I didn't read this whole thread, and sure I am just repeating what others have said for good measure, but this list is pretty accurate for any older car. The prices are NOT.

Either the labor rate is ridiculous, they are charging an insane amount for the part, or their labor time is wrong.

A lower radiator hose can cost 50 dollars and take 1 hour of time if you count in bleeding and all, but it should be less. Thats 150 dollars easy, not 400. The rest follow this example

 

The charges are flat rate - not supposed to be "fair and reasonable", but supposed to make a profit for the dealership, pay the tech a half decent wage and protect the customer "when things go wrong". Flat rat has its good points and its bad. In times of slow auto sales flat rate and parts sales can support a dealership.

 

Quite right....although I think the shop in question is at an indy shop, not a dealership.

Anyhow, yes, service, parts, and body shop (known typically in USA dealer-speak as "fixed operations") are critical to dealership survival. In the old days, when car sales were stronger, fixed operations were often shruggged-off.

Ages ago it was expected that gross profit from fixed operations was expection to cover 55-60% of dealership non-variable overhead. This is known as "fixed coverage". This expectation has been creeping upward and 70+% is likely the new goal. When I was a "Fixed Operations Manager" I was (naturally) pushed for ever-increasing fixed coverage. I've been out of that game for a few years, though. And have no intention of going back


Cheers
DD

 

I worked as a tech for a Ford dealership for a few years. I too "left the game" because I was sick to death of fighting with the service manage for the good flat rate jobs. That j**koff kept giving the best jobs to his favorites. The heartburn wasn't worth it and I left. The dealership is no longer in operation.

 

This shop is independent and charges a $110/hr labor rate. In this area, that's about 10%-20% higher than a regular shop. About what you could expect from a "specialist".

I am familiar with this shop and I have to admit, half of their 30+ bays are filled with E-Types. They seem to do a ton of work on classic models, so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt that they typically deal with customers who want their cars fixed all the way, not good enough to drive, but in top shape.

That is why I believe when you roll in there, they "look for problems".