Are These Reasonable Repair Bills for Holden Barina 2014?

lookingforTV on 07/09/2022 - 16:42
Last edited 08/09/2022 - 09:48 by 1 other user

TLDR:

My partner's car broke down and we are new to the area. Got the car fixed from the local mechanic across the road, wanting to know if things billed are reasonably priced (assuming everything diagnosed was honest and accurate) as we know nothing about cars and to decide whether to find a new mechanic or not.

Body:

While my partner was driving to work, her car (Holden Barina 2014) started to rattle and the engine warning lights come on and lost power significantly (struggled to go over 45km/h). We are both new to the suburb we now live in so need to find a reliable mechanic in the area. We took the car to the nearest mechanic who told us that car needed a new spark plug and ignition coil. He also said that the car had bigger problems with its rocker cover leaking, thermostat and cross pipe were broken.

We got it fixed and we wanted to know if the mechanic is reasonably priced based on two invoices as OzBargain would have some experts in this area.

Thank you.

Images:
https://imgur.com/1mKD7n7 (first bill, total $408 along with quotes for repairs)
https://imgur.com/XaDgdnj (second bill, total $1,260)

Automotive Car Holden

Comments

  • oscargamer on 07/09/2022 - 16:52
    +2

    Doesn't seem ridiculous

    • iDroid on 07/09/2022 - 19:32

      Agreed - looks very reasonable.

  • highon2str on 07/09/2022 - 16:59
    +8

    Overly reasonable. Comes across as an older mechanic who hasn't upped their prices in years and is short-changing themselves. Stick with them (and be nice to them) if you're happy with the service and communication.

    Fuel miser coil pack is not particularly known for quality or reliability, though if you have a 12 mth warranty you should be ok!

    • iDroid on 07/09/2022 - 19:29
      +1

      you should be ok!

      For 12 months.

  • Iwantthebestprice on 07/09/2022 - 17:00
    +1

    Seems about right to me nothing shoot out as over priced. But $15 for a 500ml can of engine degreaser LOL I’m sure they buy them in bulk from SCA for $2 a tin

    • Euphemistic on 07/09/2022 - 17:50
      +1

      Its not just the purchase its stocking and storage space fee.

    • iDroid on 07/09/2022 - 19:31

      They likely actually use "brake parts cleaner" most mechanics buy it in >=20L drums, it's like pure hydrocarbon and degreeses and cleans anything and everything. The mechanics I know just call it "magic cleaner".

  • lookingforTV on 07/09/2022 - 17:01

    Awesome. Thank you for your inputs! Will stick with him!

    New question: My car is Mazda 3 2018 and have always serviced it at my dealership which is now too far away. Another Mazda dealership nearby but thinking of switching to him as he is just road across. Would there be any issues with switching the mechanic out from "authorised/official" one?

    • highon2str on 07/09/2022 - 17:15
      +2

      This very much a personal preference, though after 15 years both on and off the tools in the auto trade, across both independents and dealerships, my recommendation with a new car would be to stick with the dealer if you can afford it.

      Fixed-priced servicing has come down over the years at dealers, plus you get the latest software updates and technical bulletin fixes. If anything goes wrong a dealer is more likely to look after you (within reason), especially if you have a full service history with the dealer/brand. Good-will warranty is only accessible (after standard warranty runs out) if you have a good/complete dealer service history.

      Yes, you pay more for dealer servicing but you also pay for the peace of mind and "insurance" for when things go wrong. Even more so nowadays with modern cars and the multitude of complex electronic systems in them. More tech = more comfort, convenience, and safety, but also = more to go wrong.

      • lookingforTV on 07/09/2022 - 17:36

        Thanks mate! Appreciate the explanation! I will stick with the dealership for my car!

    • Euphemistic on 07/09/2022 - 17:40
      +1

      Consider every second service with your new mechanic. That’ll mean you save a little on costs but still get the benefits of a dealer giving software updates etc. dealer will (supposedly) don everything in the book, local mech is might use experience to omit some items or potentially miss items they aren’t familiar with. It’s a judgement call.

      check your service schedule to determine if any ‘big services’ required and maybe go dealer for them.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2022 - 04:50

      i would switch to this guy if he did a good job.

      at a dealership, you risk getting an apprentice who doesn't know what they're doing, or some lazy bastard who doesn't really care. i know someone who works at a dealership, he doesn't get his car serviced there because of what he sees behind the scenes.

      not all dealership mechanics are bad, but is it worth the risk?

      there is one caveat, full service history at a dealership is more attractive to potential buyers and thus get you a higher potential resale value (depends on the buyer), if you ever plan on selling the car.

  • skid on 07/09/2022 - 17:03
    +2

    On the cheap side. The rocker cover leak is the main cause.

  • herecomestheoost on 07/09/2022 - 19:10

    You did well. Very well.

  • jizmo on 07/09/2022 - 20:51
    -3

    gasket is 75 retail they charged 130
    thermo is 75 they charged 300
    plus labor
    you paid them to do a job they charged you then ripped you off in parts

    • lookingforTV on 08/09/2022 - 12:31

      Thermostat when I googled was about $150 and I guess they will need to put a mark up on that. I don't see 100% mark up that bad considering they now have to provide remedies if anything goes wrong (especially because I have zero knowledge on cars). Thanks for your input!

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join