are auto repairs prices negotiable?

Question

I am having $1500 worth of work done...can I negotiate this price?

Answer 1

prices negotiable
All prices are negotiable

Answer 2

I work as a service advisor in a shop. Naturally it would depend on the repairs you are having done and where you take the vehicle. If you are having some basic repairs done, there is a certin amount shops HAVE to make to cover the overhead. My shop, if we cover the overhead and the person needing the repairs negotiate a reasonable price, we will work with them.
Do not go to a dealership cuz they have more expirence- that is such a ridiculous myth! My shop has been in business for over 52 yrs. Same owner, smae location and ALL of our techs have the same training any tech has in a dealership.
Just make sure where ever you go has a good reputation and guarantees their work fully!

Answer 3

Not usually. Most shops will post their hourly labor rate in a conspicuous place so that you know what they charge per hour for labor.

If you go to a new car dealership they will have a book from the manufacturer that tells approx. how long the repair will take and that is what they use as a basis for paying the mechanic.

You can also ask for used parts or even rebuilt parts depending on what went wrong but use someone who is reputable and guarantees their work. Sometimes that means going to a national repair shop like Gateway, Master Muffler, etc..

If you're having serious mechanic work done I recommend the dealer even if the car is older because of their specific experience with that car and it's problems.

Answer 4

It depends. Usually the most negotiating room you're going to have is to have the shop use cheaper aftermarket parts.

It's hard to tell you how negotiable the price may be without knowing what work is being performed.

Alot of independant shops will help the little guy out depending on the work. Don't expect oil changes to be negotiable. But you have some room to work with major engine, drive train and suspension work. If you're trying to negotiate simply because you don't want to pay that much, the guy is usually going to be able to tell. If, like in my circumstance when the transmission went in my boyfriends car, you're really scraping to get by, they'll often work with you on how much they charge you and may be willing to work out a payment plan.

This is why I always - always - always recommend finding a shop and sticking with that shop, whether it's oil changes, brakes, fluid flushes, or whatever. Once you establish a relationship with a shop, they're much more willing to work with you.

Answer 5

Usually not. You might get a deal IF the shop agrees to using remanufactured, or even used, parts instead of new, but, as a consequence, you may have not warranty on those parts. Could be worth a try but don't be surprised if the shop won't do this.
If you already authorized the work in writing then it is too late for any of this and you'll have to bite the bullet.

Answer 6

You will have to shop around for a better price. Mechanics do not negotiate for work they do. If you know what the problem is, call other mechanics that have their own shops, usually they are less pricey than the main garages.

Answer 7

Everything is negotiable, but the repair facility may or may not be willing to reduce it's price. You have to be ready to walk away for this to have a chance of working. Also, if you have an estimate that is less then theirs, they may be willing to match it.

Answer 8

No. You gave authorization for that shop to do $1,500 worth of work. If that was just an estimate than maybe.