This is good info as my buddy takes his Bmmmr to the dealer for every repair - his famous line, “that will be 1K”. Every repair avg’s 1k, and he has a ton of things go wrong.
I will pass this along to him… right now non of his windows work, only 2 doors power locks work, and he has to climb out of the passanger door as the drivers door wont open.
If you take it to a dealer, then this is probably true. For work I cannot do myself, I’ve been very pleased with Ultimate AutoWerks in West Ashley. Their labor rate is half of Rick Hendrick’s and they are all certified techs. Professional guys and won’t blow smoke.
Many manufactures have tried to make every part proprietary but over the years the internet has been screwing them. Honda and Volvo were the worst they would drive you to there dealers shop for a big time screwing.
Don’t worry about the fuel pump, the tow bill will probably be as much. Or maybe not. Just maybe you misdiagnosed it and instead of the fuel pump your shop will tell you after replacing the fuel pump that the ecu was fried, causing every sensor to fail, and that in return caused the engine to lean out and burn a hole in two pistons, then the timing jumped causing piston to valve contact bending 7 valves and ruining a head. After they get your engine back together they find that your transmission is also bad… you need brakes… tires… alignment… and a new radio.
Proper diagnosis is half the battle. Some of the newer cars will throw the same “code” for numerous problems. Replacing each one gets to be expensive. My check engine light is on and according to AutoZone it could be one or all of four different problems. Sheesh. According to google it is a $1,000 repair at the dealership or a $250 repair in the driveway. Parts alone are $250-$400. The rest is labor. And, of course, are “dealer only” parts and not available at a parts store.
“There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.”
Ernest Hemingway
Wife’s Volvo quit on me last week. Parked it outside a store, ran in to get something and it wouldn’t start when I got back in it. A Message on the dash said that the steering was locked, try again. Lucky I was only a mile from home. Long story short, the steering isn’t locked but key won’t start it. Wife picked me up and we left the car overnight. Called the Dealer next morning, and was told to try it again. Wound up calling a tow truck to take it in. Have towing service through insurance company so called them to come get it. Insurance company says they only have 1 towing company available and it’s out of their area so will be extra mileage charge! I told them to call a towing service 5 miles away that isn’t on their approved list and gave them the Ph #. They say they can’t contact them but I can and then be reimbursed. I called them and they were there in 20 minutes. Cost me $115 for the tow. Guy at the towing service gave me a discount because he knew my Dad! Called Volvo and told them it was on the way to them. Will give Volvo credit, as they got right on it! I told them I needed to know if they could get it fixed or did I have to get a loaner or rental. They called me back around 4:45PM and said that it was an electronic interlock in the steering column and part would have to be replaced. They had part on hand and the mechanic could stay late and put it back together if I wanted. Picked it up at 7AM the next morning! Total cost to include towing, right at $600! $115 of which Might be reimbursed? My question is, Why did it have to happen when I was driving her car. I told her that’s what she gets for not driving Detroit Iron, like my RAM:smiley:
PS; most expensive repair I’ve made on the RAM was a side rear view, heated, power mirror. Got a new one still in the box from a junk yard for $104. Watched a UTUBE video on how to change it and had it done in 20 min.
quote:Originally posted by TexasRed
And, of course, are "dealer only" parts and not available at a parts store.
They told me that too…they were wrong. Even with next day air, its still waaaaay cheaper. I ordered my part at 12:00 on a Wednesday, the part was on my porch at 10:00 Thursday, I got home at 4:00 and had it installed by 5:00. Exact fit, no issues. I couldn’t e more pleased.
Fuel pump for minivan; quoted over 750 for the job, called TQ, they quoted 1/2 as much.
A little later top radiator hose crapped out, coolant sprayed everywhere and the serpentine belt slipped off. The quote for serpentine belt and rad hoses (replace the bottom as PM while it was in the shop) OVER $300
I bought the parts from Autozone for $60 and changed them myself in under 45 minutes
had 8 micro switches to replace in a loader today. Dealer price was $46.00 a piece. Radio shack had them for $2.89 a piece. I think I may have saved the boss some money. Same manufacture… made in Indonesia.
Just maybe you misdiagnosed it and instead of the fuel pump your shop will tell you after replacing the fuel pump that the ecu was fried, causing every sensor to fail, and that in return caused the engine to lean out and burn a hole in two pistons, then the timing jumped causing piston to valve contact bending 7 valves and ruining a head. After they get your engine back together they find that your transmission is also bad… you need brakes… tires… alignment… and a new radio.
