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About right Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Tue, 27 Apr 2004 06:05:38
In Reply to: Dealer says: "$690.00 for heater core", Steveh, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 13:51:34 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
That's about a going rate at a dealer. Yes, they mark up the price of parts, and yes, their labor rates seem like a lot. Is it excessive? The dealer is getting it, so I guess it isn't. If someone could do it cheaper on a regular basis, they would be doing it and getting all the business. Oh, wait - that's called and independent shop. And you'll find they're cheaper, but not a whole lot. As someone that has to stay in business, it ain't free.
It is a DIY job, especially in the 'newer' cars. It all depends on your 'fussing around' threshold. Some folks can't be bothered, and although the cost is high, it's better than doing it yourself. Depends on the person.
As to how easy it is, I would classify it as 'moderate.' Of course, 'moderate' varies from person to person. I don't know how much car work you've done, and what tools you've got. Please take no offense here. If someone has only changed oil and spark plugs, changing out a heater core is a big task. If someone has replaced a water pump, then a heater core is a step up, but not a big one.
There is a great range of experience on this board, and among car folks in general. There are folks that regularly pull and engine and have it back in by the end of the weekend. For them, this is a trivial task. Respect their skill level, but take the 'it's easy' with a grain of salt.
Replacing a heater core will require draining the cooling system, a decent set of tools, and at least 4-5 hours if you haven't done one before. They definately get easier and faster with practice.
I usually do my own work, partially because I think I take more care than the dealer, pertially for the fun of it, and mostly because I'm cheap. However, a few years back life was crazy, it was cold and my garage was full of junk, and I just didn't have the time or energy to devote a day to the task, so I had a heater core done by the dealer. It couldn't wait until the weather warmed and the work that pays the bills calmed down. This summer I'll do the heater core in my other car myself, because life is calmer and the weather warmer.
Dealer prices are high, and you can complain about them as much as you want. No problem there. But you always have a choice - do it yourself, or find a cheaper independent. I've read the Constitution, and nowhere in there was there a guarantee of inexpensive auto repairs.
posted by 192.249....
, Tue, 27 Apr 2004 06:05:38 <-- Viewing This Message
, Tue, 27 Apr 2004 10:58:04, Wed, 28 Apr 2004 09:48:27, Tue, 27 Apr 2004 15:36:53
, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 14:53:46, Tue, 27 Apr 2004 08:27:59, Mon, 26 Apr 2004 17:51:26
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