Mechanics: Am I getting screwed on my car repair?

[Lucky]

I'm told I need new inner and outer tie rods on the front left of my car Also with my exhaust I need the over-the-axle pipe and tailpipe replaced, along with a gasket that apparently sits between them. The muffler itself it good save for the rusting tailpipe. I believe the diagnosis is honest but I'm questioning the price....about $450 or so including parts and labor on my 1992 honda civic..$330 for the front end (including alignment afterwards) and $125 for the exhaust....are these fair and reasonable prices?

 

[Platypus]

50 dollars for each tire rod brings you to 200 dollars just in parts for tire rods.

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
50 dollars for each tire rod brings you to 200 dollars just in parts for tire rods.

Yeah, that sounds quite reasonable. Is it good work, though?

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: Lucky
I'm told I need new inner and outer tire rods. Also with my exhaust I need the over-the-axle pipe and tailpipe replaced, along with a gasket that apparently sits between them. The muffler itself it good save for the rusting tailpipe. I believe the diagnosis is honest but I'm questioning the price....about $450 or so including parts and labor on my 1992 honda civic..$330 for the front end (including alignment afterwards) and $125 for the exhaust....are these fair and reasonable prices?

sounds good to me. I wouldnt be to upset with that.

 

[Lucky]

Im sorry I should clarify..I'm told its just the inner and outer on the front left part of the car.

 

[Platypus]

The other two pipes should be about 75-100.. That seems pretty reasonable to me

 

[notfred]

You mean tie rods?

 

[Azraele]

Go to another place and ask for an estimate, but to me, what you quoted doesn't sound outrageous.

 

[pyonir]

I'm not sure of the front end, but the exhaust price sounds about right on. Lifetime warranty?

 

[Vette73]

How many miles? I have never seen a car that needed BOTH sides of inner AND outer tie rods at the same time, (unless it was a wreck?)


But if in doubt get a second look by another independent shop that you trust.


UPDATE

Just saw your other post. Still get a second look to play it safe if you don't know or trust the mechanic that well.

 

[Lucky]

yeah, that's what I mean...im not too proficient with the details. 😉

 

[Platypus]

Well... it's still fair for labour costs, they still have to take off the wheel, remove the axle, unbolt the exaust, etc, rinse/repeat.

 

[Lucky]

thanks.

 

[dman]

Originally posted by: Lucky
I'm told I need new inner and outer tie rods on the front left of my car Also with my exhaust I need the over-the-axle pipe and tailpipe replaced, along with a gasket that apparently sits between them. The muffler itself it good save for the rusting tailpipe. I believe the diagnosis is honest but I'm questioning the price....about $450 or so including parts and labor on my 1992 honda civic..$330 for the front end (including alignment afterwards) and $125 for the exhaust....are these fair and reasonable prices?

If it makes you feel any better, that's about what you'll pay on a new honda civic for 1mo payment and insurance. No-down, 6%, 5yr

 

[WhiteKnight77]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
Well... it's still fair for labour costs, they still have to take off the wheel, remove the axle, unbolt the exaust, etc, rinse/repeat.

Why do you have to remove the axle? There should be no reason to remove an axle to replace tie rod ends. :Q

 

[Thegonagle]

It doesn't sound so outrageous for the work they?re about to perform.

Caveat emptor: The outer tie rod end goes bad more often than the inner, but, I?m sorry to say, if you can?t diagnose these parts yourself (it?s not hard if you know what everything does and you remove the rim), you?re totally at their mercy.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: godmare

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
50 dollars for each tire rod brings you to 200 dollars just in parts for tire rods.

Yeah, that sounds quite reasonable. Is it good work, though?

$50 US for a tie rod will probably get you the premium line. see if they can cheapify it a bit 😉

 

[T2T III]

With the tie rods being replaced, the car will probably need a front-end alignment. Correct? Did the provide an alignment in the price they quoted you?

 

Two tie rods = $50 apiece
= $100

Labor for tie rod replacement ;

Two hours flat rate at $65 an hour =$130

Alignment = $65

 

[Lucky]

I was getting screwed...took it to another reputable shop and they did the exhaust for for $40, and they want $152 for the tie rods installed. $300 difference!!! :|

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: Lucky
I was getting screwed...took it to another reputable shop and they did the exhaust for for $40, and they want $152 for the tie rods installed. $300 difference!!! :|

Sounds like you really are Lucky! The mechanic also sounds like to to build a relationship with. Getting screwed is not fun. However, do keep in mind that your car might still need to have the alignment checked out. If the alignment was disrupted in any way with the tie rod installation, you'll start wearing out your front tires prematurely.