Get a second opinion from a different shop. We don't get involved with costs here because there's way too many variables. We don't know the labor rates in your area. We don't even know which engine you have.
Most shops estimate labor times according to a "flat rate" manual. That lists the times to do each part of a procedure. Going by that every shop will quote you the same amount of time to be fair to you and to the mechanic. If the mechanic is experienced and has invested in a lot of specialty tools and advanced training he will get the job done faster but you will pay the same amount. If he works slower or makes a mistake that he has to do over, you do not get charged for the extra time.
If you don't like the second estimate look at the times listed in the book to be sure they're adding them up for the right engine size and optional equipment. Shops have to charge at least $100.00 per hour to pay all the bills and abide by all the government regulations. That implies they need 4 1/4 hours to do the job. Are there other parts or repairs that are needed and included in that estimate? A typical axle seal on a Chrysler product takes about 1 1/2 hours. I can't imagine yours would need double that.
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Tuesday, March 26th, 2013 AT 8:13 PM
