Sick of Dealerships Charging too much I AM!

[Maple50175]

Is anyone sick of how much dealerships charge to get things done. I went there and asked them if they could take my headlight bulb out for me out of my 93 accord just the bulb and the guy got the calculator out and said it would be 30 bucks just for the to take the damn bulb out thats it. Me and my friend laughed at the guy and walked out. Anyone think thats a scam. I think they charge way too much to do anything My mom always gets everything done there because she says there autherized honda experts hah Yeah and charge u like 4X extra on labor Anyways what do you think?

[Ispankyourmom]

I agree - I go to this place in town called Certified Automotive - they fixed my old car's AC when a GM dealership couldn't - but I got rid of my old car (it was a 96 Buick Regal) and now I got a 2000 Civic EX in Si blue that runs absolutely fine - so I don't think I'll be having to take it into a shop anytime soon.

[turbonewf]

i work as atech at the local Honda dealer. and i agree prices sometimes are a little steep. but heres some things to remember:
1. dealers must pay for any special tools that are automatically shipped COD to the dealer
2. The manufacturer requires a minimum amount of product training for technicians and front line people. at the dealers expense.
3. there's the overhead of operating a (usually) large operation tht is just not to fix problems but represent the manufacturer as THEY say you must
4. there's not only the wages of the trained technicians to pay (between 20-25 dollars per hour) but the wash bay, service writers, foremen, lot attendants, warrany claims clerks, appointment call people etc.
5. maintenance and upkeep of the equipment
6. convenience of the courtesy services that you have grown to expect from the dealer (free coffee, shuttle service, etc
7. oil disposal fees
8. advertising that is up to manufactrer expectations

you see, it's not just the mechaics work you are paying for. theres a fully capable staff and a quality operation that you take for granted. dont think that you gain anything by going to a cheap backyard operation that may not be there tomorrow. the old saying that you get what you pay for still holds true

as for charging 30 to remove a bulb. i agree thats over the top. but again. that works out to a half an hour at $60 door rate. if it takes half an hour to change a bulb then somethings wrong.
but consider if you were in the waiting room watching the tech work on your car which you are paying for. then someone comes along and, on YOUR time, bring the tech out on the lot to change a bulb for free. how would you feel about paying to fix someone elses car?

as for (fixing) the ac problem. is it because the system was an outdated R12 system. and its illegal to use that stuff now. even if you can get it. did the other place install a retrofit kit that most dealers wont do because of legal problems that may arrive. did the other place use R134a, r12 or some other refrigerant not approved for automotive use, some of which contains propane and other flammable gasses. i dond have to tell you what happens THERE in an accident. not sayng the other place did anything wrong just wondering what the reason was for being UNABLE to do the repairs.