Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Vehicle Assistance needed (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Mr. Ected
- Start date
3C's
Footballguy
it's just not a good test of the battery. Any battery approaching 3 years plus, regardless of warranty period, is suspect.
3C's
Footballguy
My dad (mechanic along with other jobs/careers) used to use soda (Coke/7up) in a pinch.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
Just got a call back from the service guy. Going to be $600 for the starter (OUCH!!) and another $700 to fix the doors. (one needs alignment, and the other is leaking which is causing the sensor/opening issues) Total cost $1400 with tax and stuff. The starter gets a 3 year nation-wide warranty, which is part of why I took it to the dealer, since we drive that sucker around a lot.
We have spent (including this) about $2k in repairs this year, which is less than 6 months payments; so we are ahead of the game, especially if you include the reductions in insurance and taxes based on the lack of value of the van.
Thanks for the information, gave me ideas to talk to the guys about the van. Again, this is why I love the FFA!
We have spent (including this) about $2k in repairs this year, which is less than 6 months payments; so we are ahead of the game, especially if you include the reductions in insurance and taxes based on the lack of value of the van.
Thanks for the information, gave me ideas to talk to the guys about the van. Again, this is why I love the FFA!
Wooderson
Fight The Power
Cowboysfan8
Footballguy
Wooderson
Fight The Power
I think it is. He mentioned he only goes to the dealer cause the car is paid off. Not sure what one has to do with the other but.
Cowboysfan8
Footballguy
fantasycurse42
Footballguy Jr.
That seems extremely high to me. I think you could get that done for less than half elsewhere TBH.
At the minimum, have you tried to haggle with the dealer? I'd bet they'd come down $300-$400 on this. Offer them $1k flat taxes included, I'd bet they take it.
At the minimum, have you tried to haggle with the dealer? I'd bet they'd come down $300-$400 on this. Offer them $1k flat taxes included, I'd bet they take it.
Last edited by a moderator:
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
I go to dealers because infrequent service is the only $$$ I have to spend on the vehicle. As shown here, I know nothing about autos, and need to have the service done properly. One of the issues is my inability to drive (seizures) so it's my wife doing 99% of the face-to-face. She isn't going to take the van to Billy-Bob's garage to have something done.
Also, this is our only vehicle, so I needed to have it done quickly (like today); especially since this happened on the Friday before school starts, and I am having that accomplished, with a national warranty.
James Daulton
Footballguy
Leaving a car with with no power at all (ie disconnected battery) will often jack up the cars computer settings. This is no bueno.Wooderson said:
Wooderson
Fight The Power
James Daulton
Footballguy
It 100% happened to me. My car wouldn't idle correctly after I had the battery disconnected for a while. It wouldn't stay idling until I took it into a shop.
HellToupee
Footballguy
some people don't get the cost/convenience/speed factorMr. Ected said:
Jobber
Footballguy
belljr
Footballguy
Some cars computers can mess up. Sometimes they reset themselves after 40 miles or so. You can buy something to connect to the cables or plug into an always on 12v.
It's rare but could technically happen
Cheese and Crackers
Footballguy
The computer is constantly adjusting settings. A battery disconnect deletes those, so it goes back to default mode.
Had the starter replaced on my van a few weeks ago, idled roughly when I picked it up, back to normal after some driving around.
DocHolliday
Footballguy
You are getting taken by the dealership. Find a local auto repair shop. Many are nice and not "Billly Bobs repair shop".
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
At least get a second estimate from another place. Ask your friends/family I am sure at least one can refer you to a place that they use.
I do think a dealership has its place but for something like a starter any place could do it. $600 for a starter seems like an awful lot.
I do think a dealership has its place but for something like a starter any place could do it. $600 for a starter seems like an awful lot.
Last edited by a moderator:
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
I understand the feeling towards this. But our need on this was speed more than savings. We only have one vehicle, so taking uber all over the place was building up costs, and a rental (big enough for 5) would eat into savings too.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
For a lot of vehicles, changing a starter is a really simple job. I've done it myself, and I'm by no means a mechanic. If you can get to it easily, it's a few bolts and a wiring harness.
At the very least, an independent shop would almost certainly do it for far less than the dealer is quoting.
At the very least, an independent shop would almost certainly do it for far less than the dealer is quoting.
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
I got ya...it makes sense for what you are doing and what your priorities are with the repair.
Rustoleum
Footballguy
I don't think that is unreasonable for a Honda. Had to replace the starter on my 2005 CRV a few months ago, and it was about $500 at my local shop. Part was a little higher just than most makes from shopping around online, and a quick glance at a YouTube video of a do-it-yourself repair showed it was more electrical connections and bolts to get at than I was willing to do. Basically it wasn't accessible from underneath the car like most previous cars I've had so I left that one for the shop.
Quint
Footballguy
Just a bit about Dealer v Private Shop pricing:
Generally Dealership labor rates are higher (more overhead) and they quote straight "book" pricing (i.e. Mitchell Guide). Basically, if the Mitchell guide says it takes 2.3 hours to R&R a starter on an '05 Odyssey Touring, the Service Mgr. will quote 2.3xLabor to the customer. A Private Shop my use book pricing to get in the ballpark for a price on starter R&R, and then has the ability to wiggle a bit on the quote, or the final price. For example, if the Dealership Tech does the starter job in 1.6 hrs, and they quoted 2.3, they still charge the quoted price. This is a reason people think that Dealerships are "ripoffs" (though you wouldn't necessarily know the disparity between quote and actual time, I'm just saying it does happen). In the same situation at the Private Shop, the owner may choose to adjust the quote down to help the customer, which helps bolster the "good guy" image.
With regard to parts, especially electric wear items like starters and alternators, the Dealer will use OEM parts which are new and more expensive. The Private Shop will likely use aftermarket parts, unless the customer requests OEM, which are remanufactured and therefore cost less (sometimes MUCH less). Another reason there can be a large difference in pricing between quotes. Further, there are different levels of quality between aftermarket brands, so you'll find variance between different starter suppliers in both price and quality.
Generally Dealership labor rates are higher (more overhead) and they quote straight "book" pricing (i.e. Mitchell Guide). Basically, if the Mitchell guide says it takes 2.3 hours to R&R a starter on an '05 Odyssey Touring, the Service Mgr. will quote 2.3xLabor to the customer. A Private Shop my use book pricing to get in the ballpark for a price on starter R&R, and then has the ability to wiggle a bit on the quote, or the final price. For example, if the Dealership Tech does the starter job in 1.6 hrs, and they quoted 2.3, they still charge the quoted price. This is a reason people think that Dealerships are "ripoffs" (though you wouldn't necessarily know the disparity between quote and actual time, I'm just saying it does happen). In the same situation at the Private Shop, the owner may choose to adjust the quote down to help the customer, which helps bolster the "good guy" image.
With regard to parts, especially electric wear items like starters and alternators, the Dealer will use OEM parts which are new and more expensive. The Private Shop will likely use aftermarket parts, unless the customer requests OEM, which are remanufactured and therefore cost less (sometimes MUCH less). Another reason there can be a large difference in pricing between quotes. Further, there are different levels of quality between aftermarket brands, so you'll find variance between different starter suppliers in both price and quality.
Nugget
Footballguy
So I go to the dealer if I want new parts that were designed and built for my vehicle, installed by factory trained technicians, and are warrantied at a series of repair facilities across the country.
I've sold parts to the aftermarket. They mark their parts up just as well as the dealers. They have asked me to increase my list prices so that they could make more margin. Some purchase the OEM scan tools and access to the OEM technical data. Most don't. If you are going to go aftermarket, look for an AC Delco Preferred Service Center. Your chances of getting Chinese knock off parts decrease at these types of locations. YMMV.
sbonomo
Footballguy
Can that thing even be worth 2k? I take it you are not very mechanically inclined? Starter is not that hard of a project if you have a basic tool set. At what point do you cash in your chips and get something newer? I know you think the dealer is the way to go but you could probably cut that cost in 1/2 by going to a good mechanic.
Wooderson
Fight The Power
Having to "readjust" after a battery disconnect isn't a bad thing.
Leaving a car without a battery connected is not bad for the car.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
The current value is around $5k. I don't have the tools, and did not have the mobility to get tools or parts. Also with this being our solo prime vehicle, I did not have the time and opportunity to learn and make a mistake. I just needed it done quickly and correctly.
Also, wife is a stingy CPA; she would rather drive this puppy into the ground before buying a new one.
parasaurolophus
Footballguy
This is possibly bad advice. Really depends on definition of a basic tool set. The mounting bolts on a starter can be very difficult to get at and get out. On an import it is quite common to need an extension and an impact wrench since they can be very difficult to get any leverage with.
I know you mean well sbonomo so I am not trying to be rude to you. You probably have a lot of experience with this kind of stuff or drive american cars so a starter replacement is no big deal to you. It can be very difficult and I always recommend if you are going to give it a try to always go for the hardest bolt asap.
sbonomo
Footballguy
Ya, I guess I grew up working on my own cars because I was broke. I get the convenience factory the OP is talking about as well. Anymore I refuse to work on my own cars. I help other people out all day just not my own.
parasaurolophus
Footballguy
I replaced my starter about a year and a half ago. Middle of winter. Insanely cold. Just could not get one of the mounting bolts to come loose. Had to sawzall one of the through bolts to get me some more room. Just awful experience.
