What Is It With Mechanics?

Question

That want to charge $1100.00 to put in a water pump? When there are others who charge less than $500.00 and perform the same quality work.

It isn't just the Oil Companies gauging us!

Answer 1

I am trying to figure out why they were trying to charge you that much for a water pump? The only time i have ever seen a bill that high was on a Toyota ..but it wasn't just the water pump..I have also seen IT on GM V-6 engines..of course there was a lower intake being changed as well..

its too bad..Most garages have to work twice as hard to make up for the bad name some shops give us..As for DIY i recommend picking your battles..If you have a problem changing a tire(i am not meaning you-just an example..) Don't look at doing a water pump..I see lots of people that shouldn't be working on there own cars at my shop,It costs even more to fix the mistakes you made..

If you are mechanically inclined and have the resources to do the job(tools ,reference , etc..) ,have a good time..the money saved in labour can be huge.

Answer 2

Most reputable repair facilities in the U.S. rely on a tiny little pocket-sized book called the Mitchell Labor Estimating Guide (just kidding, it is about 13" thick and weighs about 7 pounds) to give a fair estimation of the time it will take to do a specific service. The guide is based on Industry standards for an average repair job. If, for example, your specific vehicle year, make, model and engine size takes 2 hours to replace a water pump, and that shop charges a flat labor rate of $70.00 per hour (which is reasonable), the job will cost you $140.00 plus the cost of the part.

Remember that additional services (coolant exchange/flush, replace hoses, replace thermostat, etc.) may also be required. Also, additional labor charges may be incurred if the tech has to remove and reinstall components that are in the way of reaching the water pump.

We, your automotive professionals, are trying to give you the best service at the best price. Personally, I see red when I see questions such as yours. Someone is not doing you any favors, and as a result we all are painted with the same brush.

Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional.

Answer 3

first things first... find out what the $1100 is changing and compare that to what the others will charge $500 for.

Some places do take advantage of people.. others do not.... Usually you have to find a well respected independant (friends and the better business bureau).. one of the chain stores (like good year who have to answer to higher ups if they try to screw over people) or dealerships (that have to answer to the manufacturer if they try to screw over)

Before you blame all mechanics, find out the truth... all use roughly the same books to determine the labor charge (if they don't use a book or an automated system for the labor time,stay away).. the price difference is usually where they get the part (the dealer is usually higher than say napa or the zone, but usually have better warranties) and if they add extras the others don't (as some rather say replace all the hoses and flush the cooling system to remove what caused the water pump to fail in the first place than just replace the pump and the gallon of coolant and have you back in a few thousand miles unhappy)

Sorry for my vent but every profession is like this (I've found more than a few doctors and dentist that fraud to keep those Jags), find out the facts before you say someone is gouging

Answer 4

I'm not defending them here .

The $1100 quote is probably for a Genuine Factory Pump and the $500 quote is for an Aftermarket pump .

Funny thing is that the Genuine Pump is most likely made by the same company that make the Aftermarket Pump ( GMB or similar parts makers for OEM )

So the pump quality is likely to be the same

Answer 5

He is trying to take advantage of your female status. There are many repair garages, shop around. Best to bring man and let him do all the talking. Any man will do. Better if they have at least some mechanical experience with cars.

$1100 is WAY out of line. Leave fast, and tell all your friends not to go their. And perhaps, call the mechanic back and tell him that you are telling all your friends that he won't be getting any of their business either. Maybe he will learn from that!Maybe put up a small picket line in front of his store with big signs that say "RIP OFF"

Answer 6

I took my van to a mechanic at Sullivan tire and auto service to fine out where a oil leak was coming from under the motor, they couldn't find where it was coming from and charge me 12.50 and told me it wasn't coming from the oil pan, cause that was my thought where it was coming from, so I took it to a car wash to steam clean the engine well when they hit the oil filter with the presure the oil filter flew off the engine went and got a another oil filter put it on and no more oil leaking. The point of the whole story is doing it your self will save time and money on your part.

Answer 7

sorry if you have had a bad experiance. as with any profession there are hanest and dishonest people.
i am an ASE certified master tech. I attended college and received an A\S degree in automotive technology. There is constant training needed to stay current.
the equipment need to diagnose and repair automobiles is staggering. I have about $50,000.00 invested just in the tools in my tool boxes.
to fully equip a up to date shop is well over a million dollars. to shop by price alone is not what i would recommend. check with your local AAA office. talk to co workers, family and friends. good luck. not all of us are crooks.

Answer 8

depends on the shop where your going.....if your comparing the labor per hour from the dealer to come little garage that's like comparing apples to oranges...and how they back up the work that was done...I'm a shop owner that have too many customer;s have some street mechanic screw up there car and then bring it to me and then cost them 3-4 time s more because they made more problems then they fixed...

Answer 9

some want to make it rich fast i guess -what kinda vehicle for a 1100.00 water pump?---thats obserd

Answer 10

What do the oil companies have to do with a water pump?

Different people charge different amounts. So what.

Welcome to the real world Neo.