Auto Repair Service; Question on pricing; Request for referrals

[Fl0und3rz]

I can't add anything that Coach didn't already say except for the part about adding other parts because you're already there. I'd use the timing belt job as a good example. While you're in there replacing the timing belt, let's replace the tensioner and the idler and the cam seals for example. My reasoning for this is as follows...if you're already in there doing all the labor, why wouldn't you spend a few more bucks on those parts while it's apart? 6 months from now if that tensioner breaks, throws the timing belt, valves smack pistons and ruins your engine, you're an owner. If the cam seals start leaking oil, you do all the labor again to fix it 6 months from now...There is no warranty on anything. Why not have that added insurance?
Disclaimer...I'm at a domestic shop and do very few timing belt jobs so my example may not be totally accurate, but you get the idea.

Agreed in this context. I have, myself, had a water pump replaced when doing the timing belt, even when it was working fine.  I think the justification is sound in the abstract.  In application, I get the sense the shop in the OP abuses the philosophy and their parts markup a bit indiscriminately and always in the shop's favor, if that makes sense.

[Woodchuck]

I would just say that if you have a question on something like that just send a pm to one of the shop guys on here. I have been service writing for a day or 2. I am happy to answer any questions I can based on what I do here.

[jackelope]

I would just say that if you have a question on something like that just send a pm to one of the shop guys on here. I have been service writing for a day or 2. I am happy to answer any questions I can based on what I do here.

Ditto. Happy to help, I have access to labor time guides, etc and if there's ever a question just ask. If it's any consolation, I haven't seen shops sell parts at MSRP price in a while. Matrix is the new way. 

[h20hunter]

Little side note on what Jack said.....if you know to ask most parts departments do indeed run a matrix, however, not for the body shop side of the business. So, if you know that, and ask in a polite manner most parts guys on the back, front, or wholesale counter will sell you the parts as MSRP simply to keep your business away from the aftermarket side.

[coachcw]

As those boys said timing belt jobs are a full meal for me , I'm not willing to hang my rep on a job that doesn't get the full kit , they only make sense. as well as wear items on jobs like ls lifter guides. the other thing I always do is head gaskets in pairs we never do one side . the other area where I do the while your at it is when i'm in a transmission as far as shift solenoids and pwm solenoids

[jackelope]

As those boys said timing belt jobs are a full meal for me , I'm not willing to hang my rep on a job that doesn't get the full kit , they only make sense. as well as wear items on jobs like ls lifter guides. the other thing I always do is head gaskets in pairs we never do one side . the other area where I do the while your at it is when i'm in a transmission as far as shift solenoids and pwm solenoids

A lot of things like that make sense.  Sometimes it doesn't and that's what you've got to be on the watch for.
Coach is in the pits doing this stuff too, I'm just a desk jockey.

[Skyvalhunter]

Better than a camel jockey

[Johnb317]

Pricing parts is interesting too:
Coil pack for Lexus....
Lexus dealership. 120.00
Toyota dealership.  85.00

Same part number. 

[CAMPMEAT]

My shop Is called Automotive Inc.  931 N . 96th Seattle 98103 (206)522-6100 Corey . With this raffle tag you may not see me many Mondays and Fridays , but I should be working late into the night every other day. Feel free to give me a call , if you guys have any questions or need referral's in the north end . often it's better to know who not to go to .

Are you near 85th and Aurora by chance ? I have a friend who used to own a shop on 85th ish and he was from Thailand. He went by the name ' Mike " but his real name was Krit Muangjinda. Does that ring a bell ?

[jackelope]

Pricing parts is interesting too:
Coil pack for Lexus....
Lexus dealership. 120.00
Toyota dealership.  85.00

Same part number.

I guarantee you you'd get 2 different prices at 2 different Toyota dealers too.

[h20hunter]

You will also get different prices between the two local Lexus dealers.....

[Woodchuck]

 

[coachcw]

My shop Is called Automotive Inc.  931 N . 96th Seattle 98103 (206)522-6100 Corey . With this raffle tag you may not see me many Mondays and Fridays , but I should be working late into the night every other day. Feel free to give me a call , if you guys have any questions or need referral's in the north end . often it's better to know who not to go to .

Are you near 85th and Aurora by chance ? I have a friend who used to own a shop on 85th ish and he was from Thailand. He went by the name ' Mike " but his real name was Krit Muangjinda. Does that ring a bell ?

Yeah i'm on 96th. was your buddys place mikes Japanese auto? if so he was a good guy. I'm pretty sure I've helped him on some caddy stuff.

[CAMPMEAT]

My shop Is called Automotive Inc.  931 N . 96th Seattle 98103 (206)522-6100 Corey . With this raffle tag you may not see me many Mondays and Fridays , but I should be working late into the night every other day. Feel free to give me a call , if you guys have any questions or need referral's in the north end . often it's better to know who not to go to .

Are you near 85th and Aurora by chance ? I have a friend who used to own a shop on 85th ish and he was from Thailand. He went by the name ' Mike " but his real name was Krit Muangjinda. Does that ring a bell ?

Yeah i'm on 96th. was your buddys place mikes Japanese auto? if so he was a good guy. I'm pretty sure I've helped him on some caddy stuff.

Yes it was. Is his still there ? I haven't seen him since the late 70's.

[coachcw]

yes I believe he is . I haven't seen him for a few months.