AutoBanter - View Single Post - Is there a database online for the number of shop hours a car repair should take?

**Ken Springer**

On 12/10/17 5:20 PM, AMuzi wrote:
> On 12/10/2017 5:17 PM, pjp wrote:
>> In article >,
>> says...
>>>
>>> I was told that there is a manual auto repair shops look up to find the
>>> number of shop hours they charge for a job.
>>>
>>> To be fair, I'm told they all charge that many hours even if it doesn't
>>> take that many hours.
>>>
>>> For example if three jobs are done, and even if they associate with each
>>> other, they just add up the shop hours and then charge by the $200/hour
>>> that the local shops all seem to charge for their shop rate.
>>>
>>> Where can we car owners get that manual online?
>>
>> I'd be surprised if any such page exists that would/could remain valid
>> for entire country. Too much "local" pressures etc.
>>
>> What I dislike about their fixed cost repair arrangements is that if it
>> doesn't take that long we are giving them money for nothing but if it
>> takes longer you can be damn sure it's tacked onto the bill. And Yes I'm
>> sure if there's three separate repairs that they charge you for three
>> hours yet it's done in two saves you nothing but does put money in their
>> pocket for nothing.
>>
>> Next new car I buy will be partially determined by my negotiating legal
>> requirement by them about markup on parts (100% no way), cost of repair
>> and labor. they pay the mechanic approx. $25 Hr yet charges over $125
>> locally here. We are paying so management can drive a free car and owner
>> can generate equity in his company. neither of which makes the car any
>> better, e.g. last longer with fewer repairs required during it's
>> lifespan, for me.
>>
>> Work at a dealer, you are not welcome in my house.
>>
>
> Besides the mechanic's pay rate, add in employer matching
> taxes, fees, licenses, inspections, insurance, rent,
> property tax, supplies, fixtures, advertising and so on.

Environmental fees, IE vapor control, cleaning solvent replacement, shop
rags, all the other mandated regulations that must be followed.

The average person simply has no clue any more, since most never grew up
tinkering on cars in the back yard.

> Also, rate books show expected typical time for the job.
> Your local shop multiplies that time estimate by their
> billing rate, that is, Chilton's doesn't express a value for
> dollars, just time.
>
> You may well be overcharged sometimes, but mechanic's pay is
> hardly the biggest part of shop expense.
>

--
Ken
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