Truck repair -- parts markup seems high...
The water pump in my F250 died. The garage I took it to (came recommended by a local and good reviews) wanted to charge me $235 for water pump I was able to buy at the auto supply place (with lifetim...
Forum Discussion
It is a tough situation. I think most of the posts here are assuming all shops are honest. I do most of my own mechanic work, and have for over fifty years. My experience has been that today, very few parts are made in the USA. There is a quality difference in many parts, but many mechanic shops ignore quality in favor of profit. Usually it is difficult to identify quality parts if you do not work in the mechanical field, and even then you can be sold junk.
Personally, I think there are so many dishonest mechanic shops, it is very difficult to find a honest one. I think this is true of most repair businesses. If they were honest, they would have the same hourly rate installing your parts or theirs. I understand they could not warranty the parts you provide.
I do not live in a large city. We have about six chain parts stores. Each one has a delivery vehicle for mechanic shops, which makes several runs every day. We also have three major auto dealers. My point is, you and I can buy the same quality of parts as the mechanics.
There are some good mechanic shops. They will have a markup on the parts to partially cover their labor. If you ask them what their markup is they should be honest and tell you. The should also be willing to install your parts, with no warranty other than their labor.
As a youngster, my dad used to tell me a good indication of a good mechanic shop was one that you need an appointment at least a week away. If a shop needed no appointment, beware. There must be a reason.
Wayne
Personally, I think there are so many dishonest mechanic shops, it is very difficult to find a honest one. I think this is true of most repair businesses. If they were honest, they would have the same hourly rate installing your parts or theirs. I understand they could not warranty the parts you provide.
I do not live in a large city. We have about six chain parts stores. Each one has a delivery vehicle for mechanic shops, which makes several runs every day. We also have three major auto dealers. My point is, you and I can buy the same quality of parts as the mechanics.
There are some good mechanic shops. They will have a markup on the parts to partially cover their labor. If you ask them what their markup is they should be honest and tell you. The should also be willing to install your parts, with no warranty other than their labor.
As a youngster, my dad used to tell me a good indication of a good mechanic shop was one that you need an appointment at least a week away. If a shop needed no appointment, beware. There must be a reason.
Wayne
