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2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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Phantom309
New User
Jan 18, 2012, 9:36 AM
Post #1 of 7
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2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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Hi I have a
2003 Ford Focus Wagon SE 2.0 with 180K on it
I had some bad noises coming from under the car, so I took it to my local shop where I've been treated fairly before. The bill seemed high (although I have already paid it), so I checked the cost of the parts they gave me vs. an online parts store (rock auto). I understand that getting local parts delivered the same day adds a premium over an online supplier, but these prices seem way out of line. However, I don't want to falsely accuse my local shop of ripping me off, so I'm hoping someone can tell me what I'm missing here.
This is what it cost me, and these are what the parts came up as on Rock Auto:
Front Flex Pipe Local Shop 199.95 Rock Auto 79.79
Mid Muffler Local Shop 150 Rock Auto 62.79
Rear Muffler Local Shop 389.95 Rock Auto 148.89
As you can see, the difference is substantial. I hope I'm missing something because I like my local mechanics and I want to believe I'm being treated fairly.
Thanks
Ryan
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 18, 2012, 10:46 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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You're confusing discount, online parts with a retail establishment that is entitled to mark up and profit on what they sell. I wouldn't be surprised if the online prices are even less than they paid for the parts. These places have no overhead, payroll, tools, etc and they will work on a profit margin of pennies just to get the volume.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Phantom309
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Jan 18, 2012, 1:00 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: 2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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Thanks for your reply. I do expect to pay substantially more for parts at my local shop. I work in a small retail shop, so I understand markup.
I just wanted to my mechanic's prices made sense to others here. If their cost was anywhere near the online prices, that is almost a 60% margin which seemed pretty high to me, as there are labor charges also. If that is not out of the ordinary and how most people do business, then that is all I need to know.
(This post was edited by Phantom309 on Jan 18, 2012, 1:03 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 18, 2012, 2:34 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: 2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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You are not comparing apples to apples. The brands are not the same and you are not factoring shipping costs also. Not to mention that you needed your part then, not 5 days from then.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Phantom309
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Jan 18, 2012, 4:56 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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Fair enough, lets forget I compared it to an online retailer. What I'm trying to ascertain is if $1000 is a fair price for an exhaust replacement on this car ($769 in parts)? This is in MA.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jan 18, 2012, 5:06 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: 2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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The problem with exhaust parts is that there is a wide variety of parts options. The best place to get exhaust work done is always the independent exhaust specialist. When a general repair shop tries to buy exhaust parts locally, their only options are major brands like Walker and that stuff is way overpriced. the exhaust shops have access to generic, low cost replacements and they usually install them cheap. Now Midas for example is one of the most expensive companies out there. Exhaust is different than most other car repairs.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Phantom309
New User
Jan 18, 2012, 5:25 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 2003 Ford Focus Wagon Exhaust Replacement Cost
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That makes sense. This was an expensive lesson learned, but at least I still trust my shop. Thank you for your help!
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