Is it cheaper to bring parts to a mechanic?
Another way to save on car repairs is by bringing your own auto parts to a mechanic. There’s often a 25-50% markup on parts, and that number will often be lower for high-dollar parts, and higher for low-dollar parts.
When does a mechanic charge a higher markup?
The markup occurs when the mechanic charges you more for the parts than he paid to the distributor. Some mechanics may charge a higher markup for parts, with a lower labor rate, while some may charge a lower markup for parts, with higher labor rates, but nearly all mechanics will mark up parts to one degree or another.
What to do if your mechanic charges too much?
But if the charges go up significantly without any warning or prior disclosure, you may need to reach out to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office to see if there is a violation of law. Always get a written estimate for repairs listing labor costs, parts cost, part numbers, and part brands.
How much does a mechanic charge per hour?
This means that a part that a mechanic pays $100 for will cost you between $125 and $150 on your bill from the mechanic. Don’t forget, this is in addition to the labor charges, which average between $85 to $110 an hour for independent repair shops and between $115 to $135 for dealerships.
Is it more expensive to buy parts from a mechanic?
Some people are surprised when they learn that parts are more expensive when bought through a mechanic than when they buy them on their own, but this is a completely normal part of mechanics doing business and nothing unusual for the industry.
But if the charges go up significantly without any warning or prior disclosure, you may need to reach out to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office to see if there is a violation of law. Always get a written estimate for repairs listing labor costs, parts cost, part numbers, and part brands.
What happens when it’s time to pay a mechanic?
If it’s time to pay and the costs go up significantly, something may be wrong. The shop may have made an honest mistake on the estimate, services required, or the final paperwork. But it’s also possible that someone is taking you for a ride. Most shops will honor original estimates at a loss in order to get your repeat business.
What to do if auto mechanic takes your car parts?
Your old parts are proof that they were removed and hopefully replaced by new ones. It could be a red flag if the mechanic can’t or won’t give them to you. Follow up in writing to confirm that this is indeed what happened should you eventually have to seek legal recourse.
What makes a good mechanic or repair center?
In all of my years in the field, I’ve always prided myself on several things: professionalism, customer service, accurate diagnosis, and compassion towards my customers’ financial situation, to name a few. Unfortunately, not all professional mechanics and repair center owner/operators are created equal.