A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I never know what a fair repair cost is no matter the make, model, part etc.. I looked all over the net. It seems that repair shops estimate & bill jobs using alldata and mitchell1 software.
Shouldn't consumers be able to access this data too?
Thank you in advance for any input or thoughts. I'm recent college grad and trying to manage my tight funds. I'm hoping there is a way for consumers to make sure they don't get screwed.
A:
its impossible to say without a given vehicle or repair job.
most shops charge 'book time' for a repair, book time is a number given by the manufactior for the amount of time a job should take(assuming replacement with new OEM undamaged parts on new undamaged vehicles, in other word, it doesn't include the time needed for fighting subborn bolts, working around body damage, rust, dirt, ect) the book time number is multiplied by the shop's labor rate(shop rate changes by region, average in my area/chicago is around $95/hour) that is the cost of labor. the cost of parts, well, just like anything else its their cost plus a profit percent. some shops are required to have there labor rate posted by law (i can't remember if thats dealerships or indeptents)
i don't know where you can get book rate times, i mean i have a few sources but i don't know where just anyone can get those numbers, a friendly shop may tell you. or you can subscribe to alldata your self on alldata.com, they do have a home mechanic/DYIer plan for a single car.
A:
[quote=sierrap615]its impossible to say without a given vehicle or repair job.QUOTE]
Thank you for your feedback, it is very appreciated! Your point is exactly what I am getting at. If I come to you, an auto expert, and tell you about my car, and the repair - you can easily tell me if I am completely overpaying (say double what it should cost).
I would like to see this ability of your knowledge put into a easy to use format for consumers. Say a low, medium, high estimate of repair costs given all the car info and OE prices for parts and labor.
I have found AllDataDIY. It seems to have the book times and OE part prices. But also diagnostic codes and schematics and other things I don't need.
All I am interested in is the data needed to give a 'reasonable range' of possible costs to prevent extreme over paying. I can get OE part prices online from AutoZone or others.
Is there a free way to get manufacturer repair times? Do manufacturers maintain this information on their pay-to-access service sites?
A:
the main reason i can't give you a ball park figure is because every car is different, if you wanted me to replace an ignition module on a saturn engine i can do it in 10 minutes. replace an ignition module on a LS1 engine(camaro,firebird,corvette) i would be lucky if i could do it in 5 hours
awhile back i did buy an excert from a parts catalog off of ebay, similar to this one -
the one i receive included part numbers, labor times and MSRP for parts(at the time of printing of course). it didn't include everything for my vehicle, but it did tell me alot. i still use it often. the info provided may variy by manufactior.
you can also buy a complete parts catalog from the manufactior, in most cases. for most GMs i beleave the order form is in the very back of the owners manual.