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Post by trailboss on Apr 19, 2020 18:37:08 GMT -5
Our 2007 Dodge Nitro is starting to give a rough ride, so I took it into Big O tires for a suspension inspection.They determined that the shocks and struts need replaced, and they found that both lower control arms are cracked. The prices quoted for parts was $1,876.00, with labor $2,500.00 The estimate shows the parts numbers that they get exclusively from Napa, all Napa Branded parts. (fortunately they show all of the NAPA parts numbers. I checked my prices buying the same parts from Napa, and my price is $1,181.49I went online to rockauto and with upgraded parts, all the KYB shocks and struts I get a $50.00 mail rebate, and the retailmenot discount code of 5% off on all purchases. www.rockauto.com/Cost or parts is $430.74, shipping and taxes bring it to $489.00. My son in laws, brother in law that is a mechanic said he would do the work for nothing, but he will be paid generously generously, fed and have a meal and drinks along with a fine cigar. And...if the lower control arms are not really showing signs of cracking, purchases through Paypal include free return shipping.I realize that the local shop has to pay for overhead in the form of rent, wages, benefits, etc... but this seems crazy.
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Post by terrapinflyer on Apr 19, 2020 18:47:27 GMT -5
Yeah, that's a heck of a markup! My father-in-law helped us out with that stuff. Auto mechanic for many years, he'd tell me if something was fair or do the work himself while I cut his lawn.
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Post by Darin on Apr 19, 2020 18:52:02 GMT -5
Rock Auto is a great site and has some of the most useful "exploded view" diagrams to help you find the right part. If I can't do the work myself, I go to an independent mechanic with the parts in hand. The amount of dishonesty and downright thievery when it comes to mechanics (especially dealerships and big boxes) is insane. Edit: almost 3 years ago ... thebriarpatchforum.com/thread/2207/why-mechanics-crooks
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Post by trailboss on Apr 19, 2020 18:56:00 GMT -5
This is not the first time that I used Big O for diagnostics, they do provide a valuable service for $20.00...it saves me from having Micah come over twice...They chiseled $20.00 off of me.  My son is in town and was badgering me on taking the car to big O...He figured that I need to a cut my losses and go to a dealer and buy a new car with all the Covid- inspired promotions...I don't want a car payment when I started breaking down the numbers, he was having an I told you so moment. as I was reading off the costs, he went strangely silent when I quoted rockauto's prices and what Micah told me he would do the work for.
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Post by pepesdad1 on Apr 19, 2020 19:14:42 GMT -5
Having a good mechanic is like having a good Dr....both are needed and both you can trust...both are really hard to find.
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Post by addamsruspipe on Apr 19, 2020 20:32:08 GMT -5
When I found my trustworthy corner repair shop. My repair costs dropped by 50-60%. From everything from oil changes to transmission replacements. Having the right mechanic/shop is enormous. 😀
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Post by adui on Apr 20, 2020 12:16:07 GMT -5
So THATS how Big O can afford to keep giving us free oil change coupons.
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Post by puffy on Apr 20, 2020 15:57:53 GMT -5
Once I was visiting my sister in another state my car (Buick) started acting up.I called a dealer.He told me to bring the car to him but don't get over 35 miles per hour..He replaced. a coil..When I got back home I talked to a fella who worked at an auto parts store.He told me that part cost about 20 bucks and could be replaced in 20 minutes..So for that $20 part and 20 minutes labor that dealer charger me $200..I know a local mechanic that I've dealt with for 20 years.He's honest and does good work at a fair price.
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