Estimate for 1,250 to fix radiator and heater core on 98 Taurus??

Question

Does this sound about right? They said 8 hrs labor at 78.00 an hour. Then the other costs are the parts. Anyone every had this type of work done? Is the car even worth fixing with 123,000 miles???

Answer 1

Had it done on a much older car for a lot less. Get a 2nd opinion; call a radiator shop ?

Answer 2

Yeah that's about right. From the last Taurus heater core job I estimated I think the labor was about 7 hours - the whole dash has to come out - not a fun job at all. Radiators typically run about an hour or so, which means it all adds up OK.

Answer 3

Well, the hours are about right. you must remove the dash assy to replace heater core, about 6 hours. Radiators are a pain also, about 2 hours. You could probably do better on the labor rate by not taking it to a dealer. I be leave it could be done for about half the cost if taken to a side mech. Lots of miles to determine if worth fixing., but can you afford not to is the questing.

Answer 4

That estimate sounds especially high to me. I recently had my daughter's Mazda radiator replaced for approx. $400, and a heater core shouldn't run you more than maybe $200. I had the heater blower in my '96 Tuarus replaced for about that and the heater core should be about the same or less.

Answer 5

The heater core is pretty hard to get to, but it's only about $200 worth of parts. You don't fix those things, you replace them. Dishonest shops can make more money on ridiculous parts markups than labor.

Answer 6

They are ripping you off big time.I am a mechanic,I would only charge you 5 and a quarter hours labor for both jobs.Go elsewhere this guy is trying to Gravy Train you.