Friend paid ~$900 for a new catalytic converter for a 96 Taurus at Midas - how bad did they get ripped off?

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MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
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I was talking to a friend the other day who I hadn't seen in a while and somehow the subject turned to car repairs. They mentioned in passing that if I ever have trouble with my catalytic converter, that I shouldn't go to Midas. I know better than to take my car to any chain mechanic like that, but I was curious and asked much they charged.

Apparently it was about $900. My friend knows next to nothing about cars, but that seemed really high to me, even for a catalytic converter. I checked on Autozone and a new converter runs about $100. Midas charged them for two. I don't know anything about the Taurus, but it's not dual exhaust, so I really doubt there's two on the car. Of course there's labor too, but $900 to replace the catalytic converter on a 1996 Taurus seems high to me.

I'm especially interested to know if the V6 Taurus had two converters or not. If they charged her for two, and it only has one, it's time to go to that Midas store and bitch to someone, then file a complaint with the BBB.

Also, all you "straight pipe FTW people" who may or may not show up, the car won't pass E-Check without the converter.

edit for spelling
 
Abel007

Abel007

Platinum Member
Jun 12, 2001
2,169
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76
Sounds really high. I paid $200 installed for mine on a 95 Saturn. Other than I know that the sensor was not built-in the converter thats about all I know about the damn thing. :)
 

0

Golden Member
Jul 22, 2003
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Application: 1994 - 1998 Ford Taurus


Body: GL
Engine: 3.0L, V6, Gas, MFI, VIN "U"


Got Questions? 24 Hour Live Help Live Help Brand: Magnaflow

Description: SPECIAL PHONE SALE PRICE: The Manufacturer will not allow us to show this at a lower price. CALL US NOW for the GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE on MAGNAFLOW! - 53100 Series, Catalytic Converter, OBDII Compliant UNIVERSAL, Short Round , May Require Cutting And/Or Welding.

Price: $53.81

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/apw_s...apwkwd=Ford+Taurus+Catalytic+Converter
 
Ika

Ika

Lifer
Mar 22, 2006
14,264
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81
That sucks, dude. The mechanic was probably laughing all the way to the bank.
 
mcvickj

mcvickj

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2001
4,602
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I hope they used some lube. No way I would have paid that price. I'm suprised your buddy just shelled out $900 without getting a second opinion.

I would consider moving up the ladder and calling the corporate office.

Midas Customer Relations
1300 Arlington Heights Road
Itasca, IL 60143
1-800-621-8545
 
S

Stumps

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2001
7,125
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holy crap...US$900 for a cat...for a ford??? and I thought we payed a high price for them here for late model Fords(Falcon), I recently bought a new one for my Ford Falcon and I thought I was getting ripped at AU$350, but I needed it on the spot so I paided...but god damn US$900, dude...your friend got PWNED big time
 
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Horus

Platinum Member
Dec 27, 2003
2,838
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I didn't even pay that much for a whole new clutch assembly, installed, on my Mazda! That's INSANE!
 
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GrammatonJP

Golden Member
Feb 16, 2006
1,245
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Have him go to another mechanic and get estimate... and I think he can sue or do a credit card charge back ...
 
D

drnickriviera

Platinum Member
Jan 30, 2001
2,446
256
136
I have no idea about the Ford, but our Lexus has a 3 way cat. 2 by the heads and 1 in the normal place.
 
M

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
9,911
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76
Yeah, that's kind of what I thought. I'll have them bring the invoice over sometime and I'll take a look at it to see if anything looks off. Apparently Midas "had a hard time with it", so maybe labor was high, I have no idea what they charge. The combination of not knowing anything about cars and shops like Midas is just asking for trouble. I'm glad I know what I do, plus I know a reliable, honest, cheap mechanic.
 
C

CVSiN

Diamond Member
Jul 19, 2004
9,289
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Originally posted by: MrBond
I was talking to a friend the other day who I hadn't seen in a while and somehow the subject turned to car repairs. They mentioned in passing that if I ever have trouble with my catalytic converter, that I shouldn't go to Midas. I know better than to take my car to any chain mechanic like that, but I was curious and asked much they charged.

Apparently it was about $900. My friend knows next to nothing about cars, but that seemed really high to me, even for a catalytic converter. I checked on Autozone and a new converter runs about $100. Midas charged them for two. I don't know anything about the Taurus, but it's not dual exhaust, so I really doubt there's two on the car. Of course there's labor too, but $900 to replace the catalytic converter on a 1996 Taurus seems high to me.

I'm especially interested to know if the V6 Taurus had two converters or not. If they charged her for two, and it only has one, it's time to go to that Midas store and bitch to someone, then file a complaint with the BBB.

Also, all you "straight pipe FTW people" who may or may not show up, the car won't pass E-Check without the converter.

edit for spelling
Click to expand...

Ford uses 2 Cats per pipe... Taurus does have 2 mustangs have 4 ...
but yes you can get an aftermarket setup for alot less than that.. hell for 900 bucks I can get headers.. a high flow 2 cat setup mufflers and tailpipes..
retail no hookups..

so yah they got him pretty good..
 
W

Winchester

Diamond Member
Jan 21, 2003
4,965
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0
~$175 installed in my area.

FYI. For those who dont know, they have a mandatory 8 year warranty due to EPA. Just had mine replaced for free at the dealership.
 
J

J0hnny

Platinum Member
Jul 2, 2002
2,366
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Originally posted by: Winchester
~$175 installed in my area.

FYI. For those who dont know, they have a mandatory 8 year warranty due to EPA. Just had mine replaced for free at the dealership.
Click to expand...

Wow, now that's the kicker!!!
 
I

imported_Phil

Diamond Member
Feb 10, 2001
9,837
0
0
Originally posted by: J0hnny
Originally posted by: Winchester
~$175 installed in my area.

FYI. For those who dont know, they have a mandatory 8 year warranty due to EPA. Just had mine replaced for free at the dealership.
Click to expand...

Wow, now that's the kicker!!!
Click to expand...

Maths > j00.

2006 - 1996 = 10, not 8.
 
P

Pacemaker

Golden Member
Jul 13, 2001
1,184
2
0
Originally posted by: MrBond
I was talking to a friend the other day who I hadn't seen in a while and somehow the subject turned to car repairs. They mentioned in passing that if I ever have trouble with my catalytic converter, that I shouldn't go to Midas. I know better than to take my car to any chain mechanic like that, but I was curious and asked much they charged.

Apparently it was about $900. My friend knows next to nothing about cars, but that seemed really high to me, even for a catalytic converter. I checked on Autozone and a new converter runs about $100. Midas charged them for two. I don't know anything about the Taurus, but it's not dual exhaust, so I really doubt there's two on the car. Of course there's labor too, but $900 to replace the catalytic converter on a 1996 Taurus seems high to me.

I'm especially interested to know if the V6 Taurus had two converters or not. If they charged her for two, and it only has one, it's time to go to that Midas store and bitch to someone, then file a complaint with the BBB.

Also, all you "straight pipe FTW people" who may or may not show up, the car won't pass E-Check without the converter.

edit for spelling
Click to expand...

Are you sure it only has one? My 93 ford thunderbird has two because it has two pipes coming from the engine. If you have the 3.8L then it has two. Also if it has two you didn't get ripped off, my dad owns his own Garage and his cost on the parts for my two cat converters ran 1 grand. Basically I decided not to get it done cause my car was fine they were just making a bit of noise.
 
Z

Zysoclaplem

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2003
8,799
0
0
Wow.
Let's say the actual part was $100.
At $50 an hour (average), she just paid for 16 hours of labor.
 
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Pacemaker

Golden Member
Jul 13, 2001
1,184
2
0
Also, whether you like it or not, automotive shops charge more for the parts they get then what they pay for them (just like any business who buys something for you). People get so up in arms because they can find a part the Shop bought for them for a bit cheaper. My father does not charge people a "BYOP" fee but many places do. In fact many places will charge someone who brings there own parts 25 bucks more per hour.

The reason behind this is that automotive shops get deals from parts people, they then mark up the discounted cost so they can charge less on labor. Usually the difference between what is charged in the shop and what can be had at autozone is minimal (plus autozone has crap parts).

I won't say that no Automotive shops are cheats, but to say that most are is probably not fair. Having been around an automotive shop my whole life, I can tell you that most customers are PARANOID about being ripped off and make the whole process a pain in the rear.

They will go down the bill (which is itemized because my father wanted them to know EVERYTHING that was done) and they complain about every charge...... it really is nuts. If you want to look at an industry that cheats you look at the medical field. I know people who 6 months after they paid their bill in full are getting more bills that say nothing but how much is owed and without even saying what you are even being charged for.
 
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