Independent mechanics - why I use them
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Independent mechanics - why I use them
This post has nothing to do with the techs that work at the dealers but questions the need to charge rates to accommodate a probable top heavy business model.
I have two independent mechanics that are my go to guys when I am lazy. I was busy doing a timing belt on my Subbie and my wife's S60 needed the AC compressor replaced.
So I called my indie guy that will work on a Volvo. He said get the parts and bring the car in to him. Bought the AC compressor and since the serpentine belt will be loose, plus it needs to be replaced, I bought one. New pulley to go with it.
The guy installed all of the parts and the invoice was $260 labor and $26 for refrigerant.
I already posted this info - for kicks and giggles I had called the dealer for a serpentine belt install --- answer was $325.
My inde guy did much, much more for a lessor price. In the 25 years I've used him, his reasonable, honest business model has brought a lot of referrals and made him a lot of money. Houses in Florida, classic cars, owning restaurants, etc. He doesn't charge flat rate but gets paid for time worked on a car. Seems reasonable to me.
Is it is proof that you really don't need to charge horrendous prices and still make a lot of money. I think so.
My guy even tidied up some things under the hood and didn't charge a thing.
SWAMBO is happy now.
I have two independent mechanics that are my go to guys when I am lazy. I was busy doing a timing belt on my Subbie and my wife's S60 needed the AC compressor replaced.
So I called my indie guy that will work on a Volvo. He said get the parts and bring the car in to him. Bought the AC compressor and since the serpentine belt will be loose, plus it needs to be replaced, I bought one. New pulley to go with it.
The guy installed all of the parts and the invoice was $260 labor and $26 for refrigerant.
I already posted this info - for kicks and giggles I had called the dealer for a serpentine belt install --- answer was $325.
My inde guy did much, much more for a lessor price. In the 25 years I've used him, his reasonable, honest business model has brought a lot of referrals and made him a lot of money. Houses in Florida, classic cars, owning restaurants, etc. He doesn't charge flat rate but gets paid for time worked on a car. Seems reasonable to me.
Is it is proof that you really don't need to charge horrendous prices and still make a lot of money. I think so.
My guy even tidied up some things under the hood and didn't charge a thing.
SWAMBO is happy now.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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What is his hourly rate?
The dealer was simply being dishonest. I would have called them out on that. There are standard labor times and they are not going by them.
I have seen plenty of crooked independent shops. I have seen plenty of crooked dealer techs. It's more about the person than the shop.
The dealer was simply being dishonest. I would have called them out on that. There are standard labor times and they are not going by them.
I have seen plenty of crooked independent shops. I have seen plenty of crooked dealer techs. It's more about the person than the shop.
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 9,608
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From: Burlington, VT
My Indy charges about 100 an hour and will allow me to drop off parts. He'll even do diagnostic work by the half hour... I had him confirm a coolant leak for me and he did a pressure test for $39... Also, he'll tell me when he thinks a dealer should do the work vs his guys. I like my dealer (Volvo of Danbury in CT) but only go there when I need something special... I believe their labor rate is now 130 or so...
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