4 Hours labor charged to install Springs and Struts! Options

[nitemare]

OMG. My mechanic (not dealer) just said it took 4 Hours to install all 4 springs and struts. At about $80 hourly rate - that comes to $320 for just install. I supplied the teins and kybs. WTF? I thought this takes 2 hours to do.

Also charged me 1 hour to replace spark plugs and fuel filter. Plus 1/2 hour labor to install both rear bushings. He had to order bushing from dealer at cost of $40 total.

Ive been going to this guy for years. Well, last time. I feel this is too much. Maybe Im wrong. But for a 12year old car - paying $634 is not worth it to me.

Now, I do the basics myself. Oil changes, battery replacements, filters, wipers, bulbs. I did do brakes once - but turned into a project on my old subaru. I think Im going to invest in a lift at this point.

This post has been edited by nitemare: Feb 23, 2007 - 10:41 AM

[uberschall]

it took me and a friend about 4 hours to install my s.techs in his garage. i'm not insinuating that you got ripped off, because i don't know what other issues he encountered with YOUR car, but if two kids drinking 40's can do it in 4 hours on jackstands in a crowded garage including seized end links, it could probably be done faster by a professional at a well-equipped shop with a lift.

all i can say is that you just have to be confident and you can do things like this. on the bright side, if anything is wrong, i'm sure they have a quality of labor policy in case anything were to be wrong, and i'd bet they did a good job.

post some pics of your lowered ride!