QuestionDid I pay too much...the 60,000 mile check is a flat rate of $340 for a 2002 Ford Expedition...got a call, my sway bar link pins broke, repaired via published book for 1.5 hrs of work....total will be $520 with tax. I was taken before but was not ford...was my jeep, I ended up getting complete transmission work done for free as I felt I had paid for the work twice previously, so I am cautious when I get the call for additional work...
I use my car on mostly highway and roads, no off road so i found it odd I broke the pins and asked why they did not find of previous inspections....answer, must have happened after??
Any advice would be great....
AnswerDonna-
Well, you're pretty much looking at $180 over the original cost which, if the parts are needed, is pretty decent. Not great, but it could be a lot worse. You have to keep in mind that when most mechanics (and plumber, contractors, etc.) charge for labor they round up to the next hour. So if it takes them an hour and five minutes, you usually get charged for 2 hours of work. Since most dealerships charge $60-$80 an hour for labor, once you add the cost of parts (at a nice dealership mark-up), $180 isn't too bad. I know this all sounds kind of shady, but it's pretty much the way all shops work. Hope this helps.
Steve
