Just paid my bill at the Shop. Here's what i got:

Upper and Lower Tie Rod Ends. (Both Sides)
Center Link
Idler Arm
Ball Joints (Both Sides)
Front End Alignment

The Struts looked good (Thank GOD)

My Bill was $988. Time to save up some more cash for Tires. Had to spend all that on the Suspension though. Throwing new tires on that wouldn't have been good. In the Last Month, i've spent $2500 on this car and the Engine still sucks, the Transmission Leaks, and the Tires are worn out. Just trying to get it to pass Inspection first. I know it wouldn't have passed with all that slack in the wheel and besides, who wants to drive it that way? Once i get the tires, i should be good for an $18 Inspection. That means that i had to spend $3000 so that i could pay $18 for an Inspection.

 

What are upper and lower tie rod ends?

I suggest you make an effort to complete the work yourself, at least when you can. Your shop bill is exorbitant.

JamesC

 

I live in a Condo. I am not allowed to work on my car there by the rules of the Condo association.

 

Ouch. If nothing else you might shop around a bit for estimates. Good luck with the car.

JamesC

 

haha your car doesn't have upper and lower tie rod ends? what do you have? interior and out-terior

(a customer at a shop i worked for told me the out-terior of his car was in nice shape)

 

Here's the Bill. Look for yourself. I didn't take their price. I made them Discount it. The Bill WOULD HAVE BEEN 1152.71!!! I told them that it had to come in under $1000. They tried to sell me bushings for my anti-sway bar, but i know i can do that in a very short time for myself. that's about $30 and i don't even have to jack up the car. They were going to Charge $120. They still took alot of money from me though. At least i have a good Base now. Perhaps i shouldn't have gone to Firestone, but you have to understand that the Steering on this car was crap. Firestone was the Closest shop. They did do a good job on it though. They did it all while i was at work. I told them too put it up on the rack for me so that i could inspect their work. They didn't mind doing it and i inspected the work they did. Glad to have it behind me.

 

Shops charge a BIG MARK UP on parts. (100+ %)
Our shop has a $75/hr labor rate and above that 100% mark up.

Looking over your bill seems about right for a shop job. But knowing how cheap everything really cost and how easy the job is. It does seem like a big chunk of change.

In the end you were happy , they did a good job and your far prob. fells alot better.

 

i can assure you that firestone has more than 150% markup on parts. honestly you should've jewwed them a little more, and next time you need to take your car there print some coupons off of the website. i will say this about firestone, they don't tolerate techs ripping off customers(most shops anyway). and if you feel like they did you wrong all you have to do is call the hotline, and corporate will make it right if the store refuses.

 

Yeah, i'm gonna work on my Out-Terior later. I'm gonna put a Flowmaster Exhaust system on and i think i'm gonna go with a Tri-power Inshaust system.

:-O

TAKE THAT!

I goofed on my post, but i'm glad someone got a laugh out of it. You guys keep me in line. i can see that very plainly.