1990 Honda Accord Overcharged?

Tiny
PALEALIEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
Engine Cooling problem
1990 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive

My elderly mom recently had her radiator and all hoses replaced on her 90 Accord. The original bill came to $1641.24. When I told her this was outrageous, she went back to the shop to complain and they then knocked off $200. I went over the bill, priced all the parts individually- seemed to be 100-150% markup which is ok, I suppose. On the other hand, the labor for the radiator was $250, the hoses $625. I am a mechanic and had a look at the car, it did not seem like it should have taken a competent Honda speciaty shop 8 hours (assuming $90/hr) to do this work. Before we follow up- including other quotes, as I see this is ab popular topic here I thought I would check with you first.

Thanks a million,

Randy
Monday, May 17th, 2010 AT 12:09 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Are we talking EVERY hose. Regardless that is way too much. I would go have a talk with the shop manager yourself. Labor guide rates are as follows
Radiator r&r- a/t 1.8 hrs, m/t 1.5 hrs
Heater hoses-.7 (deduct.2 when also doing radiator hoses
Both radiator hoses- 1 hr

I would go have a long talk with this guy. Are they a member of the BBB? ASC? ASE?
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for the prompt reply and info- no surprise, though. I live out of town and can't do much except by phone. I suggested she get at least 2 other quotes before she goes in to talk.

Don't know about ASC or ASE, (probably) but the shop is AAA rated, and AAA told her they would be happy to take action if the shop does not make some sort of restitution.

Thanks again for the advice. It's a big help!
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
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My pleasure, it is shops like this that give the rest of us a bad reputation.
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 1:19 PM

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