I went in for a CEL and walked out with a new Crankshaft Sensor and new struts (rear only). I'm having trouble making sense of the bill and can't help but think I got taken for a ride. What do you think?
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How badly did I get ripped off on new struts?
PatriotBob08
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I went in for a CEL and walked out with a new Crankshaft Sensor and new struts (rear only). I'm having trouble making sense of the bill and can't help but think I got taken for a ride. What do you think?
![Image]()
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63 Posts
You were charged for front and rear struts.
Part #
72401 - Monroe rear strut (left and right have same part number)(Amazon $55 ea)
72367 - Monroe front right strut (Amazon $72)
72368 - Monroe front left strut (Amazon $70)
But at least you got a free alignment out of it.
Keep in mind though, no repair shop is going to get parts from Amazon.
They should have notified you before doing the repairs though.
Part #
72401 - Monroe rear strut (left and right have same part number)(Amazon $55 ea)
72367 - Monroe front right strut (Amazon $72)
72368 - Monroe front left strut (Amazon $70)
But at least you got a free alignment out of it.
Keep in mind though, no repair shop is going to get parts from Amazon.
They should have notified you before doing the repairs though.
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I find it very hard to believe they didn't notify you of this. It should have been a $300-400 job. Not $1400. You could have bought entire new suspension assemblies (springs, struts, mounting plates everything) assembled from the dealership for around that.
Hell, my custom coilovers are less than that.
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Hell, my custom coilovers are less than that.
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I was notified prior to the work, I got caught up in the scare tactic of how all the other suspension parts are getting destroyed by not fixing the struts ASAP. Also, I was busy at work and did not take the time to shop around.
I'll get under the car and check the front today, but I was told they were doing the rear only. I would at least feel a little better if I found the front was completed as well; however, I'm pretty sure that is not the case.
I'll get under the car and check the front today, but I was told they were doing the rear only. I would at least feel a little better if I found the front was completed as well; however, I'm pretty sure that is not the case.
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4,018 Posts
Those of us less mechanically inclined or versed need to pay someone to do the more complicated jobs for us.
That said I'm a big, huge proponent of finding and keeping a single shop who I trust to do all my work. I may pay a titch more for an oil change/rotation or to replace my wiper blades but when it comes to the big stuff I absolutely know beyond any doubt that I pay way, way less.
For instance he charges me (and other long term clients I'm sure) a friends and family rate on large jobs, doesn't automatically go by the time in the book if he takes less to complete, works with me to find parts either online or from one of his jobbers at the least expense...etc. etc.
Plus if he gets the job he doesn't charge diagnostic time except in rare instances which he fully discusses before.
I bring a box of donuts and a tray of coffees each trip in and I will often drop by late Friday afternoon with a case of beer. Plus I send lots of folks there and ask them to tell him who gave the referral.
Like I said, I might pay a buck or two more for wiper refills but on the big stuff all that goes a long way. He (and his Dad before) have saved my bacon too many times to recall over the past 14 years.
Tough lesson, OP, but one well learned I suspect.
That said I'm a big, huge proponent of finding and keeping a single shop who I trust to do all my work. I may pay a titch more for an oil change/rotation or to replace my wiper blades but when it comes to the big stuff I absolutely know beyond any doubt that I pay way, way less.
For instance he charges me (and other long term clients I'm sure) a friends and family rate on large jobs, doesn't automatically go by the time in the book if he takes less to complete, works with me to find parts either online or from one of his jobbers at the least expense...etc. etc.
Plus if he gets the job he doesn't charge diagnostic time except in rare instances which he fully discusses before.
I bring a box of donuts and a tray of coffees each trip in and I will often drop by late Friday afternoon with a case of beer. Plus I send lots of folks there and ask them to tell him who gave the referral.
Like I said, I might pay a buck or two more for wiper refills but on the big stuff all that goes a long way. He (and his Dad before) have saved my bacon too many times to recall over the past 14 years.
Tough lesson, OP, but one well learned I suspect.
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231 Posts
think about it , why would you need an alignment if only the rear shocks [struts] were replaced. I think you misunderstood what was said because you we're in shock with the hammer job you got... I hate places like this.
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...60.00 bucks for shop supplies , dam , give me a break , sorry about your misfortunate situation. it's places like this that , well , you know..... screw people and give good shops a bad name.
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What exactly did they do wrong (assuming the struts were in fact bad)? They charged 1 hour or so per strut and that is right on. The prices for the struts are about right from a shop. Pretty much every shop charges for shop supplies.
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If all is repaired and Patriot runs and drives good then chalk it up as experience. Do not beat yourself up over it as it's a done deal.
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231 Posts
not where i'm from. shop supplies are part of doing business. their is no doubt the price is way to high. I'm not stupid, I know garage's have to make money. they made a lot on the parts to cover supplies for sure...
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3,366 Posts
Agreed! The only exception I can think of is solvents used to clean stuff and its disposal. A couple of squirts with an oil can or a dab of greased wiped on should be just overhead.
However, having said that, when my dog needed surgery, I got an "estimate" that included EVERY nickel and dime item, but then, my dog loves me, while my car--not so much...
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If I read that right, they are charging $125/ hour for labor. That is A LOT most places around here charge 75-90, and even the dealers are around $120...
Shocks/struts can be done for about 70 bucks a corner if you buy your parts from auto zone. and take about an hour a corner for an amateur with basic tools.
Shocks/struts can be done for about 70 bucks a corner if you buy your parts from auto zone. and take about an hour a corner for an amateur with basic tools.
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I second this. Even the most expensive shop around here only charges $88 an hour. Even with limited knowledge I've replaced springs, removed struts, installed coilovers, installed camber arms all within reasonable time periods. I have never worked on cars other than my patriot, and it's pretty straight forward if you have a socket set, and a jack.
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It's not terrible, I've seen much worse. While it for sure could have been cheaper it's not out of line with what I'd expect.
There's also no use comparing labor rates as they vary wildly from one location to the next. Even in the city I'm in there are dealers charging $150/hour and 20 minutes away some charging $100/hour. While the mechanic I use charges $60/hour, overhead is different for everyone.
There's also no use comparing labor rates as they vary wildly from one location to the next. Even in the city I'm in there are dealers charging $150/hour and 20 minutes away some charging $100/hour. While the mechanic I use charges $60/hour, overhead is different for everyone.
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OP,
what kind of shop did you go to? was it a local mechanic or some chain store?
what kind of shop did you go to? was it a local mechanic or some chain store?
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35 Posts
There's this. Also, I live in the city and don't have a garage where I can do the work or store the tools needed.
I checked last night and it looks like the front and rear were replaced. I must have misunderstood. I feel a lot better about the price knowing that all 4 were done.
I am at peace with this now. I originally thought I was getting rear only and was confused about all the parts and labor charged. The riot rides better than ever now, so I'm over it!If all is repaired and Patriot runs and drives good then chalk it up as experience. Do not beat yourself up over it as it's a done deal.
City prices... Everything in my neighborhood is expensive. Next time I'll be taking it out to the suburbs to find a better deal. I definitely paid the convenience price for this one.
I try to do all my own work when possible. I have an older WJ that I work on myself, but that car is unnecessary and hardly driven. I try to have the riot professionally maintained since it's the family car.
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Franchised Chain Store, it was a Tuffy.
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1,597 Posts
Chock it up to experience and move on. Life is too short.
I wonder if they replaced any of the strut mounts, because they can go bad and IMO, you may as well do it now to avoid extra labor expense later on.
There are so many variables that it is impossible to give blanket advice. Us diyers ALWAYS have sticker shock when exposed to shop prices. My experience with chain shops years ago was bad. They seem the worst about eeking out every $ possible. But any shop is only as good as the mechanic and/or owner.
It's very difficult to find a mechanic that you can trust and has decent prices. I imagine the big city is even worse.
I have always found mechanics that moonlight at home. My current one works at a JEEP dealer and I trust him with ANYTHING. He's competent and fair and takes care of me. I reciprocate. He did my Caravan timing belt/water pump using OEM parts for $800 vs. about $1600 at the dealer. But, there are risks with this route also that you must take. Again, it takes a lot of time and experience to find a good mechanic.
Take care.
I wonder if they replaced any of the strut mounts, because they can go bad and IMO, you may as well do it now to avoid extra labor expense later on.
There are so many variables that it is impossible to give blanket advice. Us diyers ALWAYS have sticker shock when exposed to shop prices. My experience with chain shops years ago was bad. They seem the worst about eeking out every $ possible. But any shop is only as good as the mechanic and/or owner.
It's very difficult to find a mechanic that you can trust and has decent prices. I imagine the big city is even worse.
I have always found mechanics that moonlight at home. My current one works at a JEEP dealer and I trust him with ANYTHING. He's competent and fair and takes care of me. I reciprocate. He did my Caravan timing belt/water pump using OEM parts for $800 vs. about $1600 at the dealer. But, there are risks with this route also that you must take. Again, it takes a lot of time and experience to find a good mechanic.
Take care.
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31 Posts
I got out of my shop with new Gabriel HD struts and an RRO lift kit for under $550. Monroe consistently charges way too much and the work is shoddy.
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