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In the last couple of years, I've noticed hourly shops rate increase 25-30% in my area. It used to be you'd go to an independent garage to avoid getting hosed by the dealership but now the prices between the two are creeping closer and closer. Dealerships have a lot more overhead compared to your local mom & pop shop e.g., more employees, courtesy shuttles, utilities, equipment, etc. A lot of the tiny, dark, dingy shops around me now charge $90/hr or more which I think is pretty high. Most of these places don't have free coffee & snacks, a comfy waiting room, or even proper heating. So why command the near dealer-level prices??
Because the market allows it. Why would some one charge $60-$80 when every one else is charging $90. Are their skills worth less money? Aside from dealers, why would any real shop(aside from quick lube) need a waiting room. Most of the time, the car is getting dropped off, and you pick it up when it is done
Overhead, rent, licenses & certification, insurance, etc... Then there is different schooling which will be required to go deeper into it as cars now days have complex computer systems. It seems a mechanic now needs to have knowledge in computers as well as mechanicals!
Overhead, rent, licenses & certification, insurance, etc... Then there is different schooling which will be required to go deeper into it as cars now days have complex computer systems. It seems a mechanic now needs to have knowledge in computers as well as mechanicals!
and dont forget taxes, government regulations, etc.
Was I the only one expecting the OP to say private rates in his area were over $100/hr and that I am left thinking $90 sounds about right. Not sure what the dealers are in your area OP, but around here, dealer rates are over $100. (I would say $115+).
It takes a lot just to turn the lights on at any shop these days.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Originally Posted by Checkered24
Was I the only one expecting the OP to say private rates in his area were over $100/hr and that I am left thinking $90 sounds about right. Not sure what the dealers are in your area OP, but around here, dealer rates are over $100. (I would say $115+).
It takes a lot just to turn the lights on at any shop these days.
Here dealers average about $120, independents $100. Like any business, auto repair shops are there to make money. Paying the employee doing the work about $20 of that, plus employee taxes and any benefits, the additional cost includes some profit, but also goes to pay for the high and increasing commercial rent, very expensive liability and environmental insurance, and very expensive electronic diagnostic equipment. Then there is still all of the other usual business costs such as utilities, advertising, licensing. I still do as much as I can myself, to help save money, but when I have to pay for service I will go to my trusted local independent mechanic and he is worth what he charges.
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