Ok this is weird

[Don in Austin]

Originally Posted by roxie2519

Thank you all . I've always purchased the parts separately and there was no problem having them installed

Some shops will do that. Many will not because they don't want to get in the middle of warranty issues over something they didn't even sell you. Bring your own steak to a restaurant and ask them grill it for you at a lower than menu price? What if it's gnarly and tough? I am glad for you that you are happy with the level of professionalism you feel you have received from shops willing to install customer provided parts. I am sure that there are regional market differences, but, as a general rule, the more professional the shop, the higher their standards for the finished repair, the less likely they are to be willing to install customer carried in parts. The type of shop that has no insurance, does not collect sales tax, pays employees under the table, gives you an illegible vague hand-written receipt, etc. etc. is the type of shop most likely to go with a program of carry in parts. But, again, regions and markets and a shop's level of desperation for work vary widely.


If you seek out "free" oil changes I doubt that professionalism from a vehicle service facility is a high priority to you in any case.

Don in Austin

[roxie2519]

Originally Posted by Don in Austin

Some shops will do that. Many will not because they don't want to get in the middle of warranty issues over something they didn't even sell you. Bring your own steak to a restaurant and ask them grill it for you at a lower than menu price? What if it's gnarly and tough? I am glad for you that you are happy with the level of professionalism you feel you have received from shops willing to install customer provided parts. I am sure that there are regional market differences, but, as a general rule, the more professional the shop, the higher their standards for the finished repair, the less likely they are to be willing to install customer carried in parts. The type of shop that has no insurance, does not collect sales tax, pays employees under the table, gives you an illegible vague hand-written receipt, etc. etc. is the type of shop most likely to go with a program of carry in parts. But, again, regions and markets and a shop's level of desperation for work vary widely.


If you seek out "free" oil changes I doubt that professionalism from a vehicle service facility is a high priority to you in any case.

Don in Austin

I've bookmarked some places from yelp that apparently have good reviews . Going to call them tomorrow and ask about their price range ...

[Don in Austin]

Originally Posted by roxie2519

I've bookmarked some places from yelp that apparently have good reviews . Going to call them tomorrow and ask about their price range ...

Sounds like a plan. But ask them also about their warranty terms. If its cheap but not good and they don't stand behind what they do, its not really cheap.

Don in Austin

[roxie2519]

Originally Posted by Don in Austin

Sounds like a plan. But ask them also about their warranty terms. If its cheap but not good and they don't stand behind what they do, its not really cheap.

Don in Austin

Good point . Thanks !