Originally posted by smoore:
yeah i guess your right!!!!!!!!
Remember to check "the rest of the story"
Hourly rates alone do not a good deal make.
How many hours you are charged is just as important, if not more so. If a dealer sticks to the flat rate manual, NO MATTER WHAT, then that should be your first, financial consideration. If the dealer says he uses the guide for 'most' things, be very wary. Techs like to try to convince service mgrs why some times in the book are unfair. Well guess what- that goes both ways. yeah, there may be a few times in the books that are a bit 'thin', but there are just as many that are like Christmas time all year round.
You have to take the good with the bad, so our policy is flat rate guide, PERIOD.
The best thing to do is write down four or five of the jobs you are most likely to do in a year, and call for all four estimates at one time to each of your prospective dealer choices, like brake pads, thermostat, clutch, t-belt, and a/c service. Ask for the parts and labor break down on all four or five jobs and see how the differences stack up. It will be a real eye opener, GAURENTEED.
Good Luck,
working for 66.00/ hr
Mark 'flat rate' Basch