The starter died on my '02 Camry. After getting the car started by banging on the solonoid, I took it to Firestone in Wilmington, DE (behind Prices Corner Shopping Center). I was first quoted $219.00 to replace the starter. About an hour later the tech called and said he had misquoted, the cost would be higher. The final cost for the (Bosch) starter was $349.99 labor. I looked it up online and found the most expensive one to be $250.00 retail. I also needed an oil gasket for which they charged $49.99, retail was $13.99. They wanted to change my spark plugs for $14.99 each. Toyota quoted $12.99 each, I purchased them for $8.99 each - same stock numbers on all parts. Needless to say, they did not do the spark plug change! I can understand a 10 - 20% markup, but their's is ridiculous! They also impose 'shop charges' on top of their $98.00/hr. Labor charge.
I went back today and spoke to the manager, Brett. He tried to justify the markup, high labor charges and 'shop charges' because they are a national co. That needs these prices to cover their overhead. I have been their customer for many, many years, but never needed major work done and never scrutinized the work order this well. Brett kept asking what he could do to compensate me. I could have asked for monetary compensation but the trust is gone. Now I wonder how much they have overcharged me over the years I have gone there.
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