

[GearHead_1]

I have many acquaintances, I have a few good friends. I relish the time I spend with my friends and wouldn't consider charging them. I wouldn't charge them for a couple of hours playing a round of golf with them and I don't see a huge difference. An acquaintances is something entirely different. What is your time worth to you. If this person is taking time that you would rather be spending on your hobby or with your family a price should be put on the service but only you know what your time is worth. If you make $50/hr. on the job and this is your time off (this is premium time) then I would think you should be compensated at least the amount your employer pays you. Of course my friends would be expected to provide their own parts.

 

[kartracer55]

I help my friend out and dont really charge him for the work, just the parts. If I wind up needing an odd socket or tool for the job, We will usually split it and thats how he "pays" me if you will.

Where I work its

24.95 for basic oil change using Valvoline oil and filters
29.95 for oil change and top off
44.95 for oil change, top off, tire rotation and Batt&alt test
Tune ups sort of go by per cylinder for labor.
44.95 for 4cyl
66.95 for 6cyl
88.95 for 8cyl
Alot of times it winds up being more... 66.95 would be a freakin steal for a tune up on a Mitsu or Chrysler with a mitsu engine where the upper intake has to come off. But for a 4cyl toyota, or honda where you can plugs, cap and rotor in 20 minutes or so, its about right. Also, Depending on the fuel filter location (if the customer opp's to have it done) the price can also go up. If your idea of a tuneup includes things we dont consider, the price also goes up.

Most other jobs just go off book-time.

 

[1320stang]

I usually just charge for parts and any special tools, which I get to keep and maybe a Chilton's, which they keep. I usually don't need special tools. My last job was valve cover gaskets on a 2000 Xterra, took about 16 hours (I'm a CAD draftsman, not a mechanic), huge pain as you have to remove the upper intake manifold, shop manual I think said 8 hour job. The upper manifold has a vacuum/coolant manifold bolted to the bottom with some very short hoses, some of which just double back onto the manifold. My wife runs a home daycare and watches their two kids, there was two days off of school for a holiday, I told them to pay my wife for those two days anyway, they take it off taxes for daycare and my wife didn't loose income.

 

[bmwpower]

I guess this guy is more of an acquaintance. He's someone I work with, but not someone I hang out.

I went into the job not expecting anything - just doing it as a quick favor.

He ended up giving me $50 in addition to paying for the oil, coolant and parts. I didn't turn the $50 down. I think it was a fair deal since I value my time with my family and other chores on Saturday morning. From the sound of it, I probably could have gotten more, though.

I'm sure if he had to go to the dealer, he'd be looking at close to $300 in labor/misc.

Luckily the rack was fine. It looks like he will need several power steering hoses, as they're seeping fluid all over the place. The hoses aren't cheap so I think he's going to live with it for a little while, but I told him to swing by again if he wanted to swap them out.

 

[ImportTuner]

I guess this guy is more of an acquaintance. He's someone I work with, but not someone I hang out.

I went into the job not expecting anything - just doing it as a quick favor.

He ended up giving me $50 in addition to paying for the oil, coolant and parts. I didn't turn the $50 down. I think it was a fair deal since I value my time with my family and other chores on Saturday morning. From the sound of it, I probably could have gotten more, though.

I'm sure if he had to go to the dealer, he'd be looking at close to $300 in labor/misc.

Luckily the rack was fine. It looks like he will need several power steering hoses, as they're seeping fluid all over the place. The hoses aren't cheap so I think he's going to live with it for a little while, but I told him to swing by again if he wanted to swap them out.

I think your "acquaintance" got a really good deal. Have you seen what a BMW dealer is charging these days? He'll definitely come back to you to get more work done ...

 

[Coach James]

Since this is someone you just know casually, I think you gave him a darn good deal.
Coach

 

[firebird 97]

I gave up helping others out when it came time for me to move and I did it all myself. After that my tool box stays closed for everyone but my wife and we work how she pays me later.

 

[bmwpower]

After that my tool box stays closed for everyone but my wife and we work how she pays me later.

NICE!!!.......

 

[May Pop]

bmwpower
The only ones to be happy are you and customer. You also have the option to say yes or no to more work. I use money from jobs like these to purchase special tools ect. That helps me charge a fair rate to me. Iknow when the job is done I get that item. After all is complete and cleaned up count your hours. multiply times something so you dont cheat your self. Try not to get to the point where its no longer fun or profitable to do these jobs.
Ron

 

[bmwpower]

bmwpower
The only ones to be happy are you and customer. You also have the option to say yes or no to more work. I use money from jobs like these to purchase special tools ect. That helps me charge a fair rate to me. Iknow when the job is done I get that item. After all is complete and cleaned up count your hours. multiply times something so you dont cheat your self. Try not to get to the point where its no longer fun or profitable to do these jobs.
Ron

Gotcha Pops. I plan on doing what you said.

 

[ron in sc]

I'll work on a friend's car if it's a Porsche, Mercedes or another brand or model that interests me, provided the job itself is something I feel will also be interesting. The vehicle must be clean, i.e., the engine compartment and well maintained.

The conditions are:
--They buy the parts and any special purpose tools needed for the job which I get to keep.

–If the car I work on is a Mercedes and I talk to my friend who owns an independent Mercedes repair service about how to diagnose or repair the car they buy a $100 gift certificate from Maverick Southern Kitchens which operates 3 of the best restaurant in Charleston for my friend with the shop.

–I have one friend whose vehicles I work on a lot. He is my former business partner of 25 years. I work on his Mercedes vehicles, and a Morgan. I get him to split the cost of some of the expensive shop equipment I buy from time to time, like the scissors lift. When my new garage is done and I buy a two post lift he will pay for half. He’s bought lots of gift certificates too.

 

[thecarfarmer]

I used to have a lot of friends whose cars I worked on for free, and saw them often. Once I decided to ask for a little money, I had a few friends, who I never saw when their cars ran alright, and always sang a sad song about how little cash they had... I got smarter, and started charging what a good shop would. I did every job with a smile on my face; the people who brought their cars over were happy just to have someone they could trust, and those who simply wanted my to work at a reduced rate wandered elsewhere. Those people would get little 'freebies' (brake flush, rotate tires, etc.) when I worked on their car, because they were cool.

Anymore, I don't work on OP's cars as my equity in my house and my rental has grown. All I need is some lawyer to declare open season on six figures of assets (which I don't know HOW the hell I ended up with!) and leave me out on the street.

But I let my buddies come over and work on their stuff for free. And I'll throw in a hand here and there. But I don't fix anybody else's car for 'em.

 

[KingPerformance]

I charge friends only because you quickly realize who your friends are and who the people are that want to be around you only because of what you worked for. Now, I don't charge my normal rates, but I do charge money. Trading services never works out and someone always ends up with hurt feelings because they feel used or not compensated enough.

HOWEVER, Family, Close friends that are like Family, or simple tasks are ALWAYS free no matter what. For family members I have even bought parts that they couldn’t afford.

 

[bmwpower]

OK...

The car is back for more work....

Thermostat and water pump. I have to go to the dealer and get the pump.

What should I charge?

 

[arkracing]

I charge friends only because you quickly realize who your friends are and who the people are that want to be around you only because of what you worked for. Now, I don't charge my normal rates, but I do charge money. Trading services never works out and someone always ends up with hurt feelings because they feel used or not compensated enough.

HOWEVER, Family, Close friends that are like Family, or simple tasks are ALWAYS free no matter what. For family members I have even bought parts that they couldn’t afford.

I agree - this is the best approach.

As far as charging - keep track of your hours invested and charge a resonable "hourly rate" - not $100+ that the dealership charges.

BMW
2.5hr's @ 20/hr = $50
so if you think that is fair - continue to charge him $20/hr or explain why you are charging him more

 

[oldcarfart]

I wouldn't consider charging a friend anything but the cost of the parts. There's a big difference between a friend and a customer.

I agree and sometime ask for gas money if I had to go'fer a distance. I usually charge $20.00 an hour so labor would have been $50.00 if not a buddy deal, does this buddy reciprocate?

 

[bmwpower]

I agree and sometime ask for gas money if I had to go'fer a distance. I usually charge $20.00 an hour so labor would have been $50.00 if not a buddy deal, does this buddy reciprocate?

He's more like "a guy I work with" than a good friend. He doesn't reciprocate in the same manner.

I think I'm just going to keep track of my time and use some sort of formula. We'll see how it goes tomorrow when I start taking things apart.

 

[TNToy]

There's a TSB out on the Thermostat. Just FYI, but I don't think it'll affect your repair if it hasn't already been done. You'll get the new one when you grab it from the parts counter.

This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 11 03 00 dated May 2000.

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
SUBJECT
Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign No. 01E-A02

MODEL
E46 - 323i, 323Ci, 323iT, 323iC, 328i, 328Ci with M52TU engines
E39 - 528i, 528iT with M52TU engines E36 - Z3 2.5, Z3 2.8, Z3 coupe with M52TU engines

SITUATION

BMW has determined that certain 1999 and 2000 model year BMW automobiles with M52TU engines incorporate a coolant thermostat which may fail prematurely.

In order to remedy this situation, BMW is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign to check and replace (if necessary) the engine coolant thermostat on all affected vehicles.

A copy of the customer letter is included.

CAUSE

The thermostat element retaining lugs may break, which would cause the coolant temperature gauge to fluctuate (in and out of the red zone), low heater output into the passenger compartment, and the Check Engine lamp to illuminate with the following fault codes set in the Engine Control Module (ECM/DME):
-- Fault Code 168 (A8 hex) - thermostat for characteristic map cooling and/or

-- Fault Code 222 (DE hex) - coolant temperature plausibility

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall involves E46 3 series, E39 5 series and E36 Z3 vehicles with M52TU engines which were produced from 6/1/98 - 3/31/00.

In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

----------------------------

Regarding your time...

2000 BMW 323i (E46) L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M52 TU)

Water Pump
Water Pump
5 - W/O Touring OEM Part#11517527910
5 - Touring OEM Part#11517527910

Labor:
Skill level B Time: 1.8 hrs.



Thermostat

Labor:
Skill level B Time: 1.4 hrs.

I'd say $40 an hour if it were my saturday being spent wrenching on someone else's car. Because I do it the whole work-week, there's a serious need to make enough money off of a job to make it worth spending another day turning wrenches when I could be kicking back.

Plus, at home I get to wish I had all the tools I've got at work, the entire time I'm wrenching...

 

[bmwpower]

There's a TSB out on the Thermostat. Just FYI, but I don't think it'll affect your repair if it hasn't already been done. You'll get the new one when you grab it from the parts counter.

This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 11 03 00 dated May 2000.

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
SUBJECT
Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign No. 01E-A02

MODEL
E46 - 323i, 323Ci, 323iT, 323iC, 328i, 328Ci with M52TU engines
E39 - 528i, 528iT with M52TU engines E36 - Z3 2.5, Z3 2.8, Z3 coupe with M52TU engines

SITUATION

BMW has determined that certain 1999 and 2000 model year BMW automobiles with M52TU engines incorporate a coolant thermostat which may fail prematurely.

In order to remedy this situation, BMW is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign to check and replace (if necessary) the engine coolant thermostat on all affected vehicles.

A copy of the customer letter is included.

CAUSE

The thermostat element retaining lugs may break, which would cause the coolant temperature gauge to fluctuate (in and out of the red zone), low heater output into the passenger compartment, and the Check Engine lamp to illuminate with the following fault codes set in the Engine Control Module (ECM/DME):
-- Fault Code 168 (A8 hex) - thermostat for characteristic map cooling and/or

-- Fault Code 222 (DE hex) - coolant temperature plausibility

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall involves E46 3 series, E39 5 series and E36 Z3 vehicles with M52TU engines which were produced from 6/1/98 - 3/31/00.

In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

----------------------------

Regarding your time...

2000 BMW 323i (E46) L6-2494cc 2.5L DOHC (M52 TU)

Water Pump
Water Pump
5 - W/O Touring OEM Part#11517527910
5 - Touring OEM Part#11517527910

Labor:
Skill level B Time: 1.8 hrs.



Thermostat

Labor:
Skill level B Time: 1.4 hrs.

I'd say $40 an hour if it were my saturday being spent wrenching on someone else's car. Because I do it the whole work-week, there's a serious need to make enough money off of a job to make it worth spending another day turning wrenches when I could be kicking back.

Plus, at home I get to wish I had all the tools I've got at work, the entire time I'm wrenching...

Thanks TNToy...that's exactly what he's experiencing. Froze my *** all the way home today (in his car - we swapped for the weekend) with no heat - I'm guessing the thermostat was either never replaced or has failed open.

Where is the hourly information pulled from? Is this available online? If so, I could use this info in the future help gauge how long these jobs should take. I never time myself doing work on my own cars.

 

[thefairlaneman]

You get into a "CATCH 22" situation when you do real mechanic work for friends, neighbors and some family members. I have reached the point of doing everything free or not at all. I found that even if the dealer wants 300 bucks labor and you do the repair for say,,,,,,150 /175 people still think you are charging them too much. And dont forget once you fix someones car cheap they think they have found a life time mechanic they can call on 24/7 and that doesnt pay you a dime but often bothers you when they call.(most wont call untill they are in jam and that puts you on the spot. my moto now is to take money from strangers not people you know.

 

[NOMAD]

At first I was thinking, don;t charge the guy for the oil change and BS time. He'll buy a pack of beer or some nice wine or dinner etc.
Now that you say he's just a coworker then things change. $50 sounded fine for that first job.

Now... Sounds like it's getting more serious. He's immediately pegged you as his mechanic and probably figures if he buys the part and tosses you a $50 or $100 you'll do anything. The next job I'm sure he won't even stick around to keep you company or hand you a wrench. (oh yeah, he's now borrowing your car and doing his own thing all weekend)

The main issue I see here is that in his mind he may still see you as just his mechanic, so when something else goes bad, or a problem arises he may blame you. Heaven forbid he overheat after you do the work... You have no liability protection.

I prefer to work on fellow enthusiasts cars, with their involvement, as a hang out and wrench affair. I suggest to them that I'll do the work if they buy parts, special tools, dinner and beer etc. Usually works fine. If they throw me more $ that's great.

I think you should right upfront tell your coworker that this is more involved than an oil change and you'll look intot he price of parts etc. THen see how involved it is, how much parts/manuals/tools and hours etc cost and then give him an total cost "That's going to be like $1000 man, you sure you don't want to have the shop do it?"

If you don't feel comfy doing intense work on strangers cars then don't. It's not worth it to have bad blood, especially at work.
my $.02

 

[972500]

i'll do jobs for family and close friends for free because cash isnt alwasy the most important thing, i want them to be safe an it will get repaid at some point. for friends at school that im just in a class with or ppl that just know that i work on cars its is a standard $25 and hour plus parts. they have to sign a waiver i had made up saying im not held responsible for failure of parts, or if somthing breaks not realting to the job i completed ( theres a spot to write what the job was and parts replaced and parts removed from the car). im confident in my work and am willin to take responsiblity if i did somthing wrong myself. this is enough to usally weed out the ppl that would try to come back and get me for what im worth. o yea and while im doin work for family they usally stick around and eather watch what im doin and learn somthing or they go and help somwhere else on the farm (the whole family is into some sort of trade work so its handy). but anyways especially if its just somone u work with have him sign somthing sayin it aint ur fault if somthing breaks u didnt touch and charge him what ur worth.
Mark

 

[bmwpower]

i'll do jobs for family and close friends for free because cash isnt alwasy the most important thing, i want them to be safe an it will get repaid at some point. for friends at school that im just in a class with or ppl that just know that i work on cars its is a standard $25 and hour plus parts. they have to sign a waiver i had made up saying im not held responsible for failure of parts, or if somthing breaks not realting to the job i completed ( theres a spot to write what the job was and parts replaced and parts removed from the car). im confident in my work and am willin to take responsiblity if i did somthing wrong myself. this is enough to usally weed out the ppl that would try to come back and get me for what im worth. o yea and while im doin work for family they usally stick around and eather watch what im doin and learn somthing or they go and help somwhere else on the farm (the whole family is into some sort of trade work so its handy). but anyways especially if its just somone u work with have him sign somthing sayin it aint ur fault if somthing breaks u didnt touch and charge him what ur worth.
Mark

Man, I don't know if I could bring myself to have someone sign a waiver. I don't even know if that would hold up in court or not.

I'm thinking I feel more comfortable with $50/hour. $25 wouldn't be enough for my time.

BTW, I did the water pump and thermostat on the car last night. It fixed the problem. The car warms up to temp now and sticks dead center on the gauge. Took me about 2 to 2-1/2 hours I think. I lost track of time because I had to stop in the middle of the job and take care of something else. I'm thinking $100 for labor sounds good to me. Parts came to $155 ($100 for the pump, $55 for the thermostat). So total job would be around $255 with labor. How's that sound? Don't forget, I drove the car home for him over the weekend, too.

 

[972500]

yea i know what ur saying about the waiver but i figure it atleast shows some sort of effort to protect myself if somthing would end up in court, god forbid. and if 50 is what ur comfortable with taht is still more than fair for workin on beamers esspecially. it also sounds like u may have yourself a repeat customer so taht could be good or bad depending on how the guy is. and even 2-1/2 hours for water pump and thermo isnt bad time, pretty dang good actaully. if i remmber right that is about the book time for it.
Mark

ps do u still need to find out about finding the book times online and stuff? let me know i can lead ya in the right direction for that
Mark

 

[bmwpower]

yea i know what ur saying about the waiver but i figure it atleast shows some sort of effort to protect myself if somthing would end up in court, god forbid. and if 50 is what ur comfortable with taht is still more than fair for workin on beamers esspecially. it also sounds like u may have yourself a repeat customer so taht could be good or bad depending on how the guy is. and even 2-1/2 hours for water pump and thermo isnt bad time, pretty dang good actaully. if i remmber right that is about the book time for it.
Mark

ps do u still need to find out about finding the book times online and stuff? let me know i can lead ya in the right direction for that
Mark

Thanks. Yea, if you have a link for book times, let me know. I think this guy may be coming back someday....

 

[beetroot72]

Of course you exspenses should be reimbursed. Depending on how close of a friend he is....how many times/"favors" he asks of you, etc should depend on payment. I have a good buddy with a Vet and a 350Z...I do basic work for him in my garage (brakes, oil/fluid changes, belts, hoses, etc.) sometimes he throws me a $50 or a $100 depending on time etc. But I usually, because he is a friend I like to hang out with, have him buy me a Steak dinner at a local Chop house or Japanese Steak house. That way we have a reason to hang out. It gets busy with Family, work, kids, etc..to do much together.

He has the money to take them elsewhere but again if gives us a reason to hangout. Projects around the house or working on cars is a good reason to get together.

That might not help much but payment from a friend is a personal matter

 

[kartracer55]

Man, I don't know if I could bring myself to have someone sign a waiver. I don't even know if that would hold up in court or not.

I'm thinking I feel more comfortable with $50/hour. $25 wouldn't be enough for my time.

BTW, I did the water pump and thermostat on the car last night. It fixed the problem. The car warms up to temp now and sticks dead center on the gauge. Took me about 2 to 2-1/2 hours I think. I lost track of time because I had to stop in the middle of the job and take care of something else. I'm thinking $100 for labor sounds good to me. Parts came to $155 ($100 for the pump, $55 for the thermostat). So total job would be around $255 with labor. How's that sound? Don't forget, I drove the car home for him over the weekend, too.

Not bad. Water pump jobs can get ALOT more expensive that that lol. I can definetly see a shop getting as much(booktime= 3.2@90/hr) for labor alone! Id probably go closer to 300, something like 296 or 297. (People think perfectly round prices like 250 or 300 are sketchy haha). If he *******, conveniently remind him that a shop could easily get over $440 for that job, plus tax, and a dealership even more.

Also, did you account for shop supplies in that bill? You have to pay for wear and tare on tools, cleaners/lubes, loctite, rags, misc items like surface prep pads, etc. Some shops have a sperate fee for this sort of thing. At work we just sort of figure it into the labor. Beat the book, charge slightly less but more than the job ACTUALLY took.

Case and point thermostat in a Chrysler with Mitsu 3.5 engine. Book time is over 1 hour, the job literally takes 10 minutes with hand tools, and even if Im standing there waiting for the fans to kick on, I can do another job in the bay right next to it, mount tires, take a coffee break or something like that. Charge 1/2 hour or maybe up to 7/10th's. The customer is still getting a good deal because alot of shops definetly would charge the 1hour+ for the job. We might loose out 30$ on easy money, BUT we can tell the customer "hey listen this job doesnt take the full 1hour so were not going to charge you for it." They dont need to know it only took 10 minutes, but they see that were are not totally ripping them off.

Jim

 

[972500]

the place i get all my times and stuff from is called AllDataPro.com it is password protected and requires an annual membership (the garage i used to work for has it and hasnt changed the password). im not sure how much it is but is totally worth it cause it gives u break downs and TSB and the such so its somthing to look into.
Mark

 

[kartracer55]

http://www.eautorepair.net/ By mitchell 1

Basically, you buy access for a specific vehicle. You can buy it for a week, a month, or a year. Check it out, pretty cool

Mitchell1 is DEFINETLY superior to alldata. I use both and I get totally pissed off with All-Data. Its more or less "No-Data"

Jim