Catalytic converter replacement cost?

[Ghost Hunter]

Took 2012 Forester into dealer for a few services items.  Got some quotes that got my heart pumping.     The catalytic converter, front control arm bushing replacements, and windshield are big ticket items.  Appears I am spending a down payment on a new model.     Thinking about a 'gofundme' page  .   

[Sandberm]

Spill the beans...how much?

My step son works in a garage. They charged a guy $3000 to replace the blend door(hot air/cold air dealio) on a newer Chevy Colorado. Complete dash removal....lots of labor to change out a $40 part

[jackelope]

Don’t do a windshield at a dealership. Call a glass guy.

Don’t do a cat at a dealership. Take it to an exhaust shop.

Both will be exponentially cheaper away from the dealer.

(I’m a dealership service manager)

[jackelope]

Spill the beans...how much?

My step son works in a garage. They charged a guy $3000 to replace the blend door(hot air/cold air dealio) on a newer Chevy Colorado. Complete dash removal....lots of labor to change out a $40 part

That seems excessive, even at Bellevue prices.

[boneaddict]

I’d say essentially anything you can do outside of a dealership, do it outside the dealership.  I priced a spare rim for an extra spare. Dodge quoted me 2k.   I got it at schwabs for 300.

[HUNTIN4SIX]

Off subject but on topic....some mechanics have really jacked up prices.  $155/hr.  over here for just a backwoods mechanic.  Just got quoted 30k for a Chev. lml long block rebuilt.  Absolutely crazy.....

[jackelope]

I’d say essentially anything you can do outside of a dealership, do it outside the dealership.  I priced a spare rim for an extra spare. Dodge quoted me 2k.   I got it at schwabs for 300.

Assuming you quoted a replacement factory wheel at the dealer and an aftermarket wheel that would work at Schwab’s since they don’t sell factory wheels. Even $300 seems steep in my opinion.

Brakes at Schwabs cost more than what we charge. We’re also cheaper on tires than Schwabs.

[boneaddict]

300 seemed steep to me also, but after the 2k quote I was primed to be fleeced.  Yeah, never do your brakes at Schwab’s

[Sandberm]

Off subject but on topic....some mechanics have really jacked up prices.  $155/hr.  over here for just a backwoods mechanic.  Just got quoted 30k for a Chev. lml long block rebuilt.  Absolutely crazy.....

I asked my step son what they charge at the shop he works at. He said it was between 140 and 160 but he couldn't remember the exact number.

Heck, I was shocked last month when i hired a plumber and their rate was $219/hour if I remember right.

Back on topic. Last windshield I had replaced on my chevy s10 was in April of 2019 at Safelite. It was a little under $350. Of course in October of that same year something hit it and put a softball size smash in it, I decided to live with it.

At 305,000 miles the steering is getting a bit loose in my little truck and I wonder if i have the patience to try and tackle what it takes to do that job.

[EnglishSetter]

I’d say essentially anything you can do outside of a dealership, do it outside the dealership.  I priced a spare rim for an extra spare. Dodge quoted me 2k.   I got it at schwabs for 300.

^^^^this.  Dealers don't even want to service 12 year old cars.

[Wolfdog2314]

Thought I was having a cat problem on my ecoboost f150, quote was 750$ (parts/labor) for one. Had them tested tho, and both were still good.

[Ghost Hunter]

Yah, we may be getting fleeced.  Got a new loaner while they do it.  We are taking care of grandkids and this is only rig wife can drive.  On top of her  trying to handle poa and needs of sister in hospice.  Couldn't see doing everything in timely and convenient fashion.  I'll wait to share the damages when I get final bill.  Between our 2 rigs have over 290,000 miles logged.

[jackelope]

I’d say essentially anything you can do outside of a dealership, do it outside the dealership.  I priced a spare rim for an extra spare. Dodge quoted me 2k.   I got it at schwabs for 300.

^^^^this.  Dealers don't even want to service 12 year old cars.

We service 12 year old cars all day long. Not sure where you’d get that idea from. My average vehicle is 6 years old and roughly 67k miles I’d guess. We track it and I can verify tomorrow. Whatever dealer you’ve experienced who doesn’t want to service 12 year old vehicles has a screw loose.

[jackelope]

Off subject but on topic....some mechanics have really jacked up prices.  $155/hr.  over here for just a backwoods mechanic.  Just got quoted 30k for a Chev. lml long block rebuilt.  Absolutely crazy.....

Nobody rebuilds engines anymore. It’s wayyyyy more cost effective to just replace it. And the warranty is better.

We’re $225/hour except for maintenance and brakes and some other lighter stuff like that. Labor is reduced to stay competitive.  We’re scheduled 42 cars a day 3 weeks out right now.

[Alchase]

For windshield replacement, I go with a zero deductible on my Comprehensive insurance costs about $9.00 more a month for both vehicles. Picked up a nice crack in my windshield in September. Two hours in a Safe Light Auto Glass and out the door at no cost to me.

Windshields are crazy expensive now.