I recently had some repairs done on my '93 Dodge Ram 150. I brought it to a local garage where some work was done and then it was brought to a Dodge dealer because the work the local garage did didn't keep the truck running. I didn't get an itemized bill and want to make sure the local garage isn't taking advantage of the situation. The bill I received from the local guy states I am being charged $500 for a new fuel pump, replacement of transmission lines, a new crank sensor and fixing of grounds on the computer circuits and some towing. The local guy is claiming this is a good deal. A mechanic who works for the local guy kinda screwed up some stuff so the local guy is saying he is taking care of us and we are being treated fairly. I would really like an itemized bill showing specific parts, labor, etc. but due to local politics I want to be careful to insinuate that I am not being treated fairly. Any comments on the work and amount being charged will be appreciated.

 

It sounds fair to me, a tow job alone (for a short haul) can be 150, the pump with install at least 100, transmission lines are cheap, but the labor to install can be pricey...say at least 100, crank sensor 50 and install is nothing (a few seconds), fixing grounds implies troubleshooting and most mech charge 100+ per hour, the repair is not expensive though. Say about 100. all said, around $600. You can always ask to see the repair cost in the manual though (there is a book that shows the time for the repair of the items that they CAN charge, my guess the bill would be about 300 more from what I've seen here locally.)

I remember I was at the dealer a few months ago (for a recall, I do all my own work), and I had just changed the timming belt, pullys, and water pump (timming belt driver) on my wifes Intrepid. The parts and tools (I had to buy a short puller with a very wide spread) came to around $350. While there, a lady was getting an estimite on the same job, it was $1,500. The mark up was labor only as the cost of parts should be the same. I only tell you this to let you know what labor can cost.

 

Thanks for the reply. I do know labor can be expensive. Local mechanic was saying fuel pump alone was around $300. I did go on advanced auto parts online store and there are a few different pumps and some are near $300. Just all seems fishy to me that local garage didn't attach a bill from the Dodge dealer who did the work onto his bill. Like I said in my original post there are some politics involved here. I should ask for the itemized bill but don't want to upset the guy if not necessary.