Basically 2k for heater work, was this a fair price?

[911TargaNYC]

Dear Pelican Friends,

I'm just trying to see if I paid a fair price for some recent work I had done...

Basically, to my surprise, the bill totaled about 2k. Maybe this is just what it costs, but I really expected closer to a grand.

Here's the rundown, I went into the shop for a leaky Targa top, potential parasitic draw, and inoperable heater.

Here's what I was charged:

-Targa assessment: ~$340, brought down to $140 (I contested the $200 of "research" for the fix, and they still didn't fix it--am sending it out at my choice to Dan Petchel who is a genius w/ Targa tops)

-Parts for heater: ~$540 for blower motor w/o fan, then blower sensor, bracket, hose, and hardware.

-Parasitic draw: $200 to confirm no parasitic draw

-Labor for heater: $100 for evaluation, $350 for testing to determine power problem for lack of power to the front blower fans and cleaned corrosion at heater switch contacts, $220 for install and transfer motor to rear fan assembly, $180 for replacing heater blower sensor/bracket.

Perhaps since it's just been a while I have forgotten how much a moderate sized repair is to the P-car, but was wondering if a few Pelican-ites could give me any type of feedback or gut check as to how reasonable these prices are?

Thanks!!!

[911TargaNYC]

Well, I guess more like $1,500 for heater work, not 2k...But still the question stands!

[McLovin]

Sorry man, you got hosed big time.

It can sometimes take a little work to track down the exact source of a drain on an electrical system, but it takes 2 minutes to confirm there is no drain. You do it right at the battery with a multimeter, 2 minutes it's done. $200 to confirm there is no drain is pretty much the same as lifting $200 from your wallet when you aren't looking.

Same with the Targa top, sounds like they tried to charge you $340 for doing absolutely nothing.

I can't really tell what they did with your heating system exactly, sounds like a combo of the footwell blowers in the interior and the main blower on the engine? In any event, it's a pretty simple system, with primitive blower motors and electrical connections. They have a lot of charges in there, my guess is at least some of it is totally made up, seems like a ripoff to me.

Overall, IMO these guys stuck it to you good.

[techweenie]

Never heard of a 'research' charge. And most shops I know would look at $540 for a blower motor and contact a Porsche salvage place for a guaranteed $75 unit. Parasitic draw is, as stated above, 2 min max with VOM.

I think your shop was in need of rent money.

[NewfieMZ3]

Wow

[sparkle84]

Name of shop? So others can avoid.

[john walker's workshop]

total rip.

[scoe911]

518.50+ shipping from our host...I just saying....I installed one myself its not that difficult. Next time you need work done try it yourself then if you need help go to the shop.

[911mnypt]

ouch...I hate people who take advantage of others!

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by sparkle84

name of shop? So others can avoid.

++++++++++++++++++1

[James Brown]

If it was my shop, it's $65.00/hr + parts. No need to rip any one off to the tune of $2000.00!!
So maybe 4 hours and a used blower unit-$400-500 range.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by 911TargaNYC

Dear Pelican Friends,

I'm just trying to see if I paid a fair price for some recent work I had done...

Basically, to my surprise, the bill totaled about 2k. Maybe this is just what it costs, but I really expected closer to a grand.

Here's the rundown, I went into the shop for a leaky Targa top, potential parasitic draw, and inoperable heater.

Here's what I was charged:

-Targa assessment: ~$340, brought down to $140 (I contested the $200 of "research" for the fix, and they still didn't fix it--am sending it out at my choice to Dan Petchel who is a genius w/ Targa tops)

-Parts for heater: ~$540 for blower motor w/o fan, then blower sensor, bracket, hose, and hardware.

-Parasitic draw: $200 to confirm no parasitic draw

-Labor for heater: $100 for evaluation, $350 for testing to determine power problem for lack of power to the front blower fans and cleaned corrosion at heater switch contacts, $220 for install and transfer motor to rear fan assembly, $180 for replacing heater blower sensor/bracket.

Perhaps since it's just been a while I have forgotten how much a moderate sized repair is to the P-car, but was wondering if a few Pelican-ites could give me any type of feedback or gut check as to how reasonable these prices are?

Thanks!!!

Rich,

We don't know if you are mechanically inclined, but, you might want to purchase a Bentley and become acquainted with the "Inners" of your car.

In many cases, your model-year is not as complicated as the newer cars, and of
course, there are many members who are only too happy to lend advice.

Good luck,

Gerry

[gshase]

2K for a lot of fancy words. Ask them how much to research a flat tire or a 911 extraction / evacuation and replenishing of the engine lubrication system?

[911TargaNYC]

LOL re extraction/replenishing, well ironically enough I left a few quarts of oil to top it off and they actually charged me $30 to put two quarts of oil in the car b/c it's "a process to ensure you have the right level and requires shop time." I mean, even that seems a bit ridiculous...

So thanks to all for the feedback, any other feedback is still welcome!

Is there a way to go back to the owner of the shop and say "Man, what's up with this?" or better just to cut losses and move on? The guy that invoiced me was just the shop manager, not the owner.

BTW, where I went was Bristow's Automotive in Tacoma, WA. It's owned by Pete Bristow who seems like a super nice guy and I like personally, but this is my second service with them with a similar experience of what feels like exorbitant pricing...

My biggest problem is that I live over an hour away from Seattle where there are some great wrenches, down here in Oly there aren't many choices...

[rattlsnak]

when i first read this, i was like WOW, and then you say, they charged you $30.00 to put in a couple quarts of oil?? SUPER WOW!! that is highway robbery.. I cant believe you're asking if thats OK...

[BGCarrera32]

You got ripped, but I will say a labor rate at a competent 911/Porsche shop is more in the $95-$115 an hour range. Definitely not $65 an hour.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by techweenie

And most shops I know would look at $540 for a blower motor and contact a Porsche salvage place for a guaranteed $75 unit.

I agree, that's the type of part, and cost, that a shop should ask the customer about, i.e., whether they want new or used.

But, he did have a targa top problem, too. I'm surprised the shop didn't just order one of these up and stick it on the bill!

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 964-565-002-01-707-OEM

[TibetanT]

Sorry to hear of this outrageous charge for "almost no work done" by a shop in Tacoma, WA. Holy Cow!!

Next time, drive or trailer the car to John Walker's Porsche shop. Take the wife and kids to the Space needle for the day.

The quality of the work will be excellent, the price will be fair, the car will be happy and the family will have a day to remember.

Just my .02 cents.

[yelcab1]

Olympia to North seattle is 100 miles. A lot for a tow. I feel for you.

How about just learning to do this on your own. We all are DIY here.

[dshepp806]

Yeap,..next time,..exercise this forum resources,..THEN see what shakes....lesson learned.

Doyle