The ultimate rip-off
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2014
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 646
From: manalapan new jersey
I agree w. EVL-C8 above. Seems to me the OP DID get an estimate by asking the question, how long will it take? And an approx. 2 hours CAN be 2 3/4 hours but my calc is $899 / 2.75 = $327/hour. Now maybe there's some shop supplies, hazmat, cookies and donuts in there, but still $327/hr labor charge is easily $100 over what I've heard of in recent months.
Anyone else see $300/hr for Labor on a C8 at a Chev dealer? I'm not asking sarcastically--I'd really like to know because the last "tall" number I heard was in the Bay Area and it was around $250. And that was the only one, so far.
Anyone else see $300/hr for Labor on a C8 at a Chev dealer? I'm not asking sarcastically--I'd really like to know because the last "tall" number I heard was in the Bay Area and it was around $250. And that was the only one, so far.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 278
From: Kiln MS
Yeah you pretty much got taken to the cleaners. This is one of the reasons I did as much of the labor work on my last four Corvette’s and will do as much of the labor possible of my future 2022 when I finally find it. I built a shop and installed a car lift to make sure that was possible on all the vehicles I own, but I know some folks are at the mercy of dealers. So…. Your options are limited. The bare minimum I would do is file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in your area. Believe it or not they take that very seriously because it’s out there for the world to see and not just you against them. I bet you’d get a call pretty quickly about restitution! What do you have to lose?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 143
Likes: 145
From: St. Augustine, FL
To all that said I should have asked for an estimate, I agree. In my own defense, I asked the time and can do the math myself but even at $200/hr it would have still been much less.
Next time I will ask the PRICE, but seriously doubt there will be a next time that isn't covered by warranty. The mandatory services are easy to get quotes from a few dealers.
Thanks AVCBM for the Coggin report. I have heard mixed reviews but they will probably be my next dealer service dept to try.
Next time I will ask the PRICE, but seriously doubt there will be a next time that isn't covered by warranty. The mandatory services are easy to get quotes from a few dealers.
Thanks AVCBM for the Coggin report. I have heard mixed reviews but they will probably be my next dealer service dept to try.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 693
From: Pingree Grove IL
Most dealers here in IL are charging 200.00 an hour. If it took almost 3 hours, that’s 600, shop supplies are probably another 40.00, taxes are probably another 60, so 700.00 would be about right.
But 3 hours to change brake pads. If brake pads on a C8 are like changing pads on a C5, it should take the corvette mechanic 1 hour or less. There’s your problem.
But 3 hours to change brake pads. If brake pads on a C8 are like changing pads on a C5, it should take the corvette mechanic 1 hour or less. There’s your problem.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,408
Likes: 3,485
From: Granada Hills CA
Sounds like he did in a way get an estimate ... he asked how long it would take and was told maybe 2 hours.
Then got the shock for 2-3/4 hours at $899.00 He stated that he thought the estimated 2 hours would have been covered by the 2 vettes he has purchased with the GM points?
I totally understand his frustration and would probably be contacting some tv station to question the dealers hourly rate?
Then got the shock for 2-3/4 hours at $899.00 He stated that he thought the estimated 2 hours would have been covered by the 2 vettes he has purchased with the GM points?
I totally understand his frustration and would probably be contacting some tv station to question the dealers hourly rate?
#1: When you want to know how much something will cost, you ask what it will cost - not how many hours of labor is entailed
#2: Dealers charge not by the actual time to do the work but by how much time "the book" allows. Multiply the "book time" by the shop's hourly rate and you get your total.
#3: When I bought my C8, I got GM points that were worth about $100. I figure the OP earned roughly the same, per vehicle.
One of my local Chevy dealers notes an hourly shop rate on their invoice of $245. This rate varies widely. When I needed the DCT flush and filter replacement at 22,500 miles I called four dealers. I asked how much the job would cost and was quoted $625, $750, $850 and $1,000. Went with the lowest price where they were part of the Costco auto service program and applied a 15% discount. No surprises, happy with the work and went on my way.
Last edited by Bob Paris; Feb 20, 2024 at 10:48 PM.
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Does seem like the cost is way too high. You’re right, time to find another dealer.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,369
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From: Carlsbad Ca
OP~ If you think you've been "taken advantage of" then you might want to leave an accurate review on that dealer in google maps. (By the way, that dealer has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, with over 1500 reviews.)
4.8 out of 5 isn't too bad, especially for a vehicle dealer.
4.8 out of 5 isn't too bad, especially for a vehicle dealer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2023
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From: Northern Virginia
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When I had my C8 in for its first oil change I asked them how much to install my Borla ATAK…..they said $1200. I said wtf is you labor rate??? They said $200 per hour and it’s a 6 hour job.
I said thanks but no thanks, I’ll do it myself at that price.
I will do as much of my own work as humanly possible (I am a retired master tech) while I still have the ability and tools.
I said thanks but no thanks, I’ll do it myself at that price.
I will do as much of my own work as humanly possible (I am a retired master tech) while I still have the ability and tools.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 876
Likes: 153
From: Massachusetts, North Shore
If you get a survey regarding your service, light them up! Our dealership uses post service surveys extensively
which not only help to provide better service to the customers but helps keep our service writers working to
do better. This is partly because their commissions are somewhat based on survey results. Most times the customer
is pleased and sometimes the customers are just A-holes who will gripe about anything. Get the estimate in
writing, this will help. We have occasionally made mistakes with estimates and the offending department will
have to eat the error, not the customer.
which not only help to provide better service to the customers but helps keep our service writers working to
do better. This is partly because their commissions are somewhat based on survey results. Most times the customer
is pleased and sometimes the customers are just A-holes who will gripe about anything. Get the estimate in
writing, this will help. We have occasionally made mistakes with estimates and the offending department will
have to eat the error, not the customer.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 458
Likes: 428
From: Atlanta
I can understand why you trusted them and didnt get a quote, you had done business there many times...............$400 and hour labor for a good customer is just ridiculous, sorry you have to find a new service department but I wouldnt return here
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Pittsburgh
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Is their hourly rate $400? More?
Taking a wheel off takes about 60 seconds. Changing the pad will take another 60 seconds. Changing out splash guards could take up to 2 minutes. Jack pucks another couple minutes.
Don't take this the wrong way, but I've seen plenty news stories of Dealers taking advantage of the elderly. It seems your situation would qualify.
Taking a wheel off takes about 60 seconds. Changing the pad will take another 60 seconds. Changing out splash guards could take up to 2 minutes. Jack pucks another couple minutes.
Don't take this the wrong way, but I've seen plenty news stories of Dealers taking advantage of the elderly. It seems your situation would qualify.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,300
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From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
OP I'd reach out to the owner or GM and explain what happened.
If you do not get some money back.....as one senior to another...... Hate to suggest social media but that is what I would do. Post your experience on Google reviews, Facebook and all the rest (those are all I use!). Posting here can get you some sympathy but maybe just maybe you will get the attention of management. Being you are 2-3 hours away maybe a factor in them talking advantage of you.
But perhaps hitting them on social media might make a difference.
If you do not get some money back.....as one senior to another...... Hate to suggest social media but that is what I would do. Post your experience on Google reviews, Facebook and all the rest (those are all I use!). Posting here can get you some sympathy but maybe just maybe you will get the attention of management. Being you are 2-3 hours away maybe a factor in them talking advantage of you.
But perhaps hitting them on social media might make a difference.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 247
Likes: 262
This is why you ALWAYS DIY or go to an independent mechanic (such as a Corvette specialist shop), except for warranty work.
I get you had the points to use, but I would have confirmed the price for their labor first.
I get you had the points to use, but I would have confirmed the price for their labor first.
