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I had a rear window regulator replaced on my 2004 Olds Alero. The repair shop (Tuffy Auto Service) charged me 269.79 for the part, plus 144.33 labor. Did I pay too much.
Yup. A quick online search found new window regulator and motor assemblies for $45 - 70. For a mechanic, it shouldn't take more than 30-40 minutes to replace it - and that's taking their time.
I would say so, the part can be found for as low as $35 on ebay, and the hardest part about replacing a window regulator is getting the door panel off.
Little warning about aftermarket regulators, some of them are not worth the cardboard they come it. I once spent an hour trying to get a eBay chi com one to work before throwing in the trash and buying a used genuine one.
The seller ended up refunding my money and told me to keep the part.
I had a rear window regulator replaced on my 2004 Olds Alero. The repair shop (Tuffy Auto Service) charged me 269.79 for the part, plus 144.33 labor. Did I pay too much.
If they replaced the motor along with the regulator, that's about right. If they replaced only the regulator, they made a LOT of money off you.
In addition to supporting the valid comments that were already posted, I have to add my advice that the OP avoid "chain" operations like Tuffy, Sears, Pep Boys, AAMCO, Monro, Midas, & Meineke.
In addition to having mechanics who are...let's just say...not the best, these places almost always charge more than a good independent mechanic would, and are also notorious for, "upselling", customers with questionable services.
The only thing that I would go to Sears for is a battery, and the only thing I would go to Midas or Meineke for is exhaust work. Everything else is...risky...IMHO. And, AAMCO should be avoided at all costs.
If they replaced the motor along with the regulator, that's about right. If they replaced only the regulator, they made a LOT of money off you.
It's still excessive. Regulator AND motor assembly is ~$60 on RockAuto. Even if you doubled that for markup, that still only brings it to $120 for the part. $270 is way out of line for a 2004 Alero.
It's still excessive. Regulator AND motor assembly is ~$60 on RockAuto. Even if you doubled that for markup, that still only brings it to $120 for the part. $270 is way out of line for a 2004 Alero.
I'm seeing the regulator WITHOUT the motor for that price.
Also, keep in mind that shops/garages are NOT getting their parts from discount places like RockAuto. At the very best, we'd be waiting 3-4 days for the parts to arrive.
DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR 1999-2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO / 1999-2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM POWER WITH MOTOR, SINGLE CABLE TYPE
SKU#: DS-3-GM1550104
Other Number: GM1550104
PRICE: $ 55.37
Even at O"Reilly's, it's $100, and virtually all chain shops buy parts from local chain parts stores. They have their discount for bulk purchases. If they do not have it on the shelf, then order is normally 2-3 hrs from local hub. One way or another, it's a stiff mark up of 200% for part itself.
Never done it on Alero, but on my Silverado, and I had it done 3 times, it's truly about 15 minute job.
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