Subaru Repair: 1999 Subaru Speedometer, legacy outback, auto repair shops

Question
My wife went to the dealer today and got a diagnostic on and intermittant operating speedometer.  the charged her $95 to do the diagnostic and then told her the speedometer motor needed to be replaced to the tune of $497.  This seems to be a scam with no garantee that the problem will be solved. I think the took advantage of as women who knows nothing about cars and the scams that repair services can offer.  Any suggestions ??? Am I wrong in my estimation that the repair is way out of line ?  I'd like to stangle my wife but I'd still like to get a staight answer as to what is really involved with the speedometer being erratic.

Jack

Answer
John,

I can't say that you have been scammed, the 1999 Subaru Legacy, and Legacy Outback have a problem with the Speedometer in the cluster.

We don't charge as much as quoted for the repairs HERE and that is what we offer is better than the dealer pricing, but I can't comment on how much the dealer charges, they are in business for profit and typically charge a flat fee of up to $120.00 depending on their labor rate to Diagnose a problem with a car.  From there the charge there labor rate X the estimated time to repair plus list price for the parts, That is the business model of the Dealership and most Auto repair shops.

I am not trying to defend the Dealership but I will defend the Business I am in & I am not sure if you are upset about the diagnoses or the price to repair and not sure what you are basing the anger on either.  

Everyone is going to have a different price, there is no such thing as a standard price in this business other than the suggested list price for the parts from Subaru.  

One Dealer may charge 3 hours and the next 1 hour it is up to them to set there own prices.

If you are upset about the charge to diagnose the problem. My Question to you is how do you want someone to diagnose and warranty a repair with out looking at the car.


In the diagnoses isn't the dealer giving you a answer as to what is wrong? Or am I missing something, didn't they tell you it was $500.00 to fix the speedo?