I've been negotiating with a mechanic (works at a Volvo dealership, though it's a private sale) for a used 1999 S70 (140k miles). Carfax is pretty clean besides a front end collision, and the car drove nicely on the weekend.

Two days ago, the guy informed me that he discovered an oil leak coming from the power steering rack. He said he's going to order + replace the part within a couple of days, because it's a pretty easy job.

However, when I spoke to the mechanic today, he said that the repair is costing him $300 (part), and that he'd like to bump the price of the car up by a couple hundred to compensate. Does this seem like a reasonable amount to be charging for this repair?

I'll be taking the car for a final inspection (re: the front end collision on the car's history) to another mechanic and will ask to verify that this repair actually has been done - if not, I'll obviously walk away, but if so, I'd like to know whether the guy is trying to make a few bucks by misquoting the repair.


Thanks guys,
- D

 

Well he is LUCKY he is getting the part for that much. i'm getting my rack replaced next monday and its going to cost $828 total. He's obviously going to have to do the labor himself (4-5 hours) so hes basically charging you the extra for the part, without the labor cost. So if thats the only thing thats wrong with it, go for it.

 

I did mine myself, got part from Rockauto for about $250 and changed it myself in my garage and it was a change of life experience. My posts are on here somewhere Tech helped me through the process.

When I was done I still had to pay 80 bucks for front end alignment. Just make sure to mark the rack or at least take a good look at the old one to make sure he just doesn't just change the protective boots and wipe unit down and spray paint (old Firestone trick). I think for three hundred it is money well spent. Good luck!

Phil