experienced proffesional mechanics

[Bain]

I have some questions for the proffesional mechanics in here. Me and a buddy were discussing this at work the other day and I thought I would see if I could get us some actual answers rather than our opinions. First out of all your years of experience is there any one "job" that is always the most expensive, regardless of what make or model, to the customer to do? I am thinking probably a complete engine or tranny rebuild. If so at your respective shops can you give me an average of what it costs? Second thing was that once again over your years of working on cars does there tend to be an average price range amongst most the jobs that you see? For example if say 20 cars came through with completely random problems but 15 of them ended up with a final bill of between $200-$300 for their respected repairs or something like that. Thats all we were wanting to know. Thanks alot for all responses.

[UncleBob]

to the first question, there's just too much variation in all the different aspects of cars to give an answer to something so generic. Not only is every car/truck different, but how you attack a problem changes things greatly too. For example, replacing an engine with a new engine, vs a reman engine, vs rebuilding it yourself, and if you rebuild it, HOW you rebuild it.

Some cars R&R'ing the engine is a quick easy job, others it can be dozens of hours.

Deep engine work can be expensive, and for most people (ie, not overly rich people) they opt for a used motor instead, which changes the price considerably.

Of course, tranny work can be in the same ball park often also. Depending on the tranny, and the work.

Just too generic to answer that one other than to say, deep engine work is up there.

The second part: that would depend a lot on the shop in question. Our shop does a lot of oil changes and tire repairs, so you have several dozen $20 tickets every day. We also have at least a couple $1000+ dollar tickets a day. The average would be relatively low, probably $100-200, but it really depends on what factors you want to include in your averages.

Keep in mind, its unbelievably easy to get a ticket over $500. Just a set of tires will do that. Just installing a set of sparkplugs will do that. Just a simple brake job can do that. All depending on the vehicle in question. These are basic repairs....more exotic repairs can get outrageous quickly.

In short, cars ain't cheap

[curtis73]

I agree. For example, an american rear wheel drive automatic tranny is super simple. I can do it with jackstands and a buddy in under an hour. Contrast that with the Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager which requires a complete removal of the entire engine/tranny which includes removing the front bumper, grille, radiator, and the driver's side fender, not to mention the complete front suspension and drivetrain; axleshafts, control arms, bushings, struts, the works. 99% of repair shops wont even touch them, and the ones that do will need about a week. I found one shop that would do one for my buddy and the labor just for removal of the old and installation of the new was estimated at $1800.

[rogue13]

i have been a mechanic for 18 years and i agree with the above when it comes to engine rebuild and tranny rebuilds it depends on how bad a state it is in to start with. But for normal jobs like oil changes as long as it is not special oil you are talking £25-£35 for front pads and discs you are looking at £50-£150 as this depends on the part that are used cheap quality or top quality parts