Labor rate, really high??

[dma]

I just got an estimate on the labor cost to have my evap core changed at my local Toyota dealer. I already know most people don't like to use the dealer. However, I am in South Louisiana and my AC is extremely important to me. Without it, my 4R is not drivable. So, I want the work guaranteed as I do not have the $ to pay for someone's screw up or to 'take it elsewhere' to re-fix it.

I just got the labor estimate and they charge $110/hr. :wow:

I got an estimate from a local mechanic for about $1150 for the whole job. Toyota would be roughly $1250.

Is the $110 labor crazy high, or is it just me? I figured <$100, maybe $80-$90?

I'll take advice on the matter, please!

 

[amlv20]

Nope that's about normal to low now adays.the toyota dealers around here are $120, luxury brands are around $150 here.the peterbilt shop I work at is $200!

 

[telum01]

Seems pretty average. I've seen $85-125, depending on location, clientele, and the reputation of the shop.

 

[9494runner]

Very normal, in fact I am surprised it is not more. Local CA shops depending on their specialty can charge anywhere from 80-110$ and hour. I would expect the dealer to be at least a ridiculous $125 because of specialized training, rent, space, equipment, and what you are having done. There is really one factor I have tied to labor price IN MY EXPERIENCE is location location location. Cheaper the shop rent(area), usually means a cheaper labor, this is not always the case though.


I have had the mazda dealer (I know not a Yota...) screw some work up on my miata before, and I have had them do great work before. There are plenty of independent shops that do GREAT work, in fact guarantee and stand by their work more strongly than the dealer. An independent shop LIVE ON REPUTATION, without it no business. We blew up a transmission on a mazda 3 at work that previously had the tranny mounts replaced by an independent shop. The shop fixed the whole thing for free because they could not determine if the replacement mounts were indeed defective or if they damaged them in the install (tranny broke off the mount and dropped a collection of bearings and mount pieces on the parking lot in a pool of ATF)


I would do some research, look around, call around, meet people at different shops, because you may find that may be the better option. Ive had great experience with independent shops with my mazda and 2nd gen.


by no means am I taking a shot at dealers, I couldnt keep my Gen2 on the road without Toyota of RSM, but I am all for the guys trying to make a living doing honest work. A lot of them will work with you and do it right for usually a better price. Everyone loves dead presidents

Just my .02

 

[MikeInNH]

I just got the labor estimate and they charge $110/hr.

Location Location Location...

Here in NH (Higher cost of living then Louisiana) the local dealer charges $140/hr. Down near Boston (just 25 miles away) and it jumps to $170/hr.

 

[WI_4Runner]

I just got an estimate on the labor cost to have my evap core changed at my local Toyota dealer. I already know most people don't like to use the dealer. However, I am in South Louisiana and my AC is extremely important to me. Without it, my 4R is not drivable. So, I want the work guaranteed as I do not have the $ to pay for someone's screw up or to 'take it elsewhere' to re-fix it.

I just got the labor estimate and they charge $110/hr. :wow:

I got an estimate from a local mechanic for about $1150 for the whole job. Toyota would be roughly $1250.

Is the $110 labor crazy high, or is it just me? I figured <$100, maybe $80-$90?

I'll take advice on the matter, please!

Shop it around - chances are there a few Toyota dealers as well as a few independent shops in your area that could do the same job. If you are particular to one shop, ask them to match some other quotes if you are quoted less.....