I have a 1999 Calillac Deville, recently I had problems with battery\alternator, I took it to a mechanic friend, he replaced it with another alternator, next day I experienced worse problems, car was dead, then took it to a Cadillac dealership,first they asked for an analysis fee for $110, which I agrred,next day they called and said they need to put a new battery to check and see the problem, price $ 180 installed,, I agreed to this too,following day they called and said they need to put a new good "Cadillac" brand alternator, price is $ 960, and then they said they will check to see if there are other problems,, my question is, am I stuck ? how much really an alternator cost with labor? thanks for your advices,
2006-11-13 13:16:19 · 10 answers · asked by jonatan3 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Dude, First I would recommend that you run like hell from that dealership, I have never heard of a alternator costing $960, besides the alternator is not made by "Cadillac", it is made by General Motors Corp. Sounds to me like that they are ripping you off. I would also report them to the consumer protection agency for price gouging. The most expensive alternator I have ever seen was about $300 and that was for a heavy truck. I also think that they stiffed you pretty good for that battery too.
2006-11-13 13:50:05 · answer #1 · answered by bobby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Alternator plus labor should never go over 250. depending where you live. I am guessing with the screwing you just took you are probably in California. As far as a Cadillac alternator, that is a bunch of crap, they are just stiffing you. Delco makes most of the alternators for American built cars. Charging problems are quite basic for a properly trained mechanic/tech. Most shops don't really have good electricians capable of properly troubleshooting these problems, so they shotgun the problem. I would take this repair to the bureau of automotive repairs if there is one in your area, back in the old days they hung horse thieves!
Get some rope!
2006-11-13 21:24:47 · answer #2 · answered by Robert D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I would tell them not to put the alternator on. That is way too much, alternators are not that hard to put on. Surely you can find someone who is mechanically inclined who needs a few extra bucks and have them do it for less than half the price you will be paying them. The hardest part to putting an alternator on is getting the belt back on right and there is a picture diagram for that. Also, that shop is doing what most of them do and taking advantage of you. I would tell them if it was obviously not the battery then you want yours back in there and our not paying for the new one. They are supposed to be professionals and be able to diagnose the problem and then fix it, not try to screw someone.
2006-11-13 21:29:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dealership service managers make a comission on shop time. If they're low on their "quota" of billable hours, they will find somebody to "stick". They love the non-warranty walk-ins, they get hosed the worst. You didnt buy the car from them, you dont know them, you're out of warranty = you're screwed. I have a friend that works at a dealership, and he tells me horror stories all the time.
Get your car the hell out of a dealership. The same alternator you paid $960 for costs about 150 or less at Autozone.
2006-11-13 23:26:57 · answer #4 · answered by electron670 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would take the car somewhere else other than a delership and $960 for a alternator is crazy i am shure there are good aftermarket alternators for a lot cheaper. and maybe thats not even the problem it may have an exess draw or a wiring issue. good luck!
2006-11-13 21:27:23 · answer #5 · answered by lem604 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brand names do cost more but WOW $960 for an alternator WOW! I would tell them to put the other one back on and take it elsewhere
2006-11-13 21:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by Jeep Driver 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A battery should cost about 75.00 at best. A brand new alternator with a lifetime warranty from NAPA is 209.00 so be careful. Sounds like your getting screwed.
2006-11-13 23:55:57 · answer #7 · answered by Bender911 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your being ripped off friend.just go to auto zone and get a new battery for about 75 dollars,alternator,about either 100 to 150 dollars.ill say get your car out of that damn place,or they are going to drain you dry.stay away from those dealers and go to a small mech.,you can trust,or do the work yourself.(thats what i do.i dont trust them,because ive been ripped off before,and no more.)...good luck.
2006-11-13 22:03:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i never heard of such an expensive alternator. it sounds like they are just pulling money from you. alternators (the part) don't usually cost more than 200 dolllars.
2006-11-13 21:23:49 · answer #9 · answered by Jessica T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow i think you are getting hosed ! Cadillac parts are pricey but this is ridiculous
2006-11-13 21:24:45 · answer #10 · answered by sterling m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋