On Sun, 10 Dec 2017 18:20:03 -0600, AMuzi wrote:
On 12/10/2017 5:17 PM, pjp wrote:
In article ,
says...
I was told that there is a manual auto repair shops look up to find the
number of shop hours they charge for a job.
To be fair, I'm told they all charge that many hours even if it doesn't
take that many hours.
For example if three jobs are done, and even if they associate with each
other, they just add up the shop hours and then charge by the $200/hour
that the local shops all seem to charge for their shop rate.
Where can we car owners get that manual online?
I'd be surprised if any such page exists that would/could remain valid
for entire country. Too much "local" pressures etc.
What I dislike about their fixed cost repair arrangements is that if it
doesn't take that long we are giving them money for nothing but if it
takes longer you can be damn sure it's tacked onto the bill. And Yes I'm
sure if there's three separate repairs that they charge you for three
hours yet it's done in two saves you nothing but does put money in their
pocket for nothing.
Next new car I buy will be partially determined by my negotiating legal
requirement by them about markup on parts (100% no way), cost of repair
and labor. they pay the mechanic approx. $25 Hr yet charges over $125
locally here. We are paying so management can drive a free car and owner
can generate equity in his company. neither of which makes the car any
better, e.g. last longer with fewer repairs required during it's
lifespan, for me.
Work at a dealer, you are not welcome in my house.
Besides the mechanic's pay rate, add in employer matching
taxes, fees, licenses, inspections, insurance, rent,
property tax, supplies, fixtures, advertising and so on.
Also, rate books show expected typical time for the job.
Your local shop multiplies that time estimate by their
billing rate, that is, Chilton's doesn't express a value for
dollars, just time.
You may well be overcharged sometimes, but mechanic's pay is
hardly the biggest part of shop expense.
There is "chilton time" and there is "factory time".
Dealers use "factory time" for most late model vehicles - and factory
time is generally pretty scimpy compared to Chiltons (or Motors, or
whatever "aftermarket" flat rates exist.)
The independents charge "chilton time"
Also, the "book time" isn't tecninally "hours" - it is "labour units"
- which compare closely to the number of hours an experienced mechanic
with the proper tools will take tio do the job, A mechanic who has
done the job many times should ALWAYS be able to do the job in fewer
actual hours - while an apprentice or mechanic unfamilliar with the
job will take more time.