This morning I went to Huntington Beach Chrysler to have a strut on my rear hatch repaired. It had broken off at the body and needed to be tapped out. The estimate was $240 because they would probably have to remove panels etc. If they could not remove the bolt with a tap it would have to go to the Body Shop where it would cost more to repair.
The process was successful. They drilled it out without removing anything and it took approximately 30 minutes. It then took about 20 minutes to replace the struts.
When I got the bill, it was for $324.72. $249 for labor (50 mintues) and $77.90 for the struts.
I asked to speak to the manager because I thought the price was excessive. The Manager appeared, who I later learned was Ken Brookins. I explained what I thought was the process: An hourly rate would be applied (as in the past) for work done and would certainly not be $240. I also thought the quoted price would include the broken strut... But NO, according to Mr. Brookins the quote was not an hourly rate (althought it is shown to be "labor" on the invoice) but rather a "job" rate which did not include parts — according to him, they no longer quote hourly. He refused to adjust this excessive price. I paid and left feeling I had been "taken."
I called two Auto Repair shops to see what they would charge and they both quoted between $90 and $100 per hour to tap a bolt.
I will not deal with a company who is so out of line.
0 comments