$880 to replace exhaust hanger?

[jdusty4]

Is it in any way possible that it would take a shop 3 hours to replace an exhaust hanger (3 hangers)? Just got charged $880, (including $120 for "diagnostic" and $120 for "lift fee"). Is this something that could plausibly be cause for complaint to local DMV/BBB?

[MrBurgundy]

As a mechanic myself, that is retarded.

120 for diagnostics and a 120 lift fee???

Go do a different shop.

As for the complaint, don't waste your time. It's a business, they can charge whatever they want, but it's your choice to pay it or not.

[jdusty4]

Thanks for the confirmation—I just can't imagine how that could take 3 hours.

They didn't give me an estimate before doing the work. When I called back, they said it was done, and that the total cost was $880. When I complained, he said "no problem, I'll just hold on to your car." My mistake was telling him that I needed it done today in order to leave town tomorrow; my regular shop was filled up.

[Tzantushka]

Ahhh.
Sounds like the 'desperation surcharge' has been applied to the job.

If it's merely replacing the rubbers I would have thought a couple of hundred bucks.
Maybe more if there's welding involved.

[e30davie]

"They didn't give me an estimate before doing the work. " They saw you coming it seems, A bit dishonest, but unfortunately that's how the world is. If they did yours ASAP which required them to take someone elses off the lift, then maybe there would be a justification there for a lift charge.

I think you should have expected to pay a preimium, but 880USD seems excessive. Getting the money back is going to be difficult with no agreed price. What you did get for free though was some lessons learnt.

[reelizmpro]

Damn, that's highway robbery right there. Shouldn't take a competent muffler shop more than 1hr including misc welding and fabbing. Sorry they got you.

[ForcedFirebird]

Dealer?

We charge a 1hr minimum diag fee that is waived if the work is done in the shop. The hangers should be about .25-.5 each "if" they separated the costs, but that is shady when the car is already hanging on a rack. So, if they didn't waive the fee, figure 2.5hr total plus parts. If your shop is $250/hr and they are charging full retail on parts, "maybe"....big maybe.

Sounds like they don't like repeat business.

If it was all 3 metal hangers (two on muffler, one on trans) plus rubber bushings, parts would be high.

What was the break down on the invoice (parts/labor)?

We are over $100/hr as an Indy shop, local BMW is $230/hr. Can be a big spread pending location.

[ForcedFirebird]

Actually re-read the comments after OP.

1hr rush fee (lift fee) if they had to move a job to accommodate isn't out of the question, but at my place, would just use jack stands and a creeper (which I have been flamed by customers for doing).

Interested in hearing more of the story...

[Mike36]

Name of said shop?

[varg]

Ah the old BMW owner pricing. Reminds me of being told german cars require more adjustment when getting a $200 over-the-phone quote for an alignment.

[george graves]

If I saw a "lift fee" on my bill, I'd be tempted to walk over to the nearest lift, pull the lock, and lower any random car, and ask for a de-lift un-fee. That's retarded.

A "rush fee" maybe. But you would have had to pull up hot and said "I NEED THIS RIGHT NOW!!!" "I NEED EXHAUST HANGERS, and I can not wait 30 mins - I NEED THEM NOW!" - and that's never happened in the history of humanity.

These guys f-ed you. Welcome to NYC.

[uturn]

I feel cheated when I have to pay the stealer fees when I'm getting covered warranty work done. I don't feel so bad now. I can only imagine the depths you're wallowing.

[audiquattrot]

Yeah I’d like to know the shop too since I’m local.

[jeffnhiscars]

In many states a written estimate is mandatory and without one the shop can go piss in the wind. I'd also check to see if a signature is required before they can perfect a mechanics lien.

[ZeeVaughn]

Wow, this is a new level. That’s outrageous Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk