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Austin Vehicle Repair Costs- Cut Your Costs At The Shop!

Sometimes the cost of repairs to a vehicle can be one of the largest ongoing expenses. It is important to choose an auto repair shop that you’re sure is not overpricing their services. However there are some other things you can do as a consumer to lower the cost of your repairs.

Dealerships in general, charge more per hour for labor costs. However, many independent garages employ ASE certified and licensed mechanics who charge only $40-$50/hour verses the $90+ at some places.

Watch this amazing investigation about how dealers and independent car shops differ in price and how you can save. Then, read on to learn more about saving money on your car repair.

Austin Price Check! The vast majority of car repair outlets in Austin charge a straight rate. After some research, we found that on average labor rates in Austin are about $65-80/hour. Dealerships in Austin cost more like $90-$120/hour for repairs.

When visiting auto repair shops make sure to ask about the hourly rate charged for vehicle repairs. Is the rate charged by a “straight hourly rate” or a “book rate”? A straight hourly rate is the amount of time it actually takes for a mechanic to do the repair. A book rate is charged by the amount of the book specifies a repair should take. For instance, using the book rate, a brake repair may cost $80.00 plus the cost of the brake pads. If the mechanic finishes the job in 45 minutes, the customer is still charged for one hour of service. Find garages that charge according to the straight hourly rate method.

Remember! Pay with a check or credit card. This way you are able to stop payment for any reason. In addition, some credit cards have protection against fraud.

In addition, garages tend to mark up the price of parts used for car repair. They buy the parts at a wholesale price and then mark up the cost to the consumer. Some garages will allow the customer to purchase the parts that will be needed to repair the vehicle, so the major cost will only be for the labor. This is however, very rare. The vast majority of garages will charge above wholesale for the parts.

Austin Price Check! “Mobile Mechanics” will come out to your vehicle wherever it is located to fix the problem. For this, they charge $30 -$45 to diagnose the problem which is credited to the cost to fix it, if there service is used.

Another way to reduce these costs is to request that the estimate is separated into two parts- labor and parts. Although time intensive, the consumer can research how much the parts would be at a retail outlet or if purchased by an online wholesaler.

Remember! To take your car for a drive after repairs are done to ensure the problem is fixed

Establish a good relationship with the garage. You will find that even this may reduce your costs. Car repair outlets know that due to competition, you could go several places to get your car repaired. They will appreciate your business and do everything they can to get you as a lifelong customer.

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