My car wouldn't start this morning. Guy at the shop just said he's gonna check if it's the alternator, which would cost "$500-600 dollars". 1994 Nissan Maxima.
Is this about right, or is he really upping it on me? I was thinking $300-400, but I'm no expert.
I found them on line here: Parts for between $95 and $200 (parts only).
What's his price breakdown (parts + labor + his kids college payment)?
In the mechanic's defense, the Maxima has a 6 cylinder in a small area and getting the alt in and out may involve basically removing the engine. But I don't know.
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I recently paid about $250 for my Ford F-150 here in michigan. This was for an aftermarket alternator, though, not factory. You probably don't need a factory one if there is an aftermarket alternative. I do know that on my truck, the alternator is right up front and easy to change. On your Nissan, it may be much more difficult to get to. That being said, I do think that 500-600 dollars is a lot. Wouldn't hurt to call around and get some other quotes.
The 1st thing you should do is get a price breakdown.
If you find that he's overcharging a lot for the actual parts, you might be able to pay for it seperately from ODB's link and then just pay your guy for the installation. Or, you could show him the on-line quotes and ask him to match them. If he refuses, I'd suggest finding someone that will.
Not as bad as he made it sound at first. I guess one of us mis-spoke the first time. I called a dealership and another local shop to get their estimates and it looks like this deal is as good as it gets.
As far as on-line estimates, the problem is the waiting. If they won't match the online price, then I have to wait a few days for the parts to show up. The $100 I might save isn't worth the work missed and/or stress of trying to find a way to get to work. Buses don't even run early enough on Sundays to get me there on time, and a taxi would cost more than the difference (just ask Tracy)!
You should also be able to get a labor estimate by time and cost. I don't have access, but there are books that dealers and repair shops use to calculate the time it takes to replace a part and that is used to do estimates and actual charges.
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ODB's is a lot closer to what I was thinking. But, toss on the battery and depending on what belts, it's not too bad. One thing I'd do though is check around a little. Pop open the yellow pages and look for a smaller "mom and pop" type place. They'll be cheaper and nicer 9 times out of 10 since they actually WANT your buisness.
Do it yourself...alternators and belts are some of the easiest things to replace...I'd replace the plugs and wires while you're at it, that may solve the cylider issue.
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Do it yourself...alternators and belts are some of the easiest things to replace...I'd replace the plugs and wires while you're at it, that may solve the cylider issue.
Yeah, I glanced around on the net and apparently Maxima's are kinda a bitch to deal with. Takes quite an effort to get the alternator out.
I think, all things considered, it's best to leave it with this guy.
Alternator prices?
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