Dealer service... Ouch!

[M1Ark]

Just picked up car from dealer for it's 100k mile check up (99868 mi).

1. Two new keys and heads - $717 parts

2. Program both keys -$72.50 labor

3. Brake fluid flush - $130.50 labor $46.42 parts

4. Replace motor mount - $362.50 labor $212.58 parts

5. 4 wheel alignment - $325 labor

6. Clean rim barrels - $72.50 labor

7. Fix driver door latch switch - $362.50 labor $137 parts

8. New interstate battery - $101.50 labor $202.60 parts

9. Test drive my car to diagnose drivability issues - $101.50 labor

10. Oil change with wiper - $91 labor $139.90 parts

11. Transmission service - $464 labor $239.02 parts

12. Replace spark plugs - $145 labor $132.72 parts

13. Shop towels - $50

14. Serpentine belt - $0 still good.

Car drives great. I've had the car for 3 years and had changed the oil myself but otherwise no other service the last 40,000 miles.

This was a good reset for me and plan to do all the work myself from now on. $4k is a pretty steep service charge.

[aztecw]

I just fainted. How long was I out for?

[thom4782]

Other than item 11, which is too vague to tell what was done,as well as item 1, these amounts are close to what I've paid - not all at once mind you. Can't believe they had to replace whole keys however. I would have thought that two new heads for about $300 would do the trick.

[logray]

I would go back and complain to the service manager. Those prices are outrageous.

$200 for a battery?

Shop towels? Seriously???

They are charging you full price plus margin for parts

If they don't do anything, I would file a complaint with PCNA.

Edited March 18, 2013 by logray

[CA_Boxster]

Yeah. I don't know what you asked for so maybe this stuff is in line with what you were expecting, but it seems they overdid it with the keys, shop towels, etc. Some of the other prices look about the same as what I've seen for individual services (brake fluid flush, oil change, etc.) so it isn't that their pricing is out of line but dealerships generally have specials available for basic maintenance like oil changes and 10% off parts. Some of those jobs, when combined, probably reduce labor time on other jobs in the list so just adding all the standard labor time together inflates it a little.

Maybe all that work was justified and was reasonable to do but for a bill that size on a 2003 car that you're still bringing to them rather than going to an independent they should have thrown you a special on the oil change plus 10% off parts.

[Jakob Vesterheden]

Ouch.

[Directioneng]

Wow...that sure does add up. :huh:

[Hilux2400]

I have just bought a huge 110 Amp Exide battery for a Merc that I own. It has a 4 year guarantee and it was fitted at my local auto electricians. Total cost £110. The fitting costs was £20 as it buried at the back of the engine compartment.

I just think that $306 that you paid is outrageous. Fitting a battery to my 996 would take me about 10 mins max.

H

[Orient Express]

My observations:

A replacement remote and a OEM key blank are available online for between $25 ~ $75. Most locksmiths can cut the blank for about $10, but a Porsche dealer has to pair the key with the car's security system. Paring the key takes about 10 minutes, and many dealers will do it as a courtesy.

Everything else on your list except the wheel alignment are DIY activities that can be done in your garage in an afternoon.

The door latch replacement is probably the most challenging, but there are plenty of DIYs out there on how to do it.

This is a good example of why it is important to build a relationship with your shop mechanic, especially if you aren't mechanically adept. You would be amazed at how a few bottles of wine will get you a major break on the cost of maintaing your car. And know what work you need to do on your car in advance, and know what the going price is for that work. Otherwise, when you walk into the shop, they will just look at you as an ATM with legs.

[jccash]

I hope they gave you a loaner car to use while yours was being worked on. Our local dealership does this. They charge $130 an hour (Orlando, Florida). I do not use them but I have a friend who is the Parts Manager there...