So, now I understand the cost of Porsche ownership :-O Options

[Amphicar770]

Although I have had my 914 for several years, I have done all work on my own so have not had to use any dealers or specialists. Following the removal / reinstall of my engine along with new clutch, rebuilt trailing arms, brakes, fuel lines, etc. I brought it to a respected shop to have them do the wheel alignment, set the timing, and give the car a general going over.

The good news is that they just called and it is at last ready for pick up (has been about 3 weeks). I'll admit that I was glad to be sitting down when I asked for the total damages .... wait for it ... $2,200 and change.

In fairness I can not yet say if I got a great deal, a fair deal, or got hosed. The person who called said there is a pretty long list of things they attended to. So, until I see the list and see how everything came out I can neither praise or criticize the shop. I am however going, OK how do I split the payment so that the spouse does not know what I just spent. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

Will be picking her up tomorrow.

[rmital]

really need to see that list (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)
maybe once they finished the alignment...they spend another 16ish hours working on your car, maybe around $110 an hour
unless parts jacked the price up if you needed some

[914_teener]

I don.t quite understand the point of your thread.

Where I come from any BAR shop would give you an estimated cost before they start work. If it turns out to be than estimated then you would have to agree to it first.

Why are you surprised? Did that not happen?

[JRust]

Always always always make them okay work. Anytime you drop off at a shop give them a specific list of work & get a quote for it. Any changes they have to call & check it's okay to do. Otherwise you will end up with surprises. $100 big deal (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) $1000 you aren't expecting shouldn't happen period. After a few surprises like this. I am very specific anytime I take my car to a shop. Especially a shop I have never used. A blanket get this working is asking to get kicked in the nuts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[914_teener]

Btw....a four wheel alignment goes for around $450 to $500.

I did mine in my garage. Learned how to do it here.

[rmital]

Btw....a four wheel alignment goes for around $450 to $500.

I did mine in my garage. Learned how to do it here.

I thought about 350/400...but it's been a while....

[JOEPROPER]

Some of my customers say "just fix it and call me when it's done". I insist on getting back to them with an estimated cost. Some don't care, some do, but every ones threshold for pain is different and should be respected.
Also, here in NY if you signature is NOT on the repair order, you can be very difficult with that shop. Without a signature or some sort of telephone authorization ie last 4 of ss# or date of birth, you are not financially responsible for the repairs due to lack of authorization. I'd hate to think anyone would intentionally screw a repair shop that may be trying to do the right thing, but was misunderstood. Good Luck. Hope it works out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)

[Woody]

At my dealership we charge $250 for an alignment. $350 if I'm doing a race alignment on a GT3. Estimates are always given before work starts.

[Last930]

For those of us that don't have the time to do all the work I think you have to find a shop that you can trust. I had Brad Mayuer at 914 LTD do a huge amount of work on my car, with more to be done as the paint and bodywork is finished. He did a great job in discussing my vision and goals for the car and then covering all the things it needed, along with prices. I never was shocked by anything I didn't know about or expect when it came time to pay the bill, and I can't say enough about the quality of work that he and Michael do there.

If you are not doing all the work yourself you need to find someone like them!

[injunmort]

ok, $500.00 for alignment, but $1500.00 to time it. did the car run when when you brought it in, was the engine in the car?

[halmil]

They had the car for 3 weeks for that amount of work? And you never called to check in? And you gave them a blank check to go through everything. Poor communications leads to bad surprises. Bad on both parties

[bretth]

I haven't had my 914 aligned yet but my other cars are usually around $80 for a four wheel alignment. What am i missing?

Brett

[Drums66]

.......SOS(symbol of success)if you ever get a 911....LOOK OUT :idea
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif).....or any other P-car

[mepstein]

I haven't had my 914 aligned yet but my other cars are usually around $80 for a four wheel alignment. What am i missing?

Brett

Porsche's take some time. We've spent 3-4 hours doing an initial corner balance/alignment on a 911.

[bretth]

I was thinking of taking my car directly to the Porsche dealer when the time comes because i have been doubting that Sears or Mavis tire would even know what they were doing. Guess i will have to have my wallet at the ready.

Brett

[bandjoey]

No to the dealer unless you're flush. Ask the local members. There's usually a good 914 shop around that will treat you fair and do good work.

[era vulgaris]

It's all about finding the right shop. Some places will hose you.
For example, I've got an RMS leak I've been nursing and I normally do all my own work and enjoy the process of learning how to do jobs I've never done on my car, but I'm slammed with real jobby-job work right now and just don't have the time for that big of a job. I called around just to get an idea what it would cost. Road Scholars in Durham said it would take ~15 hours labor and cost ~$1600. I called Black Forest Racing, and they said they could do it in a few hours for ~$300. Sold!
Someday I'll do that job myself when I have a weekend to spend on my first transaxle pull. But for the time being, calling around was worth it.

[carr914]

At my dealership we charge $250 for an alignment. $350 if I'm doing a race alignment on a GT3. Estimates are always given before work starts.

Yeah, the rest of these guys are fuchin Nuts!

[mepstein]

I was thinking of taking my car directly to the Porsche dealer when the time comes because i have been doubting that Sears or Mavis tire would even know what they were doing. Guess i will have to have my wallet at the ready.

Brett

Your local Porsche dealer might differ but ours doesn't know any more about our 45 year old cars than the kids at autozone. They service new cars and cary new car parts. If I need an oil cooler for an 80's 911, they have to order it and that's a part that covers about a 35 year span. they don't keep it on the shelf to service their own customers.

[matthepcat]

Sounds like Bay Area prices to me. Its the wild west here...and by wild...I mean expensive.