So I've been calling around to get quotes on fixing my heater core. I called the one near me.

Transcript of call. Skipped to my questions.

Me: What do you charge for heater core replacement?
NAPA: What makes you think it's that?
Me: Damp floorboards, thin film on window, smoke coming from vents.
NAPA: Well it may be something else. We need to run a test to make sure.
Me: What's the cost?
NAPA: $400-500
Me: So I've talked to other mechanics and all have came to the same conclusion without tests. Even a forum board answered with it needs to be replaced
NAPA: They all can be wrong, this test it needed either way.
Me: I think you're wrong and trying to rip me off.

*click*

So I'm posting this as to be wary of the NAPA All Pro Auto Centers

 

The TEST is 4-500 bucks? That seems truly out of line..... wonder if that's what they charge for h/c replacement?

For me, the "test" is putting a cooling system pressure tester on it, and then watching for coolant flowing out of the heater box, and a corresponding loss of pressure...... Takes two minutes. So far as I am concerned though, the symptoms you have, there really isn't anything else it COULD be...... The guy at napa was prolly trying to get his mechanics an extra hour of time for 'diagnosis'...... Working flat rate can be a bear.

 

Even the mechanic I finally took it too today couldn't understand why with the symptoms they needed to test. I will say the All Pro Auto Centers are like Jiffy Lubes.

 

You do realize that they are all individually owned and operated? Not all locations are going to be the same. The Napa/All Pro label is a program, mainly to emphasize the fact that they sell install primarily Napa products. It's kind of like a franchise. I am sure they were giving you a round about estimate for repair of the heater core, not just the test. Not all shops are out to screw you over, to think that is very ignorant. A service writers job is to get as much information as possible to properly service the customer.

 

I had a heater core replaced on a '91 S-10 Blazer by a Chevy Dealer, this was years ago but if I remember right installation was just over $100 plus the part, which was cheap too.

 

Couldn't agree less. We have about 15 of these shops here and most of them I've heard nothing but bad about. I've also talked to the BBB and they have many complaints about them.

To charge someone $400-500 for a $75 test is a little ridiculous.

 

The $400-500 was probably for the replacement of the heater core, not the test.

 

I should hope so.......

 

No it was for the test. The replacement was a little more than that.

 

I am going to bet that they don't do very many of those.......... that's just stupid. Of course, I wouldn't mind getting paid several hundred dollars to wipe my hand over your passenger side carpet, and giving a whiff of my hand. "Yep, heater core, gimme the bucks please."