$1000 to replace struts?!

[swanny]

So I went to get my tired rotated the other day on my 1993 Subaru Legacy wagon (go ahead, make whatever jokes you want but this care get's me from point A to point B, and back again). The kid at Les Schwab gives me my keys when they are done and then says, oh by the way you should get your struts replace, here is a quote for $950. I looked at him and told him he was crazy, mainly because I was shocked by the price. Looking around at NAPA, struts for my car are $91 for the front and $90 for the rear. Are they really wanting to charge nearly $500 in labor?! I didn't look to closely at the quote because the kid just threw it in my face, didn't even want to talk about it or tell me what it includes. It's hard to want to spend or be okay with spending that kind of money on a car that isn't worth much more than that. Is Les Schwab trying to stick it to me or is this a real price for having this done?

[Skillet]

Shop it.  You'll find much better pricing.  Les Schwab charges too much $$$ for everything, IMHO.

[h20hunter]

I would think an hour per corner max on labor.

[Miles]

They're just trying to sell you stuff.  It's what they do, they're SALESMAN...   Some aren't very good at it, but they are supposed to sell you everything they can before you walk out the door.

[elkoholic1]

per alldata labor guide front struts replcement are 3.3hours and rears are 3.6 then u have an alignment along with that for usually 1.0       

[swanny]

They're just trying to sell you stuff.  It's what they do, they're SALESMAN...   Some aren't very good at it, but they are supposed to sell you everything they can before you walk out the door.

That's the problem, the kid was a horrible salesman. He just put it in front of me.

I'm going to shop around, I might even go check with the manager. He's a good guy and I've had them do plenty of other work before. Just pissed me off and needed to vent   

[JohnVH]

I would think an hour per corner max on labor.

4hrs x $100/hr = $400 in labor right there, then add a 4 wheel alignment on that..

Change the struts yourself, take it somewhere else to get aligned and your good to go for a 1/4 the price

[FC]

per alldata labor guide front struts replcement are 3.3hours and rears are 3.6 then u have an alignment along with that for usually 1.0       

That is about what I was thinking, $750ish in labor and $200 or so for parts.

Good luck on getting it done much cheaper than that! Make sure you are getting good struts instead of the cheapest one available too. If you get cheap struts your car will not ride like it should and the struts won't last.

[Heredoggydoggy]

per alldata labor guide front struts replcement are 3.3hours and rears are 3.6 then u have an alignment along with that for usually 1.0       

That is about what I was thinking, $750ish in labor and $200 or so for parts.

Good luck on getting it done much cheaper than that! Make sure you are getting good struts instead of the cheapest one available too. If you get cheap struts your car will not ride like it should and the struts won't last.

   Unless you have a spring compressor, and enjoy turning bolts that have been rusting for 15 years, you will soon think $950 is cheap!  I'd check around for a good price from a more professional shop.  The people that work for Les Schwab are in the same category a WalMart eye doctors. 

[Johnb317]

If you live in the Bellevue area check out Elliot tire on Rose hill (kirkland)
PM me and I'll give you the managers name.

Otherwise get or rent some Coil compressors and do it yourself..... about an hour a side, then take it to someone and have the car re-aligned.
I'm sure if you google Subaru, year and strut replacement there will be at least a couple how-to pages.

btw - Schwab is not as good as once was.... I had a flat so when fixing he noted my rear brakes were worn... quoted me an outrageous price  rebuilt calipers etc.
I replaced the pads for $60.00   (you rarely if ever need to replace the calipers). 



good luck

[Bean Counter]

   for All Wheel Drive Auto in Kirkland, if you go by that way.

[weasel]

Give a call to Pacific Import Auto (PIA) on Pacific Ave in the Parkland/Spanaway area. Might be a bit for you to go but that's where we take my wife's Forester.  They only work on Subaru vehicles and i've been satisfied with their work and price... Recently had the turbo replaced and they did a good job in workmanship and cost.  She won't let me work on it cause somehow i always have parts left over. calls me Mr. Good wrench...

[dscubame]

Have them check the piston return springs while they are at it.  They are notorious for going bad in them subarus.

[swanny]

Thanks for all the suggestions of shops. There is a place down the hill from me in Kent that I have had Subaru work done on. Gonna check them out again, the guy was honest the last time I took it in and even did cleaned my headlights since they were dirty.

[whacker1]

Thanks for all the suggestions of shops. There is a place down the hill from me in Kent that I have had Subaru work done on. Gonna check them out again, the guy was honest the last time I took it in and even did cleaned my headlights since they were dirty.

I would ask this second shop if they even need to be replaced.  I have had Less Schwab just make suggestions, because they have no record of doing the work and therefore assume that it needs to be done.  One of the many reasons I quit going to Les Schwab.  Or maybe you only need to replace the front or rear?